Jubilate Ringers 10th Anniversary Concert

Music on the Hill celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Jubilate Ringers -- Fairfield County's only community handbell choir -- with a concert of music for handbells.

Artistic Director David H. Connell conducts the fifteen ringers -- playing 91 handbells plus chimes -- in a program of music spanning a range of moods and styles, from the Baroque to Enya. Selections include such familiar songs as the traditional spiritual "Deep River," a jaunty "Singin' in the Rain," and Enya's "Sail Away."

The concert takes place on Sunday, May 22, at 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Church in Westport, 10 Lyons Plains Road. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door; children and students are free. Purchase tickets online at www.musiconthehillCT.org or reserve by e-mail to tickets@musiconthehillCT.org or at (203) 529-3133.

The Jubilate Ringers was founded in 2006 by Ellen Dickinson and Jo Shute, then directing bell choirs at Weston's Norfield Congregational Church and the Unitarian Church in Westport, respectively. The group was begun as an advanced handbell ensemble drawn from ringers at the two churches. It became part of Music on the Hill upon its inception in 2011 and is open, by audition, to ringers from the community.

In addition to Jubilate Ringers, Music on the Hill offers handbell workshops and a Spring Ring! music reading session open to all. It has also commissioned and premiered several original works for handbells.

Music on the Hill is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to high-quality music education and performance for all ages. Under the leadership of its artistic directors, David H. Connell and Ellen Dickinson, it offers music workshops, an August Summer Sings series, and opportunities to perform through four ensembles: the Jubilate Ringers and three choral groups -- Summer Chorus, Festival Chorus, and Chamber Chorus.

To receive news of future concerts -- or to participate! -- join the mailing list at www.musiconthehillCT.org.