Save The Date: Free Handbell Concert in Walnut Creek

On Saturday January 9 at 7 pm, the Sonos Handbell Ensemble will present a Twelfth Night Concert at Grace Presbyterian Church.

The bell-ringing musicians will play a variety of holiday music, including carols, selections from The Messiah and The Nutcracker, plus light classical music. For a number of pieces, the bell ringers will be accompanied by members stepping out to play flute or clarinet. The concert is free, but an opportunity to donate will be given.

Founded in 1990, Sonos Handbell Ensemble has moved handbells into the musical mainstream. Through international and national touring and appearing on major television and radio broadcasts, they have helped introduce handbell virtuosity to millions of people around the world.

Under the direction of James Meredith, the 12-member Bay Area-based ensemble has a collective experience of over 100 years of handbell ringing. Each musician brings to the ensemble experience gained on a variety of other instruments. All are attracted to the complexity and dance-like challenge of performing on handbells. This instrument requires great personal discipline, a high level of cooperation, extremely good rhythm, and a willingness to become a component of a musical whole in which the communion of all parts is essential to the success of the ensemble. Audiences around the world are awed by the intimacy of this amazing musical relationship.

Sonos has recorded several CDs and a DVD. Some have a Christmas theme, some classical, one is a “best of,” and yet another contrasts American and Asian music. For a calendar of events, information about products, opportunities for involvement, or other information about Sonos, visit their website at sonos.org.

Grace Presbyterian Church is located at 2100 Tice Valley Blvd. in Walnut Creek. For more information, call the church office at (925) 935-2100.