National Carillon

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Carillon seen across Lake Burley Griffin (on the right) by night

The National Carillon is a large carillon situated on Aspen Island in Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra, Australia. It is managed and maintained by the National Capital Authority on behalf of the Commonwealth of Australia.

[edit] History

The shafts

The carillon was a gift from the British government to the people of Australia to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the National Capital, Canberra. Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the National Carillon on 26 April 1970. The 50 metre tall National Carillon tower was designed by Western Australian architects Cameron, Chisholm & Nicol.

In 2004 the upper levels were refurbished and above the bells is a small dining room with attached kitchen and facilities which may be hired for private functions.

[edit] Characteristics

Passenger and service lifts

Carillons must have at least 23 bells to be considered as such, and the National Carillon has 55 (extended from 53 during recent refurbishments [1]). Each bell weighs between seven kilograms and six tonnes. The bells span four and a half octaves chromatically.

The construction is reinforced concrete slabs in a distinctive white shade, set on a level floor consisting of large hexagonal tines. The Carillon is floodlit at night.

The tower is triangular with three large triangular supports, and has a service lift in the western leg and a passenger lift in the southern leg. Each of the three supports also includes an emergency staircase. The raised level of the carillon has three levels: the clavier level consisting of the clavier proper, a practice clavier, a shower and a dressing room for recitals; a level consisting of the bells; and a level consisting of a function and observation room

The Carillon on Aspen Island in Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra, celebrates the 50th Anniversay of Australia's National Capital

The carillon is in regular use with tours and recitals most days. The best place to listen to the carillon is suggested to be within 100 metres of the building, but it is audible from across Lake Burley Griffin.