MEQUON, Wis. - Concordia University Wisconsin's nationally-renowned Alleluia Ringers will be hosting a concert on Sunday, April 30, at 3:30 p.m. in Concordia's in the Chapel of Christ Triumphant.

Admission is $7 for adults and children under 18 are free with the exception of Christmas at Concordia.  Tickets may be purchased at the door.  All seating is by general admission.  For more information call 262.243.4405.

The program will include original works, hymn arrangements, and orchestral transcriptions for handbells. It begins with an original piece based on English change ringing patterns called "Towers," by Cathy Moklebust. A new setting of the Gospel hymn, "I Love To Tell the Story," was arranged by New London, WI. composer, Sandra Eithun.  

In May, the group will be making a concert tour of Latvia so a medley of Latvian children's songs entitled "A Latvian Day" was arranged by director, Dr. John Behnke. This piece will be premiered at the concert.     

The Alleluia Ringers are an auditioned group of 13 student musicians who play 133 handbells and handchimes. Since its inception in the fall of 1986, The Alleluia Ringers have earned the distinction of being one of the finest handbell choirs in the United States.

The group has three times played with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Doc Severinsen. They have also made two tours to Germany and two tours to Norway, Sweden, and Estonia. In 2001, they were selected to play for Handbell Spectacular in Palm Springs, CA. The group also records the demo CDs for The American Guild of English Handbell Ringers, Inc.  

This is Dr. Behnke's 20th year of directing this exceptional group of young people. He is a highly acclaimed organ recitalist and teacher, handbell director and clinician, and composer of church music. Behnke's compositions are in print with 17 different publishers in the United States, Taiwan, and Germany, and he has been the recipient of ASCAP composers grants each year since 1998.