Emmy Okazawa-Bortolin, Handbell Soloist (and friends)

Emmy discovered handbells in 1984 with Robertson-Wesley Ringers in Edmonton and rang also with Resonance Appeal (elite performance choir) and Four-by-Four (quartet) under the direction of Bill Hutton and Bruce Wheatcroft. As handbell soloist, clinician and guest conductor, she is in high demand locally as well as across Canada and has graced the international stage in New York City, Liverpool, Singapore, Osaka, Livingston (MT), Colorado Springs (CO) and Brisbane.

Emmy performs on 3 octaves of Malmark handbells using a variety of small ensemble ringing techniques including solo weaving and four-in-hand (two bells in each hand). What makes this unique is that these 37 bells are normally rung by 10 or 11 pairs of hands in a typical choir.

She will be joined today by friends Ritu Gurjar on handbells, Reinhard Sunnus on flute, Nico Bortolin on trumpet, and piano accompanist Minako Hulkenberg. Emmy is available for guest performances, concerts, workshops, weddings and other special events.

Watch this amazing YouTube video of  an earlier PA@N handbell concert featuring Emmie Okazawa-Bortolin  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3wFsH5ZB0c