CBHE members performing at a holiday concert in December 2015.

The Charlotte Bronze Handbell Ensemble, the largest community handbell group in the Piedmont, will perform their free spring concerts on May 21 and May 22, 2016.  CBHE will perform on Saturday, May 21 at 4:00 PM at North Raleigh United Methodist Church, 8501 Honeycutt Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615.  The following day, on Sunday, May 22 at 4:30 PM, CBHE will perform at Pritchard Memorial Baptist Church, 1117 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203.  Both free concerts, “Michael the Archangel” will be directed by Charlotte Bronze’s Artistic Director and Conductor Timothy H Waugh.  The concerts are free and open to the public, and families are welcome. Donations to the non-profit group will be accepted.

Twenty-three ringers ranging in age from 16 to 60+ will perform on four sets of bells (Malmark, Schulmerich, Petit and Fritzen and Whitechapel) and two set of chimes (Malmark).  The program features the world premiere of “Revelation 12:7: The Archangel Michael and the Dragon” by composer Matthew Prins. This unique piece was written for the Charlotte Bronze Handbell Ensemble and depicts the epic heavenly battle between Michael and the dragon. In addition, the program will include handbell pieces by other composers named “Michael.”

The Charlotte Bronze Handbell Ensemble was founded in March of 2011.  Now five years old, the group has already performed in many festivals and events in Charlotte and across the state.  They were featured at the NC State Baptist Handbell Festival in 2015. In concert, CBHE presents new music, often in manuscript form, by up and coming handbell composers. The ensemble is available for workshops, classes and concerts.