Bells on Temple Square to Present “Winter Festival of Sound”

Date:16 November 2012

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

In addition to its unique sound, the Bells on Temple Square produces a visual treat through its precise movements and exact timing.

Audiences will thrill to the visually fascinating Bells on Temple Square during its annual winter concert on Friday, November 16, 2012, in the Salt Lake Tabernacle. The concert, titled Winter Festival of Sound, will feature wintry holiday hymns and American folk songs.
“Think of all of the happy thoughts associated with the ringing of a bell—the announcement of the arrival of a friend ringing your doorbell, the holy ringing of church bells, the tinkling of sleigh bells,” conductor LeAnna Willmore said. “Winter Festival of Sound is a celebration of this most cheerful sound and the feelings associated with it.”
The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Salt Lake Tabernacle. Free tickets are available beginning Tuesday, October 23, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. with a limit of four per person. Tickets can be obtained online at www.lds.org/events, over the phone at 801-570-0080, or from the Conference Center ticket office.
Audiences will find watching the 28-member, all-volunteer bell choir just as fascinating as listening to it, as the musicians’ arms move in fluid precision and exact timing. The evening will also include performances by Temple Square organists Bonnie Goodliffe and Linda Margetts and instrumental ensembles composed of members of the Orchestra at Temple Square.
“Our concert is always early in the holiday music season,” pointed out associate conductor Larry Smith, who will join Willmore in conducting portions of the concert. “For many families this is becoming a traditional way of beginning their year-end celebrations.”
Winter Festival of Sound will open with “Festa,” an introductory processional musical setting, followed by a selection of American folk hymns, including “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” and “Simple Gifts.” The music will transition to a fast and exciting rhythmic section of the program, which will feature marimba in addition to the bell ensemble. The final portion of the concert will feature Christmas music, including such holiday favorites as “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “It Came upon the Midnight Clear,” and “Jingle Bells.” The program will conclude with “Bell Carol Fantasy.”

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