Honorary graduates 2024

Dougie Scarfe OBE DL (DLitt)

Monday 15 July 2024 11:45am

Having held senior roles as both administrator, educator and performer in a career spanning over three decades, Dougie is currently Chief Executive at Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) where he has led transformational change since 2012. He was formerly Chorus & Orchestra Director and Concerts Director at Opera North, where he began his career as a professional horn player.

Dougie was recognised with an OBE for services to the Arts in His Majesty King Charles III’s inaugural Birthday Honours list.

A passionate advocate for culture, Dougie’s ongoing efforts to improve access and inclusion in classical music has been widely praised. His work in improving outcomes for disabled musicians — from the creation of the world’s first disabled-led ensemble at the core of a major symphony orchestra, BSO Resound, to the commissioning of new music for inclusive forces — has been regarded as a world-leading approach for the sector.

Dougie has remained dedicated to music education throughout his career, from conducting youth groups to teaching at a range of levels. Alongside his role in founding Yorkshire Young Musicians, a talent development organisation for exceptional young performers, his conducting commitments have included 18 years as Principal Conductor of the City of Leeds Youth Orchestra, through which he has inspired generations of young performers. 

In 2019, he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB), for Services to Music and in March 2023, won the Association of British Orchestras, Orchestra Manager of the Year award. In November 2023, Dougie was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for Dorset.