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International Handbell Symposium

Originating in 1988, the International Handbell Symposium is the opportunity for handbell ringers and directors from around the world to come together and share a first-class musical experience that goes beyond the boundaries of language. Symposium takes place every two years, the location rotating between the eight current members: Australasia, Canada, Great Britain, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and the United States. Ringers from these countries and more meet with the shared goal of fostering better communication between ringers of the member nations, maintaining high musical standards of ringing and performance, and encouraging continued interaction between countries. The event features rehearsals and performances by as many as 1,000 ringers at one time under the batons of top handbell conductors from around the world. In addition, a series of concerts featuring individual choirs from each country are offered throughout the event as well as classes focusing on handbell techniques, cultural awareness, repertoire, and much more.

2026 International Handbell Symposium
Date: 4-8 August 2026
Host Country:Great Britain  "Bridging the World Through Music"

Past International Handbell Symposia

The 21st Int'l Handbell Symposium

Hamamatsu, Japan  “Ring the Future”

2024

The 20th Int'l Handbell Symposium

Nashville, United States  “Out of Many, One”

2022

The 19th Int'l Handbell Symposium

Hong Kong  “Here the Pearl, Hear we Ring” (Cancelled)

2020

The 18th Int'l Handbell Symposium

Cairns, Australia  “Together in Harmony • The Reef and Rainforest Ring”

2018

The 17th Int'l Handbell Symposium

Vancouver, British Columbia  “Music of Our Lands and Our Lives”

2016

The 16th Int'l Handbell Symposium

Jeju, Korea  “Ring for Beautiful World”

2014

The 15th Int'l Handbell Symposium

Liverpool, England  “The World in One City”

2012

The 14th Int'l Handbell Symposium

Osaka, Japan  “Echoes for Peace”

2010

The 13th Int'l Handbell Symposium

Orlando, Florida, USA  “Ringing in Unity”

2008

The 12th Int'l Handbell Symposium

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia  “Unity in Diversity”

2006

The 11th Int'l Handbell Symposium

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

2004

The 10th Int'l Handbell Symposium

Busan, South Korea

2002

The 9th Int'l Handbell SymposiumBirmingham, United Kingdom

2000

The 8th Int'l Handbell Symposium

Chiba, Japan

1998

The 7th Int'l Handbell Symposium

Albuqueraue, New Mexico, USA

1996

The 6th Int'l Handbell Symposium

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

1994

The 5th Int'l Handbell Symposium

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

1992

The 4th Int'l Handbell Symposium

Seoul, South Korea

1990

The 3rd Int'l Handbell Symposium

Exeter, United Kingdom

1988

The 2nd Int'l Handbell Symposium

Gotemba, Japan

1986

The 1st Int'l Handbell Symposium

Arcata, California, USA

1984