*
banner

New work helps angels to keep caring

A new work for brass bands by composer Karl Whelan will help support NHS Charities Together.

Angels
  The work is dedicated to all NHS, care and key workers

Composer Karl Whelan is supporting the work of NHS staff, care and key workers with the release of a new work for brass bands.

All proceeds of the sale of his 'Hymn to the Angels' will be donated to NHS Charities Together.

The reflective work by the winner of the Wind Band Association's 20th Anniversary Composition Award is in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and has a special personal affinity as his wife is a nurse working on the 'front-line'.

Dedicated

He told 4BR: "Despite the connotations of the words "hymn"and "angels", the work has no words and was never intended to be religious.

It is simply dedicated to all NHS staff, emergency services and everyone else who keep us safe, not only during these unsettling times, but always."

As well as writing 'Hymn to the Angels' for brass band, Karl has also scored the piece for wind band and orchestra, allowing the opportunity for the three ensembles to collaborate with the identical arrangements.

It is simply dedicated to all NHS staff, emergency services and everyone else who keep us safe, not only during these unsettling times, but alwaysComposer, Karl Whelan

Full score and parts

The full score and parts is available digitally at the moment (as PDFs) and details on how to purchase Hymn to the Angels can be found at:

https://karlwhelan.co.uk/hymn-to-the-angels

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Close Shave

KNDS Fairey look forward to A Close Shave with Wallace & Gromit

August 22 • A special double bill of Wallace & Gromit films plus extras will be heard in a very special concert in London in November.


Touch of Brass

Radio: Touch of Brass

August 22 • More brass bands music to enjoy from presenters Martin Upfold and Julie Hedges.


New South Wales

Live stream coverage of 130th New South Wales State Championships

August 22 • Tim Kelly is bringing all the action from Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre.


Foden's Youth Band

Foden's Youth Band set to carry on 15th season of player development

August 22 • Registration is now open to be part of the 2026/27 Foden's Youth Band.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wantage Silver Band

August 22 • Wantage Concert Brass (1st Section) are looking for a SOLO HORN and PERCUSSIONIST. Under the direction of our dynamic and inspiring MD Daniel Hall. This year we achieved 3rd at the L&SC regionals. We rehearse Tue & Fri 7:30pm- 9:30pm in our own bandhall


Ashington Colliery Band

August 20 • Front Row Cornet & Tenor Trombone. We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

August 18 • Putney and Wimbledon Band are looking for a percussionist, ideally tune although the ability to play an anvil is an absolute must! We play exciting music with lots of percussion so there's plenty to keep you occupied.


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd