It has been a busy time recently for Black Dyke flugel star Zoe Hancock, with musical premieres on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

Premieres

Zoe gave the first UK and US performances of ‘Dreams & Dances’, specially written for her by Philip Harper as a lasting, as well as stunning, musical reminder of the Harry Mortimer Memorial Trust Award she was presented with in 2010 (aBove with David Read MBE).

The UK premiere took place with Black Dyke at a concert in Skipton Town Hall last month, where the wonderful lyrical writing Philip provided for Zoe was warmly appreciated by a knowledgeable audience.

Ohio

Soon after, Zoe flew to Ohio to work with the Brass Band of the Western Reserve and Chapel Brass, thanks to an invitation given by Dr Patrick Herak.

A busy schedule of rehearsals, concerts and masterclasses aided by MD Dr Keith Wilkinson over two days culminated in the US premiere in a concert both dedicated and named after the new work.

Special

Keith told 4BR: "We were delighted to welcome Zoe to perform with us. It was a special privilege for to be able to help in the US premiere of ‘Dreams & Dances’, which is a wonderful work that fully shows off her talents as a player.

Both bands were full of amazement at Zoe's outstanding playing as well as appreciating the warmth of her personality."

Soloist

During Zoe's visit, the Dublin Silver Band was busy rehearsing for the US Open Championships and the Dyke star certainly enjoyed the opportunity of being able to take a horn sectional as well as give her opinion on the band’s rehearsal on Sunday afternoon.

Zoe was also the featured soloist, joining in with the full band numbers, ‘Riverdance and ‘The Irish Blessing’.

I thoroughly enjoyed giving the premieres of Philip Harper’s brilliant solo on both sides of the Atlantic. The warmth of the welcome I received in the USA was something I won’t forgetZoe Hancock

Masterclasses

Before her flight home, Zoe visited three high schools to hold masterclasses with young brass musicians, as well as talk about her music education and experiences of being a member of Black Dyke.

She told 4BR: "I thoroughly enjoyed giving the premieres of Philip Harper’s brilliant solo on both sides of the Atlantic. The warmth of the welcome I received in the USA was something I won’t forget.

I had a fabulous time there and made many new friends. I can’t wait to be able to go back again now."