John de Beer, clarinettist and conductor, studied in the clarinetclass of Reinier Hoogerheide at the Conservatorium of Groningen (Holland) with second instrument the saxophone. As composer he had lessons from the wellknown late Dutch composer Willem Frederik Bon.

Since 1999 John is chairman of the Dutch Single Reed Society (NERV) and organises International Clarinet and Saxophone Conventions, Clarinet and Saxophone Days, Bassclarinet Weekends and Masterclasses.

He conducted many Clarinet and Saxophone Choirs at International Festivals and concerts around the world, and is member of the faculty staff of the ClariSax Days in Italy, the International Clarinet and Saxophone Festival in Hungary, the International Chambermusic Festival in Norway and the SWIK Festival in Holland. He also gave concerts, masterclasses and courses in Japan, Great Britain, USA, Norway, Switzerland, Australia, Spain, Denmark, Italy, Hungary, Russia and Slovenia.

Since 1989 he is musical director and conductor of the Capriccio Clarinet Orchestra from Holland. With Capriccio he made several tours to many countries all over the world.

In March 2010 John was decorated, on behalf of her Majesty Queen Beatrix, as Knight in the Order of Orange Nassau (Ridder in de Orde van Oranje Nassau) for his work in the field of music.