Dougie Scarfe
Dougie Scarfe joined the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra as Chief Executive in July 2012 after a successful career as performer, Manager and Director at Opera North.
Whilst at school, Dougie was Principal Horn in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, before studying at the Royal Northern College of Music and winning the Hiles Medal for Orchestral playing.
In 2000, a serious playing-related jaw condition ended Dougie's performing career. After four years as Executive Assistant to the General Director at Opera North, in 2006 he became Chorus & Orchestra Director and Concerts Director and was widely credited with transforming the concert and recording programme at the Company.
At Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Dougie has led a period of high artistic achievement and greater financial resilience, combined with extraordinary reach and engagement with audiences and communities across 10,000sq miles of the South and South West. Dougie’s belief in the empowering role of music and culture in people’s lives, and drive towards a more inclusive world has helped BSO become internationally renowned for its work in this area.
Last December The Times recognised Dougie as a ‘Cultural Hero of 2020’, for his work to lead the BSO during and out of lockdown.
When not working, Dougie is a keen runner and in in the year before lockdown completed 15 Half Marathons, raising funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.