Russian Chapel Hills Winery will host traditional Russian bell-ringing performances Friday, Dec. 26 at 2 p.m.; Wednesday, Dec. 31 at 5 p.m.; and Saturday, Jan. 10 at 2 p.m. All concerts will be held at the winery.

Gabriel Gaidenak will play the bilo, a standing framework of flat bells struck by mallet producing a resonant, meditative sound. The instrument, Medvedev said, represents a lost style used long ago for church services in Russia that is today, because of music enthusiasts, making a comeback. The sound of Russian bell-ringing has been called “music of the soul.”

Medvedev settled in Polk County in 2009, buying the former Green Creek Vineyards and opening his Russian Chapel Hills Winery. In 2014, St. Anna Chapel, a traditional 17th-century style Russian Orthodox chapel was built in the vineyard, adding to the scenic view from the tasting room. Consecrated by the Eastern Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR), the chapel holds services at special times throughout the year and is available for weddings and special occasions. For information call 828-817-7260.

 

-Submitted by Gina Malone