Paul Harvey conducts BBC Philharmonic playing ‘Four Notes’

One year after Paul Harvey’s Four Notes captured the nation’s hearts, he fulfils a lifelong ambition by conducting the BBC Philharmonic playing his composition.

• 2020 saw 81-year-old concert pianist, composer and music teacher, Paul Harvey, playing his spontaneous Four Notes composition on BBC Breakfast. Paul lives with dementia.
• Four Notes was recorded virtually by the BBC Philharmonic last Autumn.
• Music for Dementia has worked with the BBC Philharmonic to help Paul fulfil a lifelong dream of conducting a symphony orchestra.
• Paul conducts the BBC Philharmonic in person as they play two of his compositions and also plays piano with the orchestra.

A year after Paul Harvey played his Four Notes composition on BBC Breakfast, Music for Dementia teamed up with the BBC Philharmonic to help him fulfil a longstanding dream of conducting a symphony orchestra. It resulted in an emotional and spinetingling afternoon, with Paul conducting the BBC Philharmonic playing two of his compositions and also playing the piano with the orchestra.

Many will remember seeing 81-year-old Paul Harvey on BBC Breakfast after his son, Nick, videoed his spontaneous Four Notes composition, which went viral across social media in September 2020.

It was arranged by a BBC Philharmonic player, Daniel Whibley and recorded virtually by the BBC Philharmonic in October 2020 in the height of lockdown.

To celebrate the one-year anniversary of the viral video, The Utley Foundation’s campaign, Music for Dementia, asked the BBC Philharmonic if it could help Paul fulfil his ambition of conducting a symphony orchestra and the answer was a resounding ‘yes’.

Paul was overwhelmed but delighted when Nick broke the news to him and went on to enjoy an emotional afternoon, during which he conducted both Four Notes, while his son Nick played the piano, and also an older composition of his called Where’s the Sunshine. He was also given the opportunity to play Four Notes on the piano, alongside the 45-strong orchestra.

Campaign Director at Music for Dementia, Grace Meadows said: “We thought that Paul conducting the BBC Philharmonic and playing piano with the orchestra would be a fitting way to celebrate this one-year milestone in his journey and we’re really proud to be a part of it.

 “What was so fantastic about this was watching Paul being defined not by his condition, but by his musical talent. We could see from the joy on his face how much this means to him. We hope it shows that many people with dementia can continue to follow their dreams, and experience happy and fulfilling moments.”

Nick Harvey said: “When I told dad he would be playing with the BBC Philharmonic, he burst into tears. He was completely overwhelmed. The experience has been a pure delight for him.

“We hope his story inspires other families and carers to use music to evoke memories, relieve anxiety and bring joy to people’s lives, wherever they are at with their dementia journey.”