Principal Conductor - Dougie Scarfe
Dougie Scarfe was a member of the Orchestra of Opera North for twelve years. Whilst at school Dougie was Principal Horn in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and won the Peter Morrison award for his contribution to NYO. He studied at the Royal Northern College of Music with Hugh Potts, winning the Hiles Medal for Orchestral playing. Dougie has performed concertos in the Ryedale Festival and at events organised by the British Horn Society.
As a teacher, for many years Dougie was Assistant Director of Music at Aysgarth School. In addition he has held the position of Horn Tutor at the Universities of Huddersfield, Hull and Leeds and also at Chetham’s School of Music. As a coach Dougie has coached the National Youth Orchestra as well as Youth Orchestras in Lancashire, Merseyside and Sheffield.
In 2000 a serious playing-related jaw condition ended Dougie’s performing career. After nearly four years as Executive Assistant to the General Director at Opera North he now combines a new role of Chorus and Orchestra Director, and Concerts Director at Opera North with a busy conducting career. Dougie was Musical Director of the Lancashire Schools’ Symphony Orchestra from 2001 to 2006. In September 2003 he was appointed Associate Conductor of the Sinfonia of Leeds and is currently their joint Music Director with David Greed. In 2004 he was invited to become Co-conductor of The City of Leeds Youth Orchestra, and was made their Principal Conductor in April last year.
He is a regular compère for events in the Leeds International Concert Season and Kirklees Concert Season.