Noted handbell ensemble to perform Dec. 13 at St. Peter's

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.

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

In 2004 Artistic Director Linda Simms established Capital Ringers to provide a unique ringing experience for advanced ringers, and to demonstrate the versatility of handbells to audiences.

Capital Ringers has performed across the peninsula in churches, theaters, and schools, and has 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.

The 2014 Christmas Tour, Traditions, features Christmas favorites, including “Wizards in Winter,” “Let it Go” (from the movie “Frozen”), “O Holy Night,” and a special guest character joining the ringing ensemble to inspire audiences with a celebration of Christmas traditions.

The Dec. 13 concert will take place at 2:30 p.m. at St. Peter's Episcopal Church on Second Street in Lewes. There is a requested donation of $10 per person or $25 per family.

Information about the Capital Ringers concert performance schedule and locations is available at www.capitalringers.org or by calling 302-632-3106.