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.

The moment Duncan won the episode and secured a spot in the grand finale. Image: Channel 4

To watch Duncan’s performance on The Piano, click here. The next episode of The Piano will air tonight (May 5) at 9pm.

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This story is sponsored by Glampfest, Suds with Buds, Malton Food Lovers Festival and Spiegeltent.

Glampfest

About: Step into the magic of Glampfest, the beloved family festival just a five minute drive away from Knaresborough. Prepare for a weekend overflowing with laughter, adventure, and live music, promising an unforgettable experience for every member of the family.

With the option to camp for the entire weekend or simply join for a day of excitement with a Saturday day ticket, there’s a way for everyone to take part in the festivities.

As Glampfest celebrates our seventh year, it has become known for its family-friendly atmosphere, boasting a vibrant array of traders, delicious street food sure to satisfy every craving, and an outstanding line-up of live performances that will have you dancing the night away.

But the fun doesn’t stop there – dive into a whirlwind of activities, from quirky quizzes to lively bingo games, from circus workshops to drumming sessions, where all ages are welcome.

(Image: Glampfest)

The little ones are sure to be kept busy with party games and sports activities designed just for them, ensuring smiles throughout the weekend.

And let’s not forget about the renowned silent disco. Slip on your headphones and choose from three channels to dance along to, or head to the acoustic stage to discover hidden musical gems from across Yorkshire.

Excitingly, 2024 marks the debut of a Wellness Tent, a sanctuary where families can unwind and recharge amidst the festival bustle. From yoga to meditation, indulge in moments of tranquillity and connection together.

Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a newcomer to the scene, pack your bags and join Glampfest for a weekend filled with fun.

About: Rooster’s Brewing Co. will be playing host to the 2024 instalment of Suds With Buds, the Harrogate-based brewery’s invitational beer, street food and live music festival. Taking place on Saturday June 29th and spanning the combined site of the brewery, yard, taproom, event bar and beer garden, tickets are now on sale at the Rooster’s website.

The inaugural event took place in 2023 as part of Rooster’s 30th anniversary celebrations and proved to be such a success that it’s expected to sell-out once again, despite capacity having been increased for 2024.

Suds With Buds will once again deliver a line-up of over 100 exceptional beers from some of the UK’s most respected and talked-about breweries, including for the first time, Kernel, DEYA, Burnt Mill, Track, and Marble.

Stiegl from Austria and Spanish brewery, Peninsular will also be pouring their beers. On top of the beers, there will be four street food traders serving up some of the tastiest food the North has to offer, across an eclectic mix of styles and dietary requirements.

(Image: Suds with Buds)

Rooster’s will be announcing who each of the traders are in the run-up to the event. The purpose-built live music stage in the beer garden will play host to some fantastic musical talent from the Harrogate area and from further afield too – ideal for pairing with a few tasty suds with your buds.

The single-session event will run from 2pm – 8pm and is ticket-only entrance, with the taproom closed to non-festival goers on the day.

Malton Food Lovers Festival

About:  Taking place across the historic market town of Malton, North Yorkshire, the Malton Food Lovers Festival is a celebration of seasonal local produce and Yorkshire’s finest cooking. Expect artisan food stalls, street food, live music, family entertainment, chef demos, producer talks and more.

There’s also the popular Malton Sculpture Trail too – there really is something for everyone! Malton’s family foodie extravaganza is a festival like no other – a giant celebration, a huge gourmet street party – ‘Yorkshire’s Foodie Glastonbury’ is back for 2024.

With over 100 food stalls confirmed, an exciting itinerary of chef demos and ‘sofa chats’ with celebrated local chefs on the main stage, there’ll be plenty to enjoy. All the demos on the main stage are free of charge.

Younger family members can enjoy the festival too, with Be Amazing Arts hosting a series of children’s activities and workshops over the whole bank holiday weekend and Magical Quests North will be running free shows in Kemp’s Courtyard as well.

(Image: Malton Food Festival)

The Malton Food Lovers Festival is free to enter, and the fun begins at 9am on Saturday, and 10am on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.

There are designated festival Park & Ride car parks operating at a small charge each day. The Park & Ride service will be available at each entrance to Malton from the A64, with a regular shuttle bus service direct to the event entrance.

Malton is also easily accessible by train or bus with an hourly service on the Liverpool to Scarborough line and the award-winning Yorkshire Coastliner service – the station is just a 10 minute walk from the festival entrance.

Harrogate Spiegeltent

About: With its bohemian mirrored walls, wooden floors, red velvet booths and lamped lighting, the Spiegeltent is a unique and magical venue, much-loved by festival-goers from Harrogate and beyond.

Returning to Crescent Gardens from June 28 – July 7, 2024, the Spiegeltent, sponsored by Ogden of Harrogate, will host a vibrant party in town this summer, with nine days of music and entertainment in a lineup that includes cabaret, jazz, soul, dance, burlesque and more.

Drag queen superstar Divina De Campo opens on June 28 with a glamourous evening of cabaret, whilst Festival favourites The Gypsy Queens and the feather-ruffling House of Burlesque with their iconic silent disco are back to join this year’s line-up.

Also making a welcome return is the hugely talented British jazz singer Jo Harrop, who has garnered a host of awards and rave reviews – and performed sell-out gigs at Ronnie Scott’s. And of course, Harrogate’s legendary nightclub, Jimmy’s, is also back by popular demand with DJ Trev hitting the decks.

(Image: Richard Maude for Harrogate International Festivals)

Bradford-based dance company Punjabi Roots, who went down a storm at last year’s Harrogate Carnival, will make their Spiegeltent debut, along with contemporary soul singer Mica Sefia.

Classical music fans will love the prize-winning Gildas Quartet, famed for exploring new ways of performing classical music, whilst the brilliant Maxwell Quartet will perform on Sunday, July 7, bringing their signature mix of folk tunes and a smattering of classical favourites as the Spiegeltent draws to a close.

Keep an eye out for the Children’s Festival on July 6 – 7, as well as yoga, sound baths and a series of daytime activities throughout the week. There’s something for everyone down at the Spiegeltent, so get the dates in your diary and book now for an unforgettable night out in a magnificent venue.