The Estonian American National Council warmly welcomes the Arsis Handbell Ensemble to the U.S. and congratulates them on their invitation to perform at the acclaimed Pinnacle Festival, a well-deserved recognition of their artistic excellence. The international festival is organized by the Handbell Musicians of America, and takes place on July 11 in Wichita, Kansas.

Scroll down for full press release

The Estonian American National Council warmly welcomes the Arsis Handbell Ensemble to the U.S. and congratulates them on their invitation to perform at the acclaimed Pinnacle Festival, a well-deserved recognition of their artistic excellence. The international festival is organized by the Handbell Musicians of America, and takes place on July 11 in Wichita, Kansas.

The Estonian American National Council is proud to support the internationally recognized Arsis Handbell Ensemble’s 2025 U.S. tour, bringing the unique and captivating voice of Estonian musical tradition to audiences across America. The tour runs from July 7–16 and will travel through Maryland, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Kansas, Illinois, and Ohio.

“This summer has been a cultural high for Estonians around the world,” said Leelo Linask, Executive Director of the Estonian American National Council. “With the National Song and Dance Festival recently celebrated in Tallinn, we’re honored to continue that cultural momentum by supporting the Arsis Handbell Ensemble’s tour through several U.S. states, including Maryland, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Kansas, Illinois, and Ohio—regions that don’t always get the spotlight on major tours. This tour offers a wonderful opportunity to introduce  Estonian performers to American public and strengthen cultural bonds between Estonians at home and abroad.”

This tour marks Arsis’s return back to the U.S. after a decade—a milestone welcomed with great enthusiasm by both musicians and audiences.

“It has been ten years since Arsis last toured in America, so it’s incredibly exciting to see and hear how the tradition of handbell music has evolved there, and at what level today’s ensembles are performing,” said Aivar Mäe, conductor of the ensemble. He emphasized that the touring ensemble is especially distinguished: all members are graduates of the Arsis Handbell School and were selected through a competitive audition process.

The concert program will spotlight the ensemble’s musical virtuosity while also introducing audiences to Estonia’s rich and diverse musical landscape.

“The works selected for this tour showcase both the technical finesse and expressive artistry of the ensemble,” Mäe continued. “We’re proud to include works by Estonian composers such as Heino Eller, Arvo Pärt, and Tõnu Kõrvits, whose music reflects the depth and beauty of our national tradition.” The ensemble is particularly thrilled to perform Pärt´s music on tour, during  the year of the composer´s 90^th birthday.

Tour manager Tiina Boucher referenced a broader significance of the tour: “It is especially meaningful that this tour is supported by the Estonian American National Council. Their commitment underscores the value of preserving and sharing Estonian cultural heritage beyond our borders. This partnership strengthens ties with the Estonian-American community and helps introduce Estonian music to a wider international audience.”

With performances scheduled in major cities and smaller communities alike, the Arsis Handbell Ensemble’s tour offers a rare opportunity to experience one of Estonia’s most innovative musical ensembles live. The concerts are offered free of charge to the public.

Tour dates and locations listed below.

---

Contacts:

Estonian American National Council, www.estosite.org, Leelo Linask: erku@estosite.org, tel +1 978 397 0020

ARSIS hanbell ensemble, www.arsis.ee, Tiina Boucher: info@arsis.ee

---

Tour Schedule and Venues:

• July 7 at 7 PM (Baltimore, MD) – Church of the Resurrection, 11525 Greenspring Ave,
  Timonium, MD 21093
• July 8 at 7 PM (Pittsburgh, PA) – Saints John and Paul Church – Cardinal DiNardo
  Center, 2586 Wexford Bayne Rd., Sewickley, PA 15143
• July 9 at 7 PM – (Louisville, KY) – Christ Church United Methodist, 4614 Brownsboro
  Rd., Louisville, KY 40207
• July 11 – (Wichita, KS) – Pinnacle 2025 Festival, Century II Performing Arts Center,
  225 W Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67202
• July 12 – (Alton, IL) – Benjamin Godfrey Memorial Chapel, 5800 Godfrey Rd., Godfrey,
  IL 62035
• July 13 at 6 PM – (Chicago, IL) – Christus Victor Lutheran Church, 1045 S. Arlington
  Heights Rd., Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
• July 15 at 7 PM – (Akron, OH) – First Congregational Church of Akron – The Upper
  Room, 292 East Market St., Akron, OH 44308
• July 16 at 7 PM – (Hershey, PA) – First United Methodist Church, 64 W Chocolate Ave,
  Hershey, PA 17033