UK's Northern Chamber Orchestra Appoints Two Artistic Leadership Roles

Zöe Beyers will serve as Music Director, while Sarah Brandwood-Spencer will be Associate Director

The UK's Northern Chamber Orchestra (NCO) has appointed violinist Zöe Beyers as its new Music Director, and violinist Sarah Brandwood-Spencer as Associate Director.

A graduate of London's Royal College of Music, in 2020 Beyers was appointed leader of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. She appears regularly as a guest leader with many other orchestras including the Hallé, RLPO, BBC Symphony, CBSO, the Philharmonia, and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.

As a chamber musician, Beyers appears with the Hebrides Ensemble, Nash Ensemble, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group and the London Sinfonietta. She was recently named as the new first violinist of the Dante Quartet.

Sarah Brandwood-Spencer has appeared in principal positions and as soloist with the European Union Chamber Orchestra, and has also been principal violinist with the Hallé Orchestra. She now freelances as a guest principal with some of the nation’s foremost ensembles.

"I am thrilled to join the Northern Chamber Orchestra at this pivotal time," said Zöe Beyers. "Together, we will explore new artistic horizons and engage with audiences in innovative ways."

"It’s an incredible opportunity to work alongside Zöe and the talented musicians of the orchestra," said Sarah Brandwood-Spencer. "I look forward to contributing to the orchestra’s ongoing success and helping to foster a deeper connection with our audiences and participants."

"On behalf of the players and Board, I think I can safely say that we have our ‘Dream Team’ in place," said Charlie Rowley, the CEO of the Northern Chamber Orchestra. "In Zöe and Sarah, we have an artistic leadership of the quality that our audiences and players deserve. Both are outstanding musicians and inspirational leaders. We couldn’t be happier."