Raleigh Ringers to ring in holidays at ‘The Smith’
The Raleigh Ringers will perform a mix of sacred, secular and pop music, including a few famous rock ’n’ roll songs arranged just for handbells. {Contributed photo}
The Raleigh Ringers, an internationally acclaimed handbell ensemble, will perform a holiday program November 21 at the Edward C. Smith Civic Center in downtown Lexington.
The performance is the first sponsored by the civic center since the pandemic lockdown in March 2020. The event is an annual fundraiser for the venue known as “The Smith.”
“The last time we had them here was in 2019 and we’ve been wanting to have them back,” said Suzie Zimmerman, executive director of the civic center.
“It’s a very well-attended event and people come from all over the Triad, as well as the state,” she said, noting the group performs a mix of sacred, secular and pop music, including a few famous rock ’n’ roll songs arranged just for handbells.
The 17 members of the ensemble are directed by David M. Harris, who has been the director of the Raleigh Ringers since January 1990, when he was instrumental in its formation. The group has recorded and produced seven CDs of secular and sacred music and produced two holiday concert video recordings. They have performed in 39 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, France and England.
“I think people are used to thinking of ringers in their church, and it’s the same skill set, but it’s a different level — it’s like an orchestra,” Zimmerman explained. “And they bring a lot of humor into the performance. The performers and conductor are really fun to watch. In this specific field, they’re at the top of their game. They’ve made a real name for themselves.”
The performance will be from 5 to 7p.m. Nov. 21, the Sunday before Thanksgiving, with doors opening at 4:30p.m. General seating tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children under 12. Tickets can be purchased online in advance at the civic center’s website. They may also be purchased at the door beginning at 4:30p.m. Masks are required inside the venue.
The Raleigh Ringers performance coincides with the annual Uptown Lexington Christmas Open House, which runs from 1 to 6 p.m. that Sunday, and concludes with a tree-lighting ceremony on the Square.
The festive annual open house features historic horse and carriage rides, Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Polar Express train ride, hot chocolate, stores open for holiday shopping and music throughout the district from local bands, church choirs and a local DJ.
“We’re hoping that will bring in more people for both groups,” Zimmerman added.
