For Whom the Bell Tolls
This summer, Oakland University (OU) will host a series of free summer carillon concerts featuring carillonneurs from around the world.
The series kicks off on July 6 with a concert by OU’s resident carillonneur, Dennis Curry, and will continue for six Fridays.
Dennis Currey, Carillonneur, Oakland University – Adam Sparkes Photography
The concerts will take place at 6:00 p.m., Fridays next to the Elliott Tower, on OU’s campus. The tower features a fully chromatic 49-bell carillon, which was the last carillon to have its bells and keyboard cast by the Petit and Fritsen Royal Bellfoundry in the Netherlands.
“Bring family, friends and a picnic to enjoy the fountain and this unique instrument,” Curry said.
Guest performers are recognized international carillonneurs who will provide a wide variety of music. Performers include:
- July 6: Dennis Curry of Oakland University & Kirk in the Hills
- July 13: Roy Kroezen of Centralia, Ill.
- July 20: Joey Brink of the University of Chicago
- July 27: Philippe Buellens of Leuven, Belgium
- August 3: Muye Zhang of Yale University
- August 10: Julianne Vanden Wyngaard of Grand Valley State University
“The opening concert will feature kids of all ages, with face painting, craft projects and, of course, the sounds of the bells,” Curry said.
Tours of the tower will follow each recital.
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