Bell Durham Concert - Songs of Hope
Date: Sat, May 2, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Venue: Main Library – Main Auditorium, Durham
Price: Free
Category: Music
<p data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">The theme for our spring concert, "Songs of Hope," is intended to inspire resilience, unity and healing through music. </p> <p>Selections will include three new arrangements by Bell Durham Artistic Director Mitchell Eithun. The first, "Total Praise," is a handbell version of the popular composition by Richard Smallwood, the well-known gospel artist who died in December. The second, "What the World Needs Now Is Love," captures the 1965 Burt Bacharach hit recorded by Jackie DeShannon. The third, "I Dream a World," is based on the celebrated Langston Hughes poem and the choral music of André J. Thomas.</p> <p>Bell Durham will be joined by two accomplished vocalists, Imani McKoy and Tyra Scott, on "I Dream a World." In addition, McKoy will be featured in "Come Sunday," a Duke Ellington piece arranged for handbells and voice by Eithun. </p> <p>Another highlight of the repertoire is "The Bells," a musical setting of the Edgar Allen Poe poem for handbells and chorus by David York. The piece evokes the changing stages of life – from joyous wedding bells to mournful funeral tolls. The concert also will include handbell music from Hong Kong and Puerto Rico.</p> <p>This family friendly event is free and will last about an hour.