Tintabulations handbell ensemble hosting series of free concerts

A Reno handbell ensemble is bringing a series of free spring and summer concerts to the region including Carson City on June 10 and 25.

Internationally acclaimed handbell ensemble Tintabulations is presenting its program titled “Cam-pa-no-lo-gy: The Art or Practice of Bell Ringing.”

Formed in 1996, the nonprofit ensemble is comprised of more than a dozen local musicians performing on 120 hand bells and chimes. Its members are college students, music teachers, professionals from other walks of life and retirees.

Directed by Barb Walsh, the ensemble was selected to perform at the National Handbell Festival in Portland a few years ago.

Last July the group reached a milestone when it was one of two handbell ensembles asked to represent the United States at the International Handbell Symposium held in Vancouver, B.C. The performance caught the eye and ear of directors from around the world, resulting in invitations to perform around the globe.

Having toured nationally, regionally and locally, most recently the bell ringers performed on Easter to an audience of more than 300 as part of the In Concert Sierra series in Grass Valley, Calif.

Members are from Carson City, Dayton, Fallon, Reno, Sparks, Lake Tahoe and Bishop.

In addition to bell ringing, the free performances feature soloists on percussion, bass guitar, bassoon, cello, viola and violin.

The ensemble will be in Carson City at 7 p.m. June 10 at Courtyard by Marriott, 3870 S. Carson St., and 7 p.m. June 25 at First United Methodist Church, 212 N. Division St.

Other performances include one at 6:30 p.m. June 11 at Carson Valley United Methodist Church, 1375 Centerville Lane in Gardnerville, and several in Reno and Sparks.

For a complete schedule and information, go to tintabulations.com, or find Tintabulations Handbell Ensemble on Facebook.