Dunblane Cathedral Handbell Ensembles present their annual Carols and Carillons Christmas Concert in Dunblane Cathedral on Sunday, December 8.
The medieval walls of the cathedral will reverberate with the sounds made by over 30 handbell musicians from 7.30pm. Presented by Dunblane Cathedral Handbell Ensembles, with ages spanning seven decades in four ensembles performing on the largest range of handbells in Scotland, the concert features Christmas music from through the ages, from traditional carols to modern festive music.
From the youngest primary school-aged children you’ll hear Josh Groban’s hit ‘Believe’ from the animated movie ‘Polar Express’, and ‘Once upon a December’ from the animated musical historical fantasy film ‘Anastasia’.
A teenage handbell solo musician will perform the French carol ‘Il est né, le divin Enfant’ the small four-in-hand ensemble perform modern classics ‘Mary’s Boy Child’ and ‘Calypso Carol’ while each ringer holds multiple handbells.
The intergenerational groups for teens and adults will perform everything from a topical Ukrainian ‘Carol of the Bells’, and a 16th century Scottish carol ‘Baloo Lammy’, to a rhythmic version of ‘Go tell it on the mountain’, an upbeat rendition of ‘Good King Wenceslas’ and another modern classic ‘It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year’.
There will be a chance to join in the fun with some audience participation with synchronised hand percussion in ‘Up on the housetop’. Traditional favourites also include ‘O Christmas Tree’, ‘Gloucestershire Wassail’, ‘We wish you a merry Christmas’, ‘Pat-a-pan’ and ‘We three kings’.
Dunblane Cathedral Handbell Ensembles have an international reputation and have appeared many times on television.
Admission is £10 (concessions £8, children free). Please note that buying tickets in advance is advised. Tickets can be purchased from Meldrum’s Newsagents in Dunblane High Street, or online at: https://tinyurl.com/CarolsCarillons2024.
Following the concert there will be warm Christmas mince-pies and tea/coffee