Helen Woodall, member of Wimborne Choral Society, talks to us about the career of their Musical Director.
Christopher Dowie came to Dorset in 1977 as Organist and Master of the Choristers at Wimborne Minster; then, in 1978, he founded a no-audition choir, with the only requirement being a love of choral music and a desire to sing. Since then, Wimborne Choral Society has gone from strength to strength, singing most of the classic choral repertoire and works by modern composers, including by Chris himself.
Over the years, his skill as a musician has become legendary not just locally but nationwide as he has performed in concerts with world-class choirs, orchestras and conductors, playing in the Albert Hall and as organist in most of the country’s great cathedrals. He is widely respected and admired, yet he has remained true to Wimborne. Faced with singers who range from highly experienced to those who want to learn, he has conducted rehearsals with skill, patience, humour and great kindness, melding together a choir of which we are all proud. His philosophy is always looking forward. Thanks to him we have experienced musical moments of great joy.
'Faced with singers who range from highly experienced to those who want to learn, he has conducted rehearsals with skill, patience, humour and great kindness, melding together a choir of which we are all proud.'
Christopher retired from his post at the Minster after 25 years, but has continued to have a great influence on the musical life of Dorset. For many years he was Accompanist and Assistant Chorus Master for Bournemouth Symphony Chorus and played often with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. As a peripatetic piano teacher and as an adjudicator and accompanist for music exams he has helped many local children explore the world of music. He is a Trustee of Wimborne Minster Musical Heritage Trust.
With his wife, Pauline, Chris organises monthly soireés in village churches after evening services. The music is very varied, operatic, folk, jazz, classical, all featuring local performers including sometimes Chris himself. A retiring collection after each soirée is given to the host church.
47 years is a long time to wield a baton (not that he ever uses one), and now Chris has finally decided to retire as Musical Director of Wimborne Choral Society. On 29 June there there will be a 'Celebration of Dowie' concert with compositions by Chris himself, and then his last concert with us will be on 30 November, 'A Journey through Mozart and Bach'. Wimborne Choral Society has been so lucky to have Chris as our Musical Director, though we hope he may still play the odd note on the organ for us from time to time. We shall miss him greatly. He has been not just our conductor but a dear friend.
Find out more about Wimborne Choral Society on their website and follow them on Facebook.
