The horrific events of the 22nd of May in Manchester have touched the lives of everyone throughout the world, but they have also been characterised by ordinary people showing amazing acts of kindness and resolve in the wake of the tragedy.
Now a group of musicians have come together to pay tribute to all those caught in the events, and raise money for the victims.
Tubular premiere
At their concert performance at the RNCM in Manchester this Saturday evening (27th May), Tubular Brass will open their programme with a specially arranged setting of the hymn tune, 'Manchester', dedicated to the victims, as well as a salute to the people of the city which has been united in its spirit and courage.
The arrangement by composer Andi Cook will also be made available to purchase online, with all proceeds going to the fundraising campaign started by the Manchester Evening News.
Manchester hymn tune
Andi told 4BR: "It all came from seeing the people who stopped and helped. It was so awful to see, and I kept thinking what I could do.
I wanted to do more than simply donate to charity, and so I wrote something in the hope it would bring people together. When we commemorate we do it with a hymn setting, so it was appropriate to use the tune 'Manchester'.
It's set for bands at all levels to play, with all the proceeds going to the victims through the campaign. I hope that by playing it players and audiences will come together and reflect as well as salute those affected."
Pennine publication
Backed by Pennine Music Publishing, who ensured publication and that the donation of sales revenue goes to the charity, everything has been set in motion for the premiere through Tubular Brass.
Their spokesperson Sandy Smith added: "We are honoured to be part of this musical response to the terrible events.
Andi's done a terrific job and I hope lots of bands will decide to programme it as soon as possible. In situations like this we all feel a bit helpless, so even a small gesture of solidarity with the people of Manchester reinforces the spirit of defiance against this cowardly act."
Free concert tickets
As a further contribution, Tubular Brass has arranged for 100 free tickets to be provided for the concert, which can be obtained in return for a donation to the appeal fund. This will be collected on the night and donated by Tubular Brass on the audience's behalf.
Anyone who would like to attend on this basis should please contact Trevor McCormick on 07708 708 774.
Meanwhile, Andi concluded: "It's amazing how everything has come together. Everyone I've spoken to has been brilliant. We all just want to do something to help. We're also hoping to record the piece and put it online where it will be available to a wider audience. All those proceeds will also go to the charity."
In situations like this we all feel a bit helpless, so even a small gesture of solidarity with the people of Manchester reinforces the spirit of defiance against this cowardly actComposer Andi Cook
Buy and support
The arrangement is available to purchase now from www.penninemusic.com where £10.00 from all sales will go the Manchester Evening News' fundraising page, to help them achieve their target of £2 million.
This can be found at: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/westandtogethermanchester
