RiverBend Bronze Spring Concert

Where the River Bends: Postcard of the Quad Cities receives World Premier from RiverBend Bronze! In 2023, RiverBend Bronze commissioned what was to be a major work for handbells from Indianapolis-based composer Jason Krug. After spending a weekend in the Quad Cities, the nationally-recognized Krug returned a five-movement work celebrating our Quad City community. Where the River Bends utilizes all of RiverBend Bronze’s unique resources: Petit and Fritsen bells from Holland, Whitechapel handbells cast in England, and from America, 7-octaves of Schulmerich handbells, aluminum “greatbass” bells from Malmark, and orchestral chimes. Over 300 bells and chimes painting a musical portrait of railroads, agriculture, industry, our rich jazz heritage, and this nation’s great river flowing through our Quad Cities. Concerts are Saturday, April 27, at First Presbyterian Church, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and on Sunday, April 28, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Moline. These concerts are free and the public is invited to attend. A free-will offering will be accepted. RiverBend Bronze is the Quad Cities premier handbell ensemble. Hailing from communities in Western Illinois and Eastern Iowa, these 20+ volunteer bell-ringers started practice in January and continue to meet for a minimum three hours of rehearsal each week.