Peter Smith

He was a pupil at Chetham’s School of Music and later studied at the Royal Academy of Music under the tutelage of Patrick Harrild and Oren Marshall.

Appointed Principal Tuba of the Philharmonia Orchestra in 2008 he is also a founder member of the critically acclaimed brass chamber group Septura. He has toured extensively all around the world.  

As well as these positions Pete has worked with orchestras across the UK and in the studio recording soundtracks for film, computer games and TV. Composers whose film scores Pete has played on include Hans Zimmer, Danny Elfman, James Newton Howard, George Fenton and Brian Tyler. He has performed on shows such as Parkinson, Jools Holland and U2’s recent Live from Abbey Road on the BBC and has also had the privilege of performing with an eclectic mix of artists including Grace Jones, Feist, Pete Doherty, Baaba Maal, Jarvis Cocker, Gregory Porter, Johnny Marr and Laura Mvula.  

Pete is Professor of Tuba at the Royal College of Music. 

The Principal Tuba Chair is currently available for endowment. Endowment opportunities at the Philharmonia offer supporters unique access and insights to our players. Find out more here.