Community Director
Pronouns: he/him
bdowdy@composersforum.org
Brian Dowdy is a conductor, guitarist, and organizational leader committed to supporting the work of living music-makers and enriching the lives of community members through programming that expands artistic horizons, amplifies a diversity of voices, and creates courageous, compassionate world citizens.
As Artistic Director of the Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra, a Twin Cities-based LGBTQIA+ ensemble, Brian’s programming centers the music of living artists and artists from underrepresented and marginalized populations. His prior conducting positions include Journey North Opera Company, the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra, Mississippi Valley Orchestra, University of Minnesota Campus Orchestras, Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra, and the Sanctuary choir of St. Stephen’s Richmond.
Fueled by curiosity and playfulness, Brian’s more intimate collaborations explore a multiplicity of genres, disciplines, and time periods. Such collaborations have included joining the Atlantic Chamber Ensemble for a night of 20 premiers inspired by Beck Hansen’s Song Reader; recording Lou Harrison’s rediscovered guitar trio, Elegy for Harpo Marx; conducting and singing for an album of plainchant and renaissance motets; and performing with members of Cantus in a modified, semi-improvised compline service performed inside James Turrell’s Sky Pesher at the Walker Art Center.
Brian studied at Oberlin College, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and the University of Minnesota. He holds degrees in conducting, guitar performance, English literature, and East Asian Studies.
Brian, his partner, and their son live, work, and play in the Twin Cities. When not making music, Brian can usually be found at the dojo practicing Aikido, the Japanese martial “Art of Peace,” or building, repairing, and riding all manner of bicycles.