Capital Ringers to perform concert at St. Peter's in Lewes Dec. 12

Imagine an instrument so complicated it takes 15 people to play. A set of handbells is actually one instrument played by many hands, and there’s a Delmarva community handbell ensemble that does it with great skill. Delaware’s Capital Ringers will perform a concert at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12, at St. Peter's Chuch in Lewes.

Capital Ringers is an auditioned community handbell ensemble that rings six octaves (73 bells) of Schulmerich handbells, five and a half octaves (67 chimes) of Malmark hand chimes and five octaves (61 bells) of Whitechapel handbells. They are dedicated to musical excellence with the goal of promoting the art of handbell ringing across the Delmarva Peninsula, in their performances and workshops.

Capital Ringers was founded in 2004 by Artistic Director Linda Simms, who wanted to provide a unique ringing experience for advanced ringers, and demonstrate the versatility of handbells to audiences. Performances across the peninsula include churches, theaters, and schools, and they collaborated with the Delaware Chorale Society, the Queen Anne’s Chorale, Wilmington Handbell Ensemble and the First State Dance Academy. They have performed at the City of Dover Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, the Delaware Governor’s Prayer Breakfast, Olde Dover Days and the In Harmony Concert Series at the Schwartz Center in Dover.

Their 2015 Concert Tour, Winter Wonderland, will feature favorites such as “Jingle Bells," "Sleigh Ride," "Wizards In Winter," and "Frosty The Snowman." The special guest this year is none other than Santa Claus!

For more information, go to www.capitalringers.org or call 302-632-3106.