*
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    


John Wallace

Festival tribute to Wallace

August 5 • The musical legacy of John Wallace CBE will be marked by the cooperation band and a host of leading Scottish ensembles as part of the Edinburgh International Festival.


Will Norman

Tredegar welcomes Norman return

August 5 • Will Norman returns to the flugel horn seat at Tredegar Band.


Cerys

New flugel adds to Cory summer signings

August 5 • Cerys Nicholson completes a hat-trick of signings at Welsh champion.


Ellie Watson

Social media boost for York Nationals

August 5 • Ellie Watson will be on hand in York to help boost the social media profile of the competing bands and the event as a whole.


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


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


Brunel Brass Organisation

August 5 • Brunel Brass is looking for a SOLO HORN 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!


Wantage Silver Band

August 5 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) are looking for a BACK ROW CORNET player to complete the band. As current Welsh Open Champions and being placed third in Stevenage, it's an exciting time to join the band with a fantastic schedule of concerts coming up.


Alder Valley Brass

August 4 • Alder Valley Brass, an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band seek a BBb bass . We rehearse Mon & Thu 8-10pm in Farnham. New MD Ollie Hallstead-Brooks starts with us in September. Come and join the team!


John Ward


Conductor, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd