Eamonn Dougan

Eamonn Dougan is an inspirational communicator with a wide-ranging repertoire, and is a renowned vocal coach and baritone. Eamonn is Associate Conductor of The Sixteen, founding Director of Britten Sinfonia Voices, Music Director of the Thomas Tallis Society and Chief Conductor for Jersey Chamber Orchestra. Music in Action asked Eamonn why music matters?

For much of my professional career I’ve worn two hats - one as conductor, the other as singer. In the early days, I wore the singing hat more of the time, performing in opera and as a concert soloist, alongside my work with the majority of the UK’s early music ensembles. The conducting hat was put on for a small chamber choir I conducted and guest-conductor engagements. The balance began to shift once I was appointed Associate Conductor of The Sixteen and now I’m sporting the conducting hat most of the time. Which is what brings me to Jersey three times a year, as chief conductor of the Jersey Chamber Orchestra. I love coming here - for a relatively small community, there is a wealth of musical talent on the island and it’s been heartening to see how JCO and Music in Action have been making strides to develop and give a platform to the island’s musicians, of all ages.

At what age did you start making music and how did you start?

My earliest musical memory is of listening to my sister’s piano lesson, being captivated by the sound and wanting to to play as well. I was probably about 4 years old and it’s been an ongoing process since then.

What do you enjoy about conducting?

It is a constant voyage of discovery. Even with a piece which I know well, there is always more to learn: about the composer, the historical setting, about the composition itself. Good music will bring new revelations with every performance and fortunately there is a wealth of good music to explore and enjoy.

Why does music matter to you?

Can you imagine a world without music? It should matter, deeply, to us all. We will shortly experience the coronation of a new King. What would this ceremony be without music at its heart? We take music for granted at our peril - it should be valued and nurtured. Music in Action plays a leading role for this in Jersey.

What is your favourite place on earth?

Anywhere I get to spend time with my wife and two sons, but if I had to choose a place, my Mum’s home town of Navan in Ireland.

Who is your favourite composer?

Bach - everytime.

Julian Joseph - jazz concert on 13th May 2023

Which historical figure would you choose to have dinner with?

I love a good story, so I’d choose a raconteur like David Niven or Noel Coward. I’ve enjoyed David Niven’s books many times over the years, but I’d love to hear the tales from the horse’s mouth and to see the twinkle in the eye.

What concert are you conducting in the Liberation Festival and what are you looking forwards to in this event?

Given the timing of the festival, our concert had to have a coronation theme - we’ll be performing Mozart’s Coronation mass with the Festival Choir, alongside Handel’s ever-popular Zadok the Priest, Mozart’s Exultate Jubilate and Haydn’s Symphony no.98 which quotes from Mozart’s mass. Find out more on the what’s on pages at www.musicjersey.com. Also do come and see Julian Joseph who is an amazing jazz pianist on the following weekend.

What can we look forward to from you next?

Our next JCO concert is on 14th October - put the date in your diary. It’s been so heartening to see good audiences at our recent concerts, so if you’re planning on coming, tell a friend or two and bring them along. Following that concert I’ll be guest conducting in Germany, Denmark and Spain and making plans with JCO for future seasons.