In a time when the world often feels increasingly divided, an international collective of musicians is coming together around a simple but powerful idea: hope. On May 1, 2026, the charity album HOPE – 12 Prayers for Cello and Orchestra will be released by the Swiss classical label Claves Records, bringing together twelve acclaimed film composers from around the world to support children affected by war and crisis.
Initiated and produced by Swiss cellist and filmmaker Andreas Graf, the album was conceived as a series of twelve musical “prayers” for cello and orchestra, each reflecting a universal human virtue such as courage, forgiveness, resilience, love, and compassion. The project invites listeners on a deeply emotional journey, exploring the inner strength that helps individuals persevere through moments of darkness.
The music was recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London under the direction of British conductor Ben Palmer. The album features newly composed works written exclusively for the project by internationally recognized composers known for their work in film and television, including Emmy-nominated composer Kathryn Bostic, Grammy-winning composer Sharon Farber, Netflix composer Patrick Kirst (The Kissing Booth trilogy), and award-winning composers Andrew Morgan Smith, Sara Barone (Planet Earth III), and David Kudell, among others.
At the center of each composition is the cello, an instrument often used in film music to express a character’s inner voice. Through the expressive cello paired with a powerful full orchestra, the album creates a cinematic soundscape conveying vulnerability, reflection, and ultimately, hope.
The cello has a unique ability to speak directly to the human heart,” says Graf. “With this project, we wanted to create music that reflects the moment every hero experiences, the ‘dark night of the soul’, when we must look inward to rediscover courage, resilience, and hope.
Beyond its artistic ambition, HOPE – 12 Prayers for Cello and Orchestra is also a humanitarian initiative. Every composer involved donated their work to the project, and all proceeds from the album will support the Emergency Fund of Save the Children, helping provide aid and protection for children living in war zones and humanitarian crises around the world.
By combining cinematic storytelling with symphonic music, the album aims to demonstrate how music can communicate powerful emotions even without images, offering listeners a space for reflection, comfort, and connection.
More Information
Official website: www.hopealbum.com Label: www.claves.ch
