Ringing in the new year

You probably know that the handbell favorite “Carol of the Bells” is a Ukrainian folk tune. But did you know that it’s also a song celebrating New Year’s? Originally titled Shchedryk, it tells the story of a swallow flying into a household to sing of good fortune that will come with the following spring.

Several years ago, Bells of the Cascades collaborated with Portland ensemble Pink Martini on a version of “Carol of the Bells” — take a listen!

Like the bird in the song, we wish you a happy and healthy new year, from all of us at Bells of the Cascades. We stand with Ukraine!