*
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    


Gray

Tributes for Gray as conductor announces Eccles departure

March 31 • Thanks and best wishes as 16 year partnership between Mareika Gray and Eccles Borough comes to an end.


Brass Band Week

Banding campaigns return this summer

March 31 • Brass Band Week and Proms in the Park return this Summer — so make sure you reach out and connect with your local communities.


gALASHILS

Report & Results: 2026 SBBA Solo & Ensemble Championships

March 31 • There was a fantastic day of competitive solo and ensemble action to enjoy at Bellshill Salvation Army Centre.


BBW

March Edition of Brass Band World magazine out now

March 31 • The latest edition of the leading brass band magazine is now out — packed with interviews, articles, reviews and news...


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Regent Brass - Woodbridge Excelsior Band and Russell Gray

Saturday 9 May • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ


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


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


Thornton Cleveleys Band

March 31 • MD VACANCY. Are you the missing piece to our FULL BAND?. We are a NW 3rd section band looking for our new MD. We are based just outside of Blackpool close to the M55 motorway. Mon+Thurs rehearsals.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • BBb BASS player required following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • SOLO CORNET players required (position negotiable) following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd