zoë bayers

South-African born Zoë Beyers has established a reputation as one of the finest and most versatile violinists based in the UK, and performs worldwide as soloist, chamber musician, director and orchestral leader. In 2020 she joined the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra as their Leader, collaborating closely with conductors, composers and musicians across an extraordinary spectrum of classical music and other musical genres. In addition to her role with the BBCPO, Zoë has recently been appointed Leader of Britten Sinfonia, one of the UK’s most exciting chamber orchestras. She is the Artistic Director of the Northern Chamber Orchestra, and Principal Artist with the English Symphony Orchestra. Her 2024 recording of Steve Elcock’s Violin Concerto (ESO/Kenneth Woods) was one of Gramophone Magazine’s records of the year.
Zoë appears as guest leader of, amongst others, the Hallé, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Philharmonia, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony and BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestras and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. As a chamber musician Zoë performs and records with Hebrides Ensemble, Nash Ensemble and London Sinfonietta. From 2019 until 2024 she was first violinist of the acclaimed Dante Quartet. Zoë is deeply invested in education, coaching at the RNCM and working with violinists and ensembles at the start of their careers. With the generous support of the Stradivari Trust, she plays an Alessandro Mezzadri violin made in 1700. 

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