Michigan handbell duo Larry and Carla will be performing a concert of handbell duets on Sunday, July 12, 2016. The event is part of the Next Generation Music Concert Series at Midland First United Methodist Church.

Larry and Carla are a married couple, brought together by their passion for handbells. They first met when they were living more than 5,000 miles apart – Larry in California and Carla in England. They’ve been playing handbell duets together since 2012. Larry arranges all of their music, and together they run their handbell publishing company, Choraegus, from their home in Holland, Michigan. They spend much of the summer at Bay View, in northern Michigan, and regularly contribute to worship there, by playing handbell duets in the Evensong services, and for the annual Campus Club memorial service. They also share their handbell videos on their Facebook page, reaching people all over the world with their online musical offerings.

More about the concert at Midland First UMC

Larry and Carla’s Sunday evening program will include a selection of beloved hymns, classical pieces and traditional melodies. They’ll demonstrate the traditional “4-in-hand” technique, using just eight handbells for each piece. Their program will include Amazing Grace, Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing, He Leadeth Me, and other familiar melodies. Larry and Carla will also talk about handbells and their history.

This handbell concert will take place in the Chapel at Midland First UMC, and is free to attend.

About the Next Generation Music Concert Series

From the Midland First UMC website: “The “Next Generation Music Concert Series” was created to spotlight the up-and-coming sacred and degreed musicians in Michigan and the surrounding area. We aim to support those who are entering and serving in a music career by offering a chance for each musician to perform a full work of their favorite pieces and own compositions.“