By staff writer
The Columbia Handbell Ensemble, one of the nation’s finest community-based ensembles, returns to Hermann for the 8th year to present a free concert at St. George Catholic Church on Saturday, Dec. 8, at 7:30 p.m.
This warm up for Christmas is followed by a tour of the St. George Church Rectory.
The Columbia Handbell Ensemble is celebrating its 24th season of promoting handbell excellence. Audiences around the country have thrilled to the sounds of this group. The concert this year will feature classical selections like Sleigh Ride by Mozart, Bach’s incredible Little Fugue in G minor and Tchaikovsky’s well know Trepak from the Nutcracker Suite.
You will also hear a series of South American carols and wonderfully familiar carols of the season…and of course, the annual carol sing- a-long.
The Columbia Handbell group is an auditioned ensemble made up of ringers from mid-Missouri. Most do not work in a music profession but just love the opportunity to make music in this unique manner. You can join the group 15 minutes prior to the concert for a presentation about handbells, how to play them, what you will see, and things to watch for.
The group is conducted by Ed Rollins, current president-elect of the Handbell Musicians of America. The free concert is supported by a grant from Peoples Savings Bank and the Hermann Arts Council. A free-will offering will be received to assist the needy in Hermann.
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