Thomas Beyer, born in Stendal in 1958, is a graduate of the Musikhochschule "Hanns Eisler" in Berlin, where he studied flute with Prof. Dietrich Hoenow. Still a student, he was asked to substitute with the orchestra of the Berlin State Opera. Subsequently, he was hired as assistant principal flutist. In 1992 he became principal flutist under conductor Daniel Barenboim. Aside from his orchestral duties and chamber music activities, he particularly enjoys teaching young musicians and mentoring with the Orchestra Academy of the Staatskapelle Berlin.