Deirdre Dowling

Background

About Deirdre Dowling

Music is what language would love to be if it could."- John O'Donohue (Irish poet, 1956-2008) I tour the globe performing old music on old instruments, bringing their beauty to life in the present day. Known as HIP (Historically Informed Practice) in the classical music world, it's been my passion for 30 years. I love it and I think everyone else does too. Just not everyone knows it yet. My work motto is "Strong Ideas, Loosely Held". Having convictions is great, but other people's convictions can be great too. Holding convictions loosely leads to the whole being greater than the sum of the parts. But honestly, if Lego hadn't trademarked Serious Fun, I'd probably make that my motto. I believe all professionals in the arts are frontline workers in maintaining the presence of and deepening our experience of beauty in an increasingly functional and rationalised society. I love learning - I have a Master's and two Bachelor's degrees in music, speak fluent French (and can chat in a few other languages), will shortly complete my training as a teacher of Integrated Practice and am currently undertaking a GMBA at Macquarie University, Sydney. Connection drives my work and my life. Whether it's leading the viola section (the musical glue of the orchestra), connecting with friends, colleagues and audiences, connecting with nature, connecting with different cultures, connecting the past to the present through music, connection is my superpower and my energy source.