Arsis Handbell Ensemble Embarks on U.S. Tour This July
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The Arsis Handbell Ensemble from Estonia, led by conductor Aivar Mäe, has been selected to perform at Pinnacle 2025, one of the most renowned handbell music festivals in the United States. Held in Wichita, Kansas, the festival features only top ensembles chosen through a competitive selection process. It is a great honor for Arsis to represent Estonia on this international stage.
The concert tour will take place from July 5 to 18, 2025, with performances in eight U.S. cities: Baltimore (MD), Pittsburgh (PA), Louisville (KY), Wichita (KS), Alton (IL), Chicago (IL), Akron (OH), and Hershey (PA). All concerts are free of charge.
The tour program includes works that highlight the ensemble’s technical mastery and musical artistry, while also introducing audiences to Estonia’s rich musical heritage. Featured Estonian composers include Heino Eller, Arvo Pärt, and Tõnu Kõrvits.
The Arsis Handbell Ensemble is a unique phenomenon in Estonian musical culture and has been active for nearly 32 years. The ensemble has proven its high artistic level both at home and abroad, having performed in countries across the globe—including China, the United States, Canada, Israel, and most European countries. The 12 performers taking part in the U.S. tour are all graduates of the Arsis Handbell School and were selected for the concert ensemble through a competitive process.
The tour is made possible with the support of the Estonian American National Council (EANC), AS Tallink Grupp, GIGA Ehitus OÜ, and the Estonian Cultural Endowment.
Tour Schedule and Venues:
- July 7 at 7 PM (Baltimore, MD) - Church of the Resurrection, 11525 Greenspring Ave, Timonium, MD 21093
- July 8 at 7 PM (Pittsburgh, PA) – Saints John and Paul Church – Cardinal DiNardo Center, 2586 Wexford Bayne Rd., Sewickley, PA 15143
- July 9 at 7 PM – (Louisville, KY) - Christ Church United Methodist, 4614 Brownsboro Rd., Louisville, KY 40207
- July 11 at 6 PM – (Wichita, KS) - Pinnacle 2025 Festival, Century II Performing Arts Center, Mary Jane Teall Theatre, 225 W Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67202
- July 12 at 7 PM – (Alton, IL) - Benjamin Godfrey Memorial Chapel, 5800 Godfrey Rd., Godfrey, IL 62035
- July 13 at 6 PM – (Chicago, IL) - Christus Victor Lutheran Church, 1045 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
- July 15 at 7 PM – (Akron, OH) - First Congregational Church of Akron – The Upper Room, 292 East Market St., Akron, OH 44308
- July 16 at 7 PM – (Hershey, PA) - First United Methodist Church, 64 W Chocolate Ave, Hershey, PA 17033
