/Embellish Handbell Ensemble
/JRP Studio/Jason Reiffer
Embellish Handbell Ensemble is excited to announce the release of their “Celtic Dreams” CD, recorded at River City Studios here in Grand Rapids.
“It takes a village” seems to be a fitting mantra for the effort involved in producing this addition to the group’s discography. Expenses were covered by community members’ contributions to a Kickstarter campaign, Aquinas College generously provided rehearsal and storage space, and GIA Publications, Inc., Production Manager and Handbell Editor, Philip Roberts, graciously donated his time and expertise to produce the music.
“Celtic Dreams” is Embellish’s third CD, and joins “The Colors of Bronze” (2001), and “Embellish the Season” (2005). Despite the decade-long gap between recordings, the group is well-versed in laying down tracks in the studio. Since the fall of 2010, Embellish has been recording handbell music for GIA Publications out of Chicago.
In addition to their regular concert schedule, tours, and outreach events, the group reserves at least three dates each season specifically to record tracks for music that will be released in the following year’s GIA catalog. To date, Embellish has recorded well over one hundred pieces of handbell music for GIA, including those specifically designated for the series named in honor of the group. Embellish currently is working on their seventh CD for this publishing company.
When asked about working with Embellish in the recording studio, Roberts had this to say:
“I’m extremely honored to be associated with Embellish of Grand Rapids. As the production manager and handbell editor for GIA Publications, Inc., I know that well-performed, high quality recordings are essential to successfully marketing and selling handbell music. Their musicianship and talent is among the best in the industry, and I’m ever so grateful to them for providing GIA with sparkling, vibrant recordings. Furthermore, our composers and arrangers have indicated, on many occasions, how pleased they are when listening to their work performed by this excellent ensemble. Under the superb musical direction of Stephanie Wiltse, Embellish thrives as one of the country’s outstanding musical groups.”
“Celtic Dreams” offers a variety of toe-tapping tunes, ballads, and even some Christmas music inspired by the British Isles, as well as a piece commissioned in secret by the group in 2012, to recognize Stephanie Wiltse’s fifteenth year as Music Director. Also featured are members of Embellish playing bell tree, percussion, flute, and violin.
The group is celebrating the culmination of this project with a CD release concert on Tuesday, November 1, 2016, at 7:30 pm, in the performing arts center of the Salvation Army Kroc Center, 2500 South Division. Embellish will be performing many of the pieces from “Celtic Dreams,” and there will be a drawing to win a copy of the CD.
Tickets are available in advance by visiting embellishhandbells.com, and they also will be available at the door. Advance tickets are $10.00 for adults, $8.00 for seniors, and free for students. Tickets will be $12.00 at the door. In addition to being available at the concert, copies of “Celtic Dreams” may be purchased for $17 (including shipping/handling) from Embellish’s website.
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