Northern Chamber Orchestra announces new artistic leadership team

Violinist Zöe Beyers has been named as the new artistic director of the Northern Chamber Orchestra (NCO), while violinist Sarah Brandwood-Spencer will join as associate director. Founded in 1967, the 25-strong ensemble is a regular at the annual Buxton Festival, runs a concert series in Macclesfield, and gives performances across the north of England. Its previous artistic director, Nicholas Ward, stepped down in 2022.

South-African born Beyers is currently leader of the BBC Philharmonic, first violinist of the Dante Quartet and member of the Hebrides Ensemble. She also enjoys a varied career as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral player, as does Brandwood-Spencer, who is a former principal violinist of the Hallé orchestra and toured as principal and soloist with the European Union Chamber Orchestra.

Brandwood-Spencer will direct the all-Mozart opening concert of the 2024-25 season, while Beyers will lead the second in the series, featuring soloist Jennifer Pike playing Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto.

‘Our professional paths have crossed many times, and we have long admired each other’s work,’ said Brandwood-Spencer about working with Beyers. ‘We are thrilled to have been offered the opportunity to work closely and create more memorable musical experiences together.’

Charlie Rowley, CEO of the Northern Chamber Orchestra added: ‘On behalf of the players and Board, I think I can safely say that we have our ‘Dream Team’ in place. 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.’