Local residents will get a chance to see an English handbell ensemble perform Christmas music in a special, free concert Saturday, Dec. 1.

The Chicago Bronze will present Christmas in the City at Community Presbyterian Church of Lombard, with its 14 members performing a variety of music including sacred, secular, classical, jazz and old favorites.

The ensemble is directed by Philip L. Roberts, who also is director of choirs at Community Presbyterian.

“Every bell is a key on the piano,” Roberts explained. “It has its own pitch.”

Music for handbells looks much like piano music, he said, only with more notes.

“They’re percussionists, not melody players,” he said. “It’s many players playing one instrument. ... It’s a little bit challenging. It becomes very exciting and rewarding for anyone who rings. It’s the ultimate team musical experience.”

In all, the ensemble members ring five octaves of handbells, which means 61 bells, and four octaves of handchimes, or 48 chimes. Each member rings a note, such as an F, along with the bells that ring sharp or flat for the same note, he said.

The ensemble was formed in May 1999 by alumni of a handbell course at Harper College, he said.

“It’s alumni of the classes who chose to stay together,” he said. “This is my fourth year as director.”

There are two times of the year when the ensemble, which also records music for GIA Publications, is in demand for concerts: Christmas and spring.

“Our schedule is well defined by October,” Roberts said. “Our spring concerts are already booked.”

This is the first year Chicago Bronze is performing at Community Presbyterian.

“It’s a special musical treat,” said Betsy Swinson, who does publicity for the church.

Roberts directs two handbell choirs at the church, but Swinson said Chicago Bronze is at a different level.

“It’s expertise above and beyond the average person,” she said. “This outstanding group is performing in our community church.”

She hasn’t heard Chicago Bronze perform before.

“It’s all the more reason to be looking forward to this,” she said.

She emphasized that the concert is open to the public. Although it is a free, a goodwill offering will be taken.

Roberts believes people will enjoy the concert.

“These are all exceptionally talented musicians,” he said. “People are always impressed by our musicality and our presentation.”

For more information, call (630) 627-0307.