by Mimi Montgomery

The Raleigh Ringers know how to take their act on the road: The internationally acclaimed handbell choir travels up and down the East Coast to perform in as many as 25 concerts a year. They’ve hit more than 39 states, Washington, D.C., France, and Canada. “We keep a pretty busy schedule,” says director David Harris.

The group’s popularity is due in large part to its unique approach.

Harris started the Raleigh Ringers with fellow enthusiasts in 1990 because he wanted a community-based handbell group that wasn’t confined to purely traditional performances. “We wanted to push the art a little more, and not just do church-worship things, but do handbell concerts with a variety of music,” he says. That’s clear when you check out their playlist, which ranges from Tchaikovsky to AC/DC; Bach to Guns N’ Roses.

But, of course, come holiday season, the group shifts to classic carols. This winter, the Ringers are celebrating their 25th anniversary with two holiday concerts December 13 and 14. As part of the milestone event, the group has invited alumni ringers to be recognized and perform alongside them. It’ll be a celebration of all things merry and bright – and musical, too.  

4 p.m. Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Monday; $19, $17 for seniors and students; Meymandi Concert Hall, 2 E. South St.; rr.org