Our Story

Founded in 2007, Ministry of Bellz (MOB) is Singapore’s only independent not-for-profit English handbell ensemble dedicated to advancing the art of handbell performance through artistic innovation, education, community engagement and international collaboration. Established to provide a long-term artistic home for school handbell musicians beyond graduation, MOB has since evolved into one of Asia’s most internationally active handbell organisations, continuously redefining how handbell music is created, experienced and shared.

 

Over the past two decades, MOB has presented more than 400 performances across Singapore and overseas, including appearances in Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. From concert halls and festivals to community spaces, schools and corporate events, MOB has introduced thousands of audiences to the versatility of English handbells through imaginative programming and multidisciplinary collaborations.

 

Recognised for its distinctive Singaporean artistic identity, MOB blends traditional English handbell techniques with contemporary musical influences, incorporating percussion, keyboards and diverse cultural styles to create concert experiences that are innovative, accessible and relevant to today’s audiences. Its repertoire spans classical, jazz, Disney, Latin, Asian-inspired music, contemporary works and original Singaporean arrangements, reflecting the nation’s multicultural spirit while continually pushing the artistic boundaries of the art form.

 

Beyond performance, MOB is deeply committed to arts education and community engagement. It has developed National Arts Council Arts Education Programme (NAC-AEP) endorsed programmes for schools and is an Arts & Disability Partner under the National Arts Council’s Artist-in-School Scheme (AISS) for Special Education (SPED) schools. MOB also pioneered Singapore’s first sensory-friendly handbell concert in 2016, supports music teacher education at the National Institute of Education, and has introduced countless participants to handbell music through workshops, learning programmes and community outreach initiatives.

 

As an active contributor to Singapore’s handbell ecosystem, MOB has initiated and supported numerous sector development projects, including SINGBellz FEST, Afternoon with the Bellz, the MOB Learning & Engagement Programme, the Singapore Book of Records Largest Handbell Ensemble projects, and the production of the inaugural Asia-Pacific Ringing Weekend 2026. The ensemble also plays a leading role in supporting the Singapore Handbell Festival, Handbells Asia initiatives and the development of handbell education and assessment in Singapore.

 

MOB’s commitment to artistic excellence has earned national and international recognition, including Gold with Honours, Gold and Silver Awards at the Hong Kong International Handbell Olympics. Its musicians regularly collaborate with distinguished conductors, composers, orchestras, choirs and performing artists from Singapore and around the world, fostering meaningful cultural exchange while raising Singapore’s profile within the international handbell community.

 

Led by founder and Music Director Baba (Hon. Dr.) Damien Lim, together with a faculty of Singaporean conductors and Principal Guest Conductors from Japan, Hong Kong and the United States, MOB continues to nurture future generations of performers while inspiring new audiences through innovation, inclusion and artistic excellence.

 

Vision

 

A 21st Century handbell ensemble on the world stage—continually redefining and reinventing the art form, making it relevant, accessible and meaningful for today’s society.