In January 1996 Norwich Cathedral was marking its 900th anniversary with a plethora of commemorative services and events, along with hosting that year’s Royal Maundy service. It was in this frenetic context that a new Master of Music and Organist was appointed.
David Dunnett, who made the move from Winchester Cathedral to take on the top musical job in Norwich, had no inkling at the time that he was embarking on a 29-year adventure.
Despite having “very fond memories” of his frantic first term in the role, David maintains that the “day-to-day, week-to-week elements of the job can be just as moving” and that a “cold November evensong can be equally rewarding” as a high-profile performance.
A decade into his time at the Cathedral, David successfully sought the Chapter’s approval for a reorganisation that would see him relinquish the Master of Music title but continue with his professional and personal passion – playing the organ.
“It’s rather hard work,” he explains. “People who wander into the Cathedral and happen to hear the organist playing while the choir sing something reasonably complicated perhaps don’t realise how much time and effort goes in. You might be able to play one or two hymns without as much preparation, but when you consider some of the complex anthems there really is quite a lot to do to get it right.”
Having first learned piano at the age of eleven, when he and his sister finally convinced their father to arrange lessons, David’s innate passion for music, combined with an interest in mastering complex processes, led him to organ playing.
David believes this ever-present challenge to “control the mighty monster” is what forged his decades-long enjoyment of the craft. The “multi-tasking, techno side” of the instrument, he adds, made for a suitable alternative to piloting aircraft – something he thinks may well have suited him equally well.
Rather than flying at 30,000 feet, it has long been the soaring sounds of Bach which motivated David, and music will continue to form a major part of his life once he steps back from his Cathedral role.
While plans are in place to “become a better cook, do more reading, get out and do plenty of running”, in addition to travelling the world, there will never be a music-free spell in David’s life.
“I will always continue playing. I want to do more piano work, more jazz work and recitals. I’ll always be doing musical things, and that’s one of the joys as a musician – you never have to stop, even when you retire.”
Having last year ended a 28-year stint running the Norwich Philharmonic Chorus, on top of ongoing work teaching, examining, and performing in concerts and recitals throughout his time in Norwich, this summer will not only mark a big change for David but also for the city’s soundscape – where he has been a much-loved fixture for three decades.
“I shall miss it very much, in many, many ways,” David concludes. “I’ll miss getting to play the newly rebuilt organ here, and to play to such a very high standard as we do here on such a regular basis. With all that said, I really do feel it’s time to hand that on to someone else.”