Singapore Symphony appoints Andrew Beer as concertmaster
Singapore, 23 February 2026 - From the 2026/27 season, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) welcomes violinist Andrew Beer as its GK Goh Concertmaster. A distinguished artist-leader with an international career spanning major orchestras and genres, Beer will play a central role in shaping the SSO’s sound and artistic direction as it enters its next chapter with incoming Music Director Hannu Lintu.
Canadian violinist Andrew Beer joins the SSO from the Auckland Philharmonia, where he has been concertmaster since 2014. An internationally acclaimed artist, he has performed on top stages and broadcasts across Europe, Asia, Australasia and the Americas. Beer has appeared as guest concertmaster with leading orchestras worldwide including the Hallé; the City of Birmingham, Melbourne, Adelaide, Vancouver and New Zealand Symphony Orchestras; and Opera North. Equally at home as a chamber musician, Beer is a passionate advocate for contemporary music and maintains an active performance life in tango (as part of the quintet Aotango) and world music, reflecting a curiosity and openness that resonates with the breadth and ambitions of SSO’s programming.
Kenneth Kwok, CEO of the Singapore Symphony Group, commented, “Following an extensive global search, we are delighted to welcome Andrew to the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. We look forward to the artistry he will bring to the SSO stage in our new season and beyond, working with incoming Music Director Hannu Lintu. Our deep appreciation goes to our Co-Principal Guest Concertmasters David Coucheron and Kevin Lin for their support during the interim.”
Diana Weir, Auckland Philharmonia's Chief Executive, reflected, "Over his 12 years of service to our orchestra, Andrew has been a strong artistic leader, tireless advocate of both his colleagues and our artistic standards, delivered memorable and high-standard soloist performances, supported New Zealand composers and soloists, and built warm relationships with our audience and wider community. Ahead of his last performance with us in June, we look forward to continuing to celebrate and appreciate Andrew and wish him all the best with his move to the Singapore Symphony for this exciting new role.”
Andrew Beer shared, "I am extremely excited and honoured to be joining the Singapore Symphony, a world-class orchestra in a deeply multicultural city. My heartfelt gratitude goes to the Auckland Philharmonia for 12 years of superb music making and great growth opportunities. I hope I have contributed to their legacy and spirit of artistic excellence. I look forward to working with the SSO team, helping the orchestra continue on its outstanding path of growth, and further enhancing its impact in Singapore and worldwide."
For more information, visit sso.org.sg.
Press Kit
ABOUT THE SINGAPORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Founded in 1979, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is Singapore’s flagship orchestra, touching lives through classical music and providing the heartbeat of the cultural scene. In addition to its subscription series concerts, the SSO is also known for its outdoor and community appearances. The orchestra also presents intimate chamber performances in the SSO Chamber Series and SSO Organ Series, the annual Singapore International Piano Festival (SIPF) and the biennial National Piano and Violin Competition (NPVC) at the Victoria Concert Hall, Home of the SSO. The SSO is part of the Singapore Symphony Group, which also manages the Singapore Symphony Choruses, and the Singapore National Youth Orchestra. The Group’s vision is to be a leading arts organisation that engages, inspires and reflects Singapore through musical excellence. Our mission is to create memorable shared experiences with music. Through the SSO and its affiliated performing groups, we spread the love for music, nurture talent and enrich our diverse communities.
The Singapore Symphony Orchestra clinched third place in the prestigious Gramophone Orchestra of the Year Award 2021. In 2022, BBC Music Magazine named the SSO as one of the 21 best orchestras in the world.
Find out more about the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.
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ABOUT THE GK GOH CONCERTMASTER CHAIR
The GK Goh Concertmaster Chair was established at the Singapore Symphony Orchestra in July 2017 to honour long-time SSO supporter Mr Goh Geok Khim, made possible through donations from family and friends of Mr Goh.
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