Bells At Temple Square

Ever since the arrival of the pioneer settlers in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847, music has rung out from Temple Square in praise of God, lifting the spirits of listeners around the world. In March 2005, a new sound was added to that musical tradition with the creation of the Bells at Temple Square, organized as part of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square organization.

For many years, the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square borrowed handbells from local high school ensembles to enhance concert performances. Later, an anonymous donation made possible the purchase of handbells for the Choir. A 7-octave set of handbells, a 6½-octave set of handbells, and two 6-octave sets of handchimes made it possible for a new ensemble to join the others on Temple Square. The result is a truly unique handbell choir with two sets of handbells and handchimes playing in tandem.

When the formation of a bell choir was announced in February 2005, extensive auditions were held and 28 musicians were selected to be the charter members of Bells at Temple Square. Like the members of The Tabernacle Choir, Orchestra, and Chorale at Temple Square, the members of Bells at Temple Square are all volunteers.

Today, the Bells at Temple Square, a handbell choir of 32 musicians, performs two handbell concerts (semi-annually) in the Tabernacle each year. The Bells also enhance the concerts and recordings of The Tabernacle Choir.

Geoff Anderson conducts the handbell choir.