J. Everett Collins Center for the Arts Hosts New England Ringers Concert

New England Ringers to Perform at J. Everett Collins Center for the Arts

The New England Ringers will perform their Winter 2016 Program, Holiday Dreams, on Saturday. This handbell concert will be held at the J. Everett Collins Center for the Arts in Andover, MA at 7:00 PM on Saturday, December 3. Tickets are available online at www.newenglandringers.org, or at the door.

A handbell concert is unlike any other musical event. Under the direction of Edward G. Henderson, Jr., thirteen highly energetic performers ring six and one half octaves of handbells ranging from the size of a thimble to the dimensions of a lobster pot! The ringers work together, each one playing just a few notes of the scale. Their successful teamwork results in the sound of one enormous instrument. Playing with sensitivity, discipline and skill, these musicians showcase their talents in a uniquely varied program.

The Holiday Dreams repertoire will delight audiences with a selection of pieces which showcase the wide range of music this unique instrument produces. Each ringer uses bells, chimes, mallets and methods which combine to form a symphony of music, where mysterious and ethereal sections give way to majestic chords and lively portrayals of familiar carols and tunes. “Bell Carol Fantasy”, arranged by Arnold Sherman is the program’s first piece – opening with a fast-moving syncopated beat that introduces the beautiful melody familiar to all. Betty Garee’s gorgeous arrangement of Veni Emmanual, “God With Us For All Time” begins with the sound of a clock striking played on orchestra chimes. Three renditions of the melody set to thrilling and unusual chords build excitement and anticipation. Listen for a favorite carol as the handbells ring out the wonderful finale of this exceptional piece. Listeners will be mesmerized by Cathy Moklebust’s enchanting arrangement of “Greensleeves” with its haunting melody and accompanying percussion instruments.

The Holiday Dreams concert continues with two perennial favorites from The Nutcracker Suite, which will delight audience members of all ages. Cathy Moklebust’s lively arrangement of “On This Day Earth Shall Ring” uses malletted bells to create a driving rhythm and joyful tempo. The program concludes with Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” in a rousing arrangement by John Behnke that will bring joy to all listeners. These exhilarating pieces will inspire audiences to a greater appreciation for the handbell instrument and will inevitably elicit the listener comment, “I didn’t know bells could sound and perform like that!”

With its commitment to musical excellence, focus on eclectic programming to appeal to a variety of musical tastes, and a healthy dash of showmanship, NER has been entertaining audiences of all ages throughout New England, New York and Pennsylvania. The artistry of the New England Ringers’ programming showcases the skill of an ensemble with great discipline.