Bells have reverberated throughout human culture for at least 5000 years, from the earliest surviving ceramic ling in Neolithic China to the colossal Tsarsky Kolokol of Moscow – serving an infinity of deeply human purposes, with which our imagination associates them. The long history of their use as musical instruments struck a turning point with the evolution of the modern handbell in late 1600s England, reaching the shores of the United States a short time later, and the birth of a new and uniquely synergistic genre of music-making – ensembles of handbell ringers seamlessly integrating to act as one instrument.

Minnesota-born Suzanne Brimacomb, Director and Conductor of the Ring of Bells, moved to Port Fairy in 2017 after completing an extensive career in music education, bringing with her a magnificent 3-octave chromatic set of Schulmerich bronze handbells. The evolution of the Ring of Bells has been due to a determined and dedicated group of women from the surrounds of Southwest Victoria. These players – some of whom may be your friends, neighbours, or acquaintances via other music groups – share the heavenly sonorities and deep seeded vibrational connections these magical bells possess.

The Ring of Bells combine with a vivid montage of instruments and voices to present a collection of traditional tunes that echo across generations – interspersed with more recent works they have inspired – including the Shaker song Simple Gifts, reclaimed English folk melody Wondrous Love, the anonymous round Dona Nobis Pacem – Song of Peace, and a Quaker setting of the famous 14th century words from Mother Julian of Norwich, All Will Be Well.