Yale Carillon Recital

Join the Yale Postdoctoral Association for a Yale Summer Carillon Concert Series in the beautiful courtyard of Branford College. Every year Yale University Guild of Carillonneurs hosts musicians from all over the World to play the Bells at the Harkness Tower.

Feel free to bring your food and enjoy the weather with some music together with other fellow postdocs!

When: Friday, July 7^th. Meet at 6:45p. Concert at 7:00p

Where: 74 High Street (Near Harkness Tower on Yale Old Campus)

What is a carillon?

A carillon is a musical instrument composed of at least 23 bells, tuned in chromatic sequence. It is played from a console that resembles a simple organ, with batons (for the hands) and pedals (for the feet). These keys move the clappers (metal ball) that strike and sound the bells, which remain stationary. This set-up allows the carillonneur to play with great dynamic expression. For more information, see a brief history and technical discussion on the GCNA website.

The Yale Memorial Carillon

Yale’s 54-bell carillon was cast by John Taylor Bellfoundry in Loughborough, England. The instrument is fully chromatic from G (concert F♯) to C. Pedals range from G to B♭. The playing cabin is accessible by stairs and is located about halfway up the tower. We have two practice consoles in Harkness Tower: the original by John Taylor & Co in 1964 and one by Meeks, Watson, and Company from 2004.