The First Unitarian Universalist Society in Newton is hosting a series of free summer chime concerts, and the next (and last) one will be offered at 5PM on August 19 and will continue for about one hour.
The concerts feature veteran Cornell University chimes masters Bob Feldman, Cathy Longley-Cook, and Jenny Xia, as well as Paul Antonucci, Neal Klinman, and others. Bob and Paul regularly play the West Newton chime on Sunday mornings.
Forged by the McShane foundry in 1916, the chime consists of eleven bells housed in the tower of the First Unitarian Universalist Society’s historic landmark building. The bells range in weight from 575 pounds to 3,350 pounds, with a combined weight just shy of seven tons. Musicians play the chime by pushing 11 wooden hand levers, each connected by cable and pulleys to the clapper of a bell.
Listeners will be able to enjoy the music from throughout West Newton Square. The public is welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets — as well as refreshments from home or any of West Newton’s several restaurants — to the church grounds at 1326 Washington Street, across from Newton Police Headquarters. The concerts will take place rain or shine. Indoor seating will be provided in case of rain.
