Harrogate man, 80, through to the final of Channel 4's The Piano

Harrogate man, 80, through to the final of Channel 4’s The Piano

Last updated May 3, 2024

Duncan, 80, on The Piano series 2. Image: Channel 4

A Harrogate man has won a place in the grand final of Channel 4’s The Piano.

Eighty-year-old Duncan captured the hearts of viewers with an incredible love story and won episode 1 of series 2, securing him a spot in the final.

The show sees gifted amateur pianists perform at a street piano in a different railway station each week. It is hosted by Claudia Winkleman and judged by international pop star Mika and Lang Lang, a musician described by the Guardian as “the greatest living pianist”.

The critically acclaimed first series won Best Original Programme at the Broadcast Awards and the second series began on Sunday, April 28.

Duncan first began playing the piano aged four. At a young age he found that he could play the piano by ear and has practised for 76 years.

On the show, Duncan played A Theme for Fran, a romantic song he wrote 30 years ago for his wife. Duncan and Fran first met in 1964 and have been married for 42 years.

Duncan and Fran from Harrogate shared their love story with The Piano’s audience. Image: Channel 4

The pair were both born in Leeds but have lived in the district for many years, first in Birstwith and now in Harrogate. Duncan qualified as a solicitor and played the piano regularly at Betty’s in Harrogate until the covid pandemic.

He was scouted for the second series of Channel 4’s The Piano when a video of him playing was shared to social media.

Duncan has had Alzheimer’s disease for six years, but was only diagnosed with it two years ago, and now uses his musical talent as as a form of medicine.

Duncan and Fran attend a dementia hub in Burton Leonard run by Dementia Forward. The couple play and sing with community groups such as St Peter’s Church market days and at Harrogate’s Christ Church, where each Thursday a pianist with dementia plays. Duncan performs there monthly, and it was a video of this that the producers saw.

The first episode showcased the talented pianists of the North when a piano was installed in Manchester Piccadilly station. The judges said Duncan’s performance was “beautiful” and it sounded “like a piece from another time, very romantic.”

The judges and host of ‘The Piano,’ left to right: Lang Lang, Claudia Winkleman and Mika. Image: Channel 4

Mika said:

“There was one moment where we were able to understand why we are doing this all over again. Where the piano just had its place and music just made sense, and that was during the performance of Duncan.”

In an exclusive interview with the Stray Ferret, Fran said:

“It is an incredible privilege. It was a remarkable experience and it was so lovely listening to the comments of Mika and Lang Lang. It was stunning to listen to the other talent.

“It has given us an incredible experience and an opportunity, given Duncan’s age and Alzheimer’s it shows it is never too late to dream. To hear the feedback from Lang Lang and Mika gave him an extra sense of being appreciated for playing.

“They loved the story as well as his playing. We feel that it will inspire others, no matter their age or condition. It shows people there is always something positive to pull out of life. It’s wonderful.”

Duncan playing ‘A Theme for Fran’ at Manchester Piccadilly Station. Image Channel 4

She added:

“A Theme for Fran was written 30 years ago, but it is still so relevant. Every time he plays it there is such a lot of love, I just have to whizz over to the piano and kiss him. It encompasses everything about him and our romance. It means a huge amount to both of us and to show everyone has made it even more special.

“It shows how magical music is. Music is a bridge that spans over fragmented thoughts and connects with feeling. When he is at the piano he is himself. The piano brings back his sense of self, when he plays there are no lost threads.”

Duncan added:

“Music to me is the most perfect melodies and beautiful harmonies.”

Duncan will play in the series finale at Aviva studios, where tickets have been sold to raise funds to install pianos in every railway station in the country. He added that he is available and would love to play in more fundraising events.