Composer Finished Fireman's Symphony Recording

Charles-Henri Avelange composed an anthem using the Fireman's Prayer to honor first responders.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Financial Planning

Bold vector illustration of a polished brass French horn on a stand, evoking a musical tribute. — Composer Charles-Henri Avelange has completed an ambitious symphonic work based on the Fireman's Prayer to honor the commitment of first responders. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Composer Charles-Henri Avelange recorded a complex symphony in July 2026 based on the Fireman's Prayer. The project honors first responders and was revived following wildfires in Los Angeles in January 2025.

Why it matters

The symphony project serves as a tribute to firefighters, with Avelange leveraging public and private donations to honor the dedication of emergency responders. The effort highlights the cultural impact of the Fireman's Prayer, which has been recited at ceremonies for 25 years.

The production requires a massive ensemble of over 200 musicians and costs more than $100,000 to record. The project remained on hold for 19 years before resuming after the 2025 Los Angeles wildfire season.

The players

Charles-Henri Avelange

He is the composer who moved to the United States in 2005 and has spent years developing a symphony based on the Fireman's Prayer.

Jeff Hahn

He is set to lead the California Professional Firefighters Pipes and Drum Corps for future recording sessions.

Dylan Hart

He is a professional musician who performed the French horn during the orchestral recording sessions.

The details

The ambitious musical score incorporates a children's choir, an adult choir, an orchestra, drums, and bagpipes to bring the poem by Alvin William Linn to life. Recording sessions for the main orchestral and choral components were completed in July 2026, with musician Dylan Hart participating on French horn.

Charles-Henri Avelange began the composition project in 2005.
Los Angeles experienced wildfires in January 2025.
Recording sessions for the choir and orchestra occurred in July 2026.

Market Landscape

This project transforms the long-standing tradition of reciting the Fireman's Prayer into a large-scale musical work. It represents a niche but significant intersection of philanthropic arts funding and emergency services culture.

Donors interested in arts and fire safety initiatives are currently being sought to bridge the funding gap for the final recording sessions. Prospective contributors can see their financial support directly fund the production of a tribute dedicated to local first responders.

The takeaway

Large-scale artistic projects often require decades of persistence and adaptive fundraising to reach completion. This project underscores how personal creative goals can intersect with community service and regional disaster responses.

What happens next

Jeff Hahn is scheduled to lead the California Professional Firefighters Pipes and Drum Corps for a recording session, though the exact date remains dependent on further fundraising efforts.