Performance at Bethesda United Methodist Church

Public performance at Bethesda United Methodist Church.

Capital Carillon, the Washington-area handbell ensemble known for performances at venues including the National Portrait Gallery, will open its 30th anniversary season with two free concerts this May. The program features the world premiere of Carillon Rhapsody by Caleb Onstead, commissioned for the anniversary, alongside classic handbell literature and popular favorites including “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman and music from Pirates of the Caribbean. Carillon Rhapsody showcases the ensemble’s full instrumentation, including Petit and Fritzen bells and Silver Melody Bells alongside 6.5 octaves of Malmark handbells and 6 octaves of Malmark choir chimes. Audiences will hear the full range of what a handbell ensemble can do — from the delicate, shimmering textures of the specialty bells to the cinematic sweep of film scores.

The concert is free and open to the public; a free-will offering will be received.

For more information, visit www.capitalcarillon.org. Capital Carillon is a Washington, D.C.-area community handbell ensemble now in its 30th season.