Imagine strolling down Mission Drive in Solvang on a lovely autumn evening and hearing all at once, the pealing bells of every church in town ringing at the same time!  That is exactly what happened on September 15, 1991 in honor of the bicentennial celebration of the Santa Ines Mission. 

While researching this season’s program, I rediscovered The Bells of Santa Ynez by Paul Weston. This well-loved work was inspired during Weston’s first visit here, and it boasts more than sixty years of history in the Valley.  The night in 1991 when all the Church bells rang marked the ninth time that the full musical work with all fourteen numbers was performed in Solvang during its traditional Danish Days celebration. 

The refrain—“These are the bells that welcome wanderers, telling wanderers, here you’ll stay”—captures the spirit of warmth and hospitality that resonates deeply with my experience of the Valley, and I’m sure, all of you who live and visit here.  It’s the inspiration for our Christmas Bells concert theme. 

It’s worth noting that in the ‘50s and ‘60s, Bells composer Weston was a Musical Director at Capitol Records and the Producer of CBS TV Variety shows. During that time he produced and conducted an LP recording of The Bells of Santa Ynez in a Hollywood studio.  It’s a special piece for us, with memories shared by several longtime members, some of whom sang on the recording and performed it live here decades ago. 

For this concert, we’ll present six selections from the cantata, as well as a few holiday favorites, some of which we’ll invite you to sing with us.  And how could we sing about Christmas Bells without the brightness and festive joy of – BELLS!   We’re excited to feature the distinguished handbell ensemble, Mellifluous Dulcet Quartet!  

The concert’s farewell piece is Hine Ma Tov—a timeless Jewish traditional that celebrates harmony. Its Hebrew lyrics translate to: “Now we all gather together in joyful celebration.”