Chicago Bronze handbell ensemble celebrating 25th anniversary with April 27 concert in West Dundee
On Saturday, April 27, First Congregational Church of Dundee will host a handbell concert featuring the Chicago Bronze English Handbell Ensemble in celebration of its 25th anniversary of making music in the Windy City and beyond.
Ring in the spring with bells at their first 2024 concert featuring an incredible repertoire played by the ensemble over the years, as well as a new piece by Arnold Sherman commissioned in honor of their anniversary celebration.
Chicago Bronze is a community English handbell ensemble from the Chicago area. Membership in the group is by audition.
The ensemble was established in May of 1999 by a group of directors and advanced ringers who were seeking a challenging ringing experience. Chicago Bronze rings on 7 octaves of Malmark and Schulmerich handbells and 5 octaves of Malmark handchimes.
The ensemble is an active supporter of the Handbell Musicians of America (formerly the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers). Members have an average of over 10 years of ringing experience, as well as additional musical experience with a wide variety of instruments. For more on Chicago Bronze, go to chicagobronze.org.
Led by musical director Andrea Handley, the group is dedicated to musical excellence, as well as sharing their technical knowledge of the handbell instrument and helping to create a greater understanding and enjoyment of handbell music.
Chicago Bronze offers a variety of music including sacred, secular, classical, jazz and old favorites, with a repertoire that includes pieces appropriate throughout the year. The ensemble has performed for a wide variety of audiences, including conventions, churches, synagogues, holiday celebrations, International Handbell Symposiums in various countries and business and civic organizations.
The concert will begin at 4 p.m. at the church, 900 S. Eighth St. (Route 31) in West Dundee. Their performances are family-friendly and entertaining for listeners of all ages. A reception will follow the concert.
Chicago Bronze alums are invited to join in as they play Kevin McChesney’s arrangement of “Now the Green Blade Riseth,” a Chicago Bronze favorite.
No tickets are required, but freewill donations will be accepted in support of their spring tour. For details, call the church at (847) 426-2161, ext. 202, or visit www.fccdundee.com.