Our Story

Philadelphia Bronze was founded in 2008 through the vision of Martha Alford, who brought together a group of talented ringers seeking a challenging and rewarding musical experience. Originally established as Main Line Ringers, the ensemble began by performing on a borrowed set of handbells. Over the years, the group grew steadily, first acquiring two octaves of choirchimes and eventually expanding its collection to five octaves.

As the ensemble evolved, Main Line Ringers rebranded as Philadelphia Bronze in 2013, reflecting its broader reach across the greater Philadelphia region. In 2017, following Martha Alford Matthews’ relocation to Michigan, Hyosang Park was appointed Artistic Director, marking a new chapter in the ensemble’s development.

Philadelphia Bronze celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2023-2024 Season, a milestone year that included an invitation to perform at the Handbell Musicians of America National Seminar in Hartford, Connecticut. The ensemble also marked the occasion by acquiring its first five-octave set of Malmark handbells.

Philadelphia Bronze has continued to expand its instrumental range, adding lower sixth-octave choirchimes in 2025 and lower seventh-octave choirchimes in 2026. The ensemble is now working toward further expanding its handbell collection with upper upper sixth-octave bells and aluminum bells.

Today, Philadelphia Bronze brings together dedicated musicians from across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, whose combined experience represents more than 300 years of handbell ringing.

Weekly rehearsals focus on precision, musical expression, movement, and meticulous attention to the composer’s original intent—particularly in the performance of orchestral transcriptions. The ensemble’s repertoire spans a wide range of musical genres while remaining rooted in its artistic vision: “Elegant Energy.”