A Life in Music

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Dingwall studied at the University of Kansas and Northwestern University, graduating with highest honors. He later continued his conducting studies at the L’Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena, Italy. Throughout a distinguished career, he earned recognition as a conductor, pianist, harpsichordist, organist, educator, lecturer, and arts advocate.

Dingwall’s love of music was expansive and deeply inclusive. He was a passionate champion of American composers, particularly African American composers whose voices were too often overlooked. Long before diversity in programming became a common goal, Dingwall was introducing audiences to music that reflected the richness of America’s musical heritage. He also encouraged and mentored emerging composers throughout the Washington region, providing opportunities for new works to be heard and celebrated. He was honored by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) for his innovative programming and received numerous awards from local, state, and national organizations for his contributions to the arts.

Yet those who knew him best often speak less about his accolades than about his spirit. He possessed an ageless curiosity, an irrepressible sense of humor, and a genuine delight in making music with others. He believed that community orchestras could achieve artistic excellence while remaining welcoming, supportive, and joyful places to play. RCO was family, including his beloved wife Laura, who attended every rehearsal. That belief continues to shape the culture of RCO today.

In addition to leading the Reston Community Orchestra, Dingwall was the founding conductor of the McLean Symphony, where he served for more than fifty years, and he was Director of Music and Organist at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Bethesda, Maryland. Across these roles, he touched thousands of musicians, students, audience members, and community members.