*
banner

Dobson's musical plea to support friend

Composer Simon Dobson has written a very personal work to seek a human response to a humanity crisis directly affecting a close friend.

Simon Dobson
  Simon has written the work as a personal response to help a friend

Composer Simon Dobson has written a very personal musical response to what he says are some of "the most distressing and hauntingly awful things"from the current conflict in Gaza.

He has written a work entitled, "Hymn for a Free Palestine"from which he hopes to raise money for the family of a close friend who is caught in the middle of the horrific day to day troubles.

Friend

He told 4BR: "My partner and I have a friend called Mimi who is living in the North of Gaza. Every day we just hope that we get a message to tell us that her and her beautiful children have made it through the night.

We have been trying to help raise money to send to her so that she can feed her family and others.

We know this is an issue of complex and deep seated opinions which should be respected, but this response isn't political. It is very much human."

Personal response

He added: "My partner is Jewish and we have friends of different religions. This is a very direct, personal response about bravery and humanity to what we are witnessing happen to a dear friend and her precious family and we hope people understand this."

Simon told 4BR that people can choose to support in a number of way — by buying the music for an amount they can afford or by simply giving what they wish.

Further details:

https://simon-dobson.co.uk/product/hymn-for-a-free-palestine/

https://soundcloud.com/peacekid-1/hymn-for-a-free-palestine

A separate donation for a Gaza Education intiative can be given at:

https://chuffed.org/project/113883-gaza-education-initiative-believing-in-hope-despite-the-pain?fbclid=IwY2xjawF_EddleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHa2DELbSp0j_U1-4WIVyGC7lOeksEF8KT8J6ohVS2p5yutAJrJJvm86Y0g_aem_zLfCG7RJDwz5eATvwwQICw

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    


Marsden

Williams and Tynan to lead Marsden top flight return

August 15 • Glyn Williams and Tommy Tynan will form the new new musical partnership at the helm of Marsden Silver Prize Band.


Murtagh

Murtagh takes baton at Lostock Hall Memorial

August 15 • Joe Murtagh is the new Musical Director at Lostock Hall Memorial Band


Joey Wong

Wong takes baton at Blackley

August 15 • Joey Wong has become the new MD at Blackley Band.


Fiona Bishop

Bishop appointed at Knottingley

August 15 • Fiona Bishop becomes the new MD at Knottingley Silver 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


Waterbeach Brass

August 14 • Waterbeach Brass are a friendly and ambitious 2nd section band just north of Cambridge, looking for Tutti cornet, Eb bass and Tuned percussion to complete their lineup.. . Rehearsals on a Monday night- 7:45-10pm at Waterbeach Barracks.


Brunel Brass Organisation

August 13 • Brunel Brass is looking for a BACK ROW CORNET to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026, it's an exciting time to join the band!


Chinnor Silver

August 12 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meets again on MONDAY (17th) in our bandroom at 11am. We welcome players of all abilities who want a friendly relaxed rehearsal with tea and cake.. Playing with us doesn’t affect your own band it’s just an extra blow.


Alwyn Green

LRAM, LTCL
Conductor, composer, arranger, adjudicator, teacher and soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd