The 14th season of Artist Series presentations at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Lombard, will come to a rousing finish at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 1, with a concert by the highly -acclaimed Chicago Bronze English Handbell Ensemble.
Chicago Bronze is a community-based English handbell ensemble drawing its membership from the greater Chicago area. Membership is by audition. Established in May 1999 by a group of directors and advanced ringers who were seeking a challenging ringing experience, Chicago Bronze rings on seven octaves of Malmark and Schulmerich handbells and five octaves of Malmark handchimes. Chicago Bronze is an active supporter of the Handbell Musicians of America.
For its Lombard performance the group has selected Dance as its theme. Among the pieces to be heard are “All That Jazz,” “The Blue Danube,” “Shall We Dance,” “Praise His Name in the Dance,” and “Lord of the Dance.”
Chicago Bronze members average more than 10 years of ringing experience, as well as additional musical experience with a wide variety of instruments. Members pursue varied careers such as data analysis, church music, and music education. One member is a stay-at-home mom.
Chicago Bronze is conducted by musical director Andrea Handley, an Evanston resident who has been directing handbells since 1983. She holds an undergraduate degree in piano from the Indiana University School of Music and a graduate degree in organ from the American Conservatory of Music. She has served as director of music and worship at the First Presbyterian Church of Evanston, and is organist and director of handbells at Trinity United Methodist Church in Wilmette. She is a published handbell composer who has written several articles for Overtones magazine.
Chicago Bronze’s mission is to promote the highest artistic quality, and to stimulate greater understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of handbell music by all segments of society.
Weather permitting, an informal reception for artists and audience will be held outdoors following the concert. The public is cordially invited to attend the Chicago Bronze event and the reception. No tickets will be sold for the program; a free-will offering will be received.
St. John’s Lutheran Church is on the southeast corner of Lincoln and Maple Streets in Lombard. Information on St. John’s Artist Series is available by calling the church office, 630-629-2515.
— Fred Hoebel