Britten Sinfonia has announced that violinist Zoë Beyers is to become the orchestra’s new Leader. She will replace Jacqueline Shave and Thomas Gould, who shared this role for over a decade.
South Africa-born Beyers’ association with Britten Sinfonia began over 20 years ago, when she was a frequent guest in then-leader Jacqueline Shave’s first violin section. In the past year, she has worked regularly with the orchestra as Leader and Director – notably in a Pärt-Shostakovich tour in February and in a Westminster Abbey concert that featured her as soloist in Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending.
Her first concerts as Leader take place this August at the BBC Proms in Bristol Beacon (23 August) and Snape Maltings Concert Hall (27 August), where she will direct and lead Britten Sinfonia in music by Sibelius, Arvo Pärt, Gavin Higgins and Mozart. She then returns for several further performances in early 2026, before taking on the role fully for the 2026/7 season.
In her new post, Beyers’ versatility will enable her to lead the orchestra in conducted projects, to direct the orchestra in unconducted projects, and take on the role of soloist and chamber musician. Britten Sinfonia will also continue to collaborate with a range of guest directors, including Jacqueline Shave, who returns for a project with Jeneba Kanneh-Mason this September, and Max Baillie with his ZRI Quintet next April.
Zoë Beyers commented: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Britten Sinfonia as Leader. I’ve felt a special affinity with this brilliant group of players since Jackie first introduced me to them when I was fresh out of music college. The orchestra’s adventurous spirit, dedication to new music and deep chamber music sensibility make it a very inspiring place to work. I’m really looking forward to this next chapter together.”
After 20 distinguished years with Britten Sinfonia, Thomas Gould will step down following concerts in October 2025. He said: “Working with Britten Sinfonia for the last two decades has been one of the great privileges of my career. The creativity, camaraderie and sheer musical energy of this orchestra are unmatched. I know Zoë will bring something very special to the role and I wish her the very best.”
Meurig Bowen, Britten Sinfonia’s Chief Executive and Artistic Director, added: “Zoë is an exceptional violinist, a thoughtful and expressive musician, and has a warmth and collaborative spirit that takes everyone along with her. She has established a strong rapport with our players in recent months, and I’m thrilled she is taking on this new role. Her projects at the Proms and Snape will set the tone for exciting collaborations in the future, and will carry on the great work that Thom has gifted Britten Sinfonia over the years. His stylish and riveting performance of Max Richter’s Vivaldi Recomposed at the BBC Proms in September 2023 typified the commitment and charisma he brought to this role, and with much gratitude we wish him all the best for the future.”
South Africa-born Beyers is one of the UK’s most accomplished and versatile violinists, performing internationally as a soloist, orchestral leader, chamber musician and educator. In addition to her new post with Britten Sinfonia, she will continue to serve as Leader of the BBC Philharmonic.
For more information, visit:www.brittensinfonia.com