A sparkling and sonorous ensemble of youth musicians, dedicated to excellence in the presentation of sacred, classical and contemporary handbell music; is what defines the dynamic ensemble Extol. Whether in concert at home in the Church of the Transfiguration in Orleans, MA, on tour, or on recordings, these 11 youth handbell ringers bring all the brilliance and expression of a diverse repertoire to bear on a 6 1/2 octave set of Malmark handbells. Through their ringing, Extol (formerly known as Gloriæ Dei Ringers) have brought resounding performances to audiences around the world, in the United States, Russia, Siberia, Italy, Finland, and Switzerland, and to thousands of individuals through their best-selling Christmas recording The Bells of Christmas.
Their repertoire includes original compositions and arrangements by Donald Allured, Barbara Baltzer, Karen Lakey Buckwater, Frances Callahan, Andre Campra, Glenn Shields Daun, Cynthia Dobrinski, Christopher Freilich-Fox, Betty Garee, Fred Gramann, and Michael Hale.
Gloriae Dei Cantores offers a joyful Christmas gift! Paraclete Press is pleased to present the choir's new recording of Christmas music that everyone will love. Be Merry! captures that wonder of Christmas - its joys, mysteries, and sheer delight! Listeners can sing along as the choir shares new arrangements of familiar and beloved Christmas carols like "What Child is This?" and "Deck the Hall" with contributions from Gabriel V Brass and Extol Handbell Choir. The beautiful and festive 24-page booklet enhances each carol, providing a meaningful gift ensemble.
This recording infuses homes with the unique holiday sound of handbells. Having sold over 20,000 copies, The Bells of Christmas includes such classics as "Away in A Manger" and "In the Bleak Midwinter." The Bells of Christmas, recorded by Extol (previously known as Gloriæ Dei Ringers), is an essential addition to any Christmas music collection.
"Dynamically explosive, a good show!" American Record Guide
"This recording goes beyond the usual arrangements of carols to transcriptions weaving dissonances and descants, the very highest and lowest tones, even the use of mallets on the bells to produce an intriguing and beautiful concert." The Living Church