Flexible in size without ever sacrificing a deeply collaborative approach, the core formation brings together 12 of London’s leading string players. Formed in 2012 by Artistic Directors Eloisa-Fleur Thom and Max Ruisi, the 12 Ensemble is an orchestra led by its artists. Over the past decade, the group has become synonymous with extraordinary performances alongside fiercely unique and innovative programming, combining its dedication to core-classical repertoire with exceptional new commissions and collaborators from a broad range of artistic spheres.

Artists-in-Residence at the Wigmore Hall from 2023 to 2025, the 12 Ensemble is in demand internationally. The 2024/25 season saw the group perform at leading venues including the Royal Opera House, Barbican, Royal Albert Hall, and De Doelen (Rotterdam), as well as make its fourth appearance at the BBC Proms. The group released its critically acclaimed third album, Metamorphosis, in March 2024, with the record reaching No. 4 on the US Billboard chart. The album features Richard Strauss’ Metamorphosen for 23 Strings alongside works by Claude Vivier, Oliver Leith, and Edmund Finnis. Its previous album, Death and the Maiden (2020), enjoyed significant international success and has been streamed over 20 million times to date.

The group also champions new music and regularly commissions and collaborates with leading composers.In 2025 the group premiered works by Oliver Coates, Tom Coult, Isabella Gellis, and Sasha Scott.