Above and Beyond - Queensbury Parish Church 2024

The Black Dyke Band would like to record a very special moment that took place recently, during its Summer Proms Concert, in the Holy Trinity Church in Queensbury, Bradford. Duncan Beckley, who is a Trustee of the band was invited to conduct the magnificent work by Paul Lovatt-Cooper, ‘Above and Beyond’. This work was commissioned by Duncan and dedicated to his teacher and mentor, Peter Kitson, who he first met at the Yorkshire Schools band, over 50 years ago! Music Director Professor Nicholas Childs commented “I have known Duncan for over 40 years, since we first met in the National Youth Band of Great Britain. Duncan is one of the most successful conductors around, with an incredible record of contest wins. A few years ago, Duncan was awarded the Mortimer Medal for his services to youth bands. This year in the King’s Honours list, he was awarded an MBE for his services to music. We were therefore thrilled and delighted to dedicate this performance to Duncan himself, a man who has always gone ‘Above and Beyond”. Please see also the video of this remarkable man on the homepage, as he conducts the Black Dyke Band playing this fine piece of music. Videography: John Stirzaker.