Split Reeds Quintet

Split Reeds are a dynamic reed quintet formed in January 2024 by current students at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (UK). The five share a passion for adventurous chamber music and the distinctive colours of the reed quintet ensemble. Together they explore a broad range of repertoire spanning classical, folk, and contemporary works, with a particular affection for Romantic and 20th-century music. In their time together they have tackled selections of works from the Calefax back-catalogue as well as arranging other orchestral, choral and soundtrack pieces themselves.

Since their formation, Split Reeds have been inducted into the International Reed Quintet Network and invited to perform at the Calefax International Reed Festival in November 2025 at Amsterdam’s renowned Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ. At the festival Split Reeds will give a performance of their own programme of new and old works for reed quintet as well as performing alongside Calefax making up a reed orchestra for the anniversary concert. Split Reeds' appearance at the festival is generously supported by the Maddock/Mills Fund at RBC.

Committed to expanding the repertoire for this unique ensemble, Split Reeds collaborate regularly with living composers. In 2025 they gave the world premiere of Chang Ge’s I Saw the Wind Drift Over the Mountain Peak as part of the New Airs for Woodwind Chamber Group project at RBC, this provided them with the exciting opportunity of working with a living composer to add new repertoire into the reed quintet sound world.

Known for their engaging stage presence, warmth, and musical chemistry, Split Reeds offer performances that captivate audiences and celebrate the expressive power of reed instruments.