Besses o’ th’ Barn celebrates Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
In a moving and historic evening of music and reflection, Besses o’ th’ Barn Band recently presented a remarkable concert celebrating the legacy of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, in collaboration with Black historian Tayo. The performance marked the first time in over 120 years that several of Coleridge-Taylor’s challenging and emotive works had been brought back to life.
The evening carried an added layer of poignancy following the sudden passing of conductor Duncan Beckley. In a heartfelt gesture of unity and resilience, Lee Dunkley stepped in at short notice to lead the band, guiding them through a deeply emotional performance that honoured both Beckley’s memory and the spirit of the music itself.
A particularly poignant moment of the night was the performance of ‘Eventide’, traditionally associated with remembrance and reflection. The audience was invited to join in singing new words written by Tony Rogers, whose sensitive reimagining brought fresh meaning to the timeless melody. The final verse, sung softly yet with strength, seemed to capture the collective emotion of the evening:
“And in that light where time and tears are done,
We walk as one beneath the rising sun.
No night remains, no parting left to fear…
For love has brought us home, and we are here.”
A spokesperson for the band stated on social media, “As the last notes faded, there was a sense that both history and humanity had converged — a moment where music, memory, and shared purpose became one. The concert not only celebrated the genius of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor but also affirmed the enduring power of music to heal, connect, and inspire across generations.”
