*
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    


NYBBWales

Welsh youth set for trio of Harper led performances

May 21 • The National Youth Brass Band of Wales and Philip Harper can be heard in Bangor, St David's and Newport in August.


4BR Reviw

4BR Review — Episode 18

May 21 • Enjoy the latest debate about the banding world as Edward Gregson and Paul Hindmarsh air their opinions on banding's artistic vision.


Willebroek

Willebroek to show case major talents in Birmingham

May 21 • A trio major compositions will be showcased by the current World and Belgian champions at the Elgar International Festival of Brass.


Dutch Open

Big bands and brass bands to provide entertainment at Dutch Open

May 21 • There will be plenty of great entertainment on offer on stage at the Dutch Open next month.


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Sherborne Town Band - Friends

Sunday 7 June • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


St John's Band (Mossley)

May 21 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a Bb and Eb Bass player (position negotiable). We rehearse Tuesday & Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

May 21 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for SOLO CORNET players (position negotiable). We rehearse Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


Regent Brass

May 20 • Regent Brass (Championship Section) seek a Bb Bass to join our friendly, musically ambitious Central London band. We enjoy a varied and balanced schedule of concerts and contests, and regularly premiere new music.


Stephen Tighe

ARCM, LDBBA, (Dip)PFS.
Adjudicator / Music Director / Arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd