Church to hold annual spring concert

On Palm Sunday, First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake will host its annual spring concert at 4 p.m. at the church, 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake.

To accommodate the growing number of concert-goers, the Jubilate Adult Handbell Choir is featured in their own concert with an expanded repertoire.

Under the direction of FCC Bellmaster Toni Gambini, the choir will be performing pieces including "Capriccio," composed by K. McChesney; "Prayer" composed by Jeanne C. Warzyn; and "Soaring Praise," composed by Anna Laura Page.

The latter features pulsing four-hand piano accompaniment by Eva Wedel and Barb Thorsen. A set of three pieces by composer Judy Phillips titled "Rhapsody," "Reverie" and "Roundelay" also will be performed.

Cynara Pierzina will be featured on flute in a comforting and encouraging arrangement by C. Moklebust titled "It is Well with My Soul." The concert will conclude with "Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2" and "It's Toon Time," both arranged by D. Wagner.

The variety, quantity and quality of concert pieces are sure to give the ringers a thorough workout and the audience a joyful and exuberant visual and sonic experience.

Join them after the concert for FCC's annual Creole Dinner supporting the Pilgrim Fellowship High School Youth Group.

The handbell choir program, started in 1976, includes the adult choir, two youth bell choirs for fifth to eighth grade students, and Good Vibrations, the high school bell choir.

All are welcome to come and relax in the beautiful sanctuary to experience the stunning acoustics. For details, call the church office at (815) 459-6010 or visit the Web site at FCCCrystalLake.org. The church is handicapped accessible.