Circles and Smiles

The Cosmopolitan Music Society is thrilled to present a dedication concert in honour of Alison Wood and the newly gifted AEW-CMS Handbell Collection.

Alison Wood is recognized as an international handbell leader, providing organizational and musical leadership for over 40 years. A founding member of the Alberta Guild of English Handbell Ringers (ALGEHR) in 1983, she also served as its president for many years. Alison was the inaugural chair of the Handbell Guilds of Canada and has served as Chair and Executive Director of the International Handbell Committee for 18 years. Alison has represented Canada as a conductor and clinician at handbell festivals and symposia around the world, and was presented with the International Handbell Laureate Award in recognition of her contributions to the art and practice of handbell ringing.

This concert will feature the new CMS Handbell ensembles led by conductors, Tammy-Jo Mortensen and Carol Bergum, and include a special performance of “Circles and Smiles” by local composer John Hooper. This piece was written specifically for Alison, and it is a pleasure to be able to perform it for her.

As a tribute to the people who are pillars of handbell education and performance in our community, Alison inscribed each of their names on the handle of a bell in the AEW-CMS Handbell Collection. We have invited each of the inscriptees and their families to attend the dedication concert. In a touching finale, each inscriptee will be invited to join the CMS Handbell ensembles on “their” bell, for a rousing massed-bell performance. This is a spectacle you don’t want to miss!

Admission is free, but tickets are required for entrance. Limited seating available, claim your tickets now! 

Donations toward the CMS Handbell program are encouraged and welcomed.