The latest composition from the pen of Leigh Baker will get an emotional world premiere next weekend at a charity concert in Leicester.

Memory

'Angel’s Prayer' was written in memory of Angela Hampton, who passed away last year. She was a close friend of Foresters Brasss 2000, who commissioned the piece as a solo for their principal cornet player, Angela’s son Matt.

The piece is based on the words of a Norwegian proverb: "Behind the clouds the sun is always shining, behind the clouds the sky is blue."

The first time we played it was quite an emotional moment, and it means a great deal to have such a beautiful, lasting tribute to my mumMatt Hampton

Honoured

The Brighouse composer-in-residence told 4BR: "I know everyone at Foresters very well, having played there for many years, and was honoured to be asked to write this solo in memory of someone who was clearly so cherished."

Leigh added: "I spoke to the Hampton family, and others at the band, and we all agreed that the the proverb was a truly fitting sentiment for a commission in memory of Angela. It’s a very melodic work which explores the lyrical characteristics of the cornet."

Lasting tribute

Matt told 4BR: "It’s a beautiful piece of music. I am delighted with it – we all are at Foresters. The first time we played it was quite an emotional moment, and it means a great deal to have such a beautiful, lasting tribute to my mum."

Thanks

The piece will be premiered at the concert on Saturday with all the proceeds being donated to LOROS, a hospice care charity which offered a great deal of support to Angela and her family last year.

Band chairman Dan Baker told 4BR: "This is the band’s way of saying a sincere thank you to LOROS, which was there when a close friend of ours, and her family, needed help."