One of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s longest-running music ensembles is celebrating its 50th anniversary this weekend with a special concert, honouring decades of musicianship, community spirit and giving back.
The Niagara Bethany Handbell Choir will be playing at Bethany Mennonite Church on Sunday, May 3. The youth ensemble, and its accompanying adult ensemble, JuBELLation, will perform a diverse repertoire spanning sacred hymns, classical works, Disney favourites and original compositions — all from a chorus of handbells and handchimes.
The choir’s history goes back to 1976, when youth vocal choir leader Ella Dick created the handbell choir as a extension of her primary choir.
“For many of these young musicians, joining the choir is about more than learning to ring bells: It’s about building confidence, teamwork, and a sense of purpose through giving back,” said Tracey Frena, the current choir director, who assumed the role following Dick’s retirement in 1995. Frena joined the choir 45 years ago, in 1981.
Over the past five decades, the choir’s shared its gift with audiences across the Niagara region, often performing at the annual Candlelight Stroll in NOTL. The same year Frena joined the choir, it performed for the Queen Mother (mother of the late Queen Elizabeth II) during the town’s bicentennial celebrations.
It’s also taken part in several performances across Canada, including at Expo 86 in Vancouver and Parliament Hill in Ottawa, and in places such as Grace Children’s Hospital in Haiti and Westminster Abbey in England.
Both the youth and adult ensembles perform on four octaves, made up of 44 handbells and 44 handchimes.
“Handbell ringing requires incredible precision and trust,” said Frena. “Each ringer plays a vital role, and together they create something far greater than any one person could alone.”
Alongside sharing its music with audiences near and far, Niagara Bethany Handbell Choir donates all funds raised through its performances to support local children’s charities.
This year, it’s focused on supporting Pathstone Mental Health, which provides child and youth mental health services across Niagara.
The 50th anniversary concert begins at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Attendance is free. Bethany Mennonite Church is located at 572 East West Ln. in NOTL.
