Chicago Bronze English Handbell Ensemble to perform March 22

First Congregational Church of Dundee, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee, will host a handbell concert featuring the Chicago Bronze English Handbell Ensemble at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 22.

Ring in the spring with bells at the first solo concert. From the excitement of Pizzicati to the soothing sounds of Debussy's "Preludes: La fille aux cheveux de lin," there's something for everyone! The community is invited to this performance, which will benefit the bell program at the church.

Chicago Bronze is a community English handbell ensemble from the Chicago area. Membership in the group is by audition. The ensemble was established in 1999 by a group of directors and advanced ringers who were seeking a challenging ringing experience. Chicago Bronze rings on 6 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, visit www.chicagobronze.com.

Along with their 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 performances are family friendly and entertaining for listeners of all ages.

Your freewill offering for the concert will benefit the church's bell program, which consists of three bell choirs for those age 5 to adult. For details, call the church at (847) 426-2161 ext. 202, or visit www.fccdundee.com.