The Trust has announced the appointment of a top figure in the UK classical music world as its new honorary patron:

David Waterhouse, chair of the Trust, said: “We are delighted to welcome Zoë Beyers, leader of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and English Symphony Orchestra, on board in this our 40th year.

“Clearly she will be a huge asset and is looking forward to getting more involved – she’s already fizzing with ideas about music festivals and more grass-roots engagement.”

Zoë will be playing in two of our concerts this season, the first being with the Dante Quartet, which she leads. “It is always a delight to play for one’s ‘home crowd’ and this occasion feels particularly special and significant. We applaud the trust’s trustees and all the musicians and audiences who have made music come alive in Shropshire.”

She said she felt 'a rush of excitement and energy' at being asked to be a patron.

"It feels absolutely serendipitous - the right thing at the right time - for me to be involved with the amazing legacy and future of the Shropshire Music Trust.

"I am very passionate about Shrewsbury and Shropshire. Also, even though live music is struggling, I feel we're riding this incredible wave of energy coming back from Covid and it's spreading. 

"I know musicians are experiencing that re-invigoration - wanting to share that with audiences and with each other. We're re-engaging with the world with renewed vigour - it's a really exciting thing to be happening."

Find out more about the Dante Quartet on the concert's page