Ding! Dong! The bells gong

Christmas never comes soon enough for Kathie Zalasky.

The St. Albert handbell ringer is all jazzed up performing in Be Still, the Jubiloso! Bells of Concordia show-stopping winter concert this Sunday at Concordia University College.

The 15-member ensemble, known for its creative handbell music, has established a reputation for exceptional leadership and musicianship.

“People don’t often get to hear handbell concerts performed and this is a great opportunity,” said Zalasky, a 20-year veteran of the bells.

A musician in the St. Albert United Church handbell choir, she remembers wanting to play bells since her early school days.

“When a lady from our church stood up and said ‘let’s start a choir,’ I was in.”

And that seems to be the positive vibe created by all the players as they constantly aim to raise the bar, said artistic director Debbie Rice.

In programming the event, Rice has broken the concert into sections as a way to reflect the message of being still in a busy, stressful season.

In the Be Still and Listen section, Rice has programmed Canadian composer Winnagene Hatch’s Winter Meditation.

“We often don’t take time to listen to the things that give us comfort and joy. I find this is a very beautiful piece in the way she treats it and allows us to create our own images.”

In the Be Still and Know portion, Rice reflects a faith-based message with tunes such as It Came Upon a Midnight Clear and Go Tell It on the Mountain.

And in the Be Still and Enjoy section, the ensemble’s trademark Sleigh Ride along with a jazz-styled version of Jolly Old St. Nicholas is on the plate.

Accompanying the ringers are percussionist Bob Atley and pianist Megan Galloway.

“What I love about the bells is because there is no text, it allows us to listen and experience from our own perspective. We have the freedom to interpret it based on our experiences,” Rice said.

“I feel really good about the way I’ve designed this program. It will be peaceful and calming, a get-away from the blinking lights and distractions, and a time to reflect not only on our faith, but also the joys of the season.”