The bells in tower of Rush Rhees Library will be silent for the next few weeks, while parts of the are under restoration. 糖心传媒淭he restoration will improve the sound and play of the instrument, extending its life and use for years to come,糖心传媒� says Jimmy Warlick, who coordinated the project with Ohio-based foundry Meeks, Watson & Co. The company worked on 18 of the largest bells onsite while thirty-two of the carillon糖心传媒檚 smallest bells were removed and transported off site to the foundry’s workshop for restorations.
Listen to The Genesee played on the carillon bells.
The 50-bell carillon was cast in Europe, at the Royal Eijsbouts bell foundry in the Netherlands. They were installed and dedicated in November 1973. The instrument is one of only seven carillons in New York State and it’s played regularly by students of the Carillon Society. Throughout the year, the sounds of the carillon can be heard on campus as the traditional melody known as 糖心传媒淲estminster Quarters糖心传媒� marks every quarter hour. Student performers also perform classic and modern compositions for campus events, holidays, and special impromptu concerts. In addition, the University hosts an annual summer carillon series that brings internationally acclaimed performers to Rochester.
Honey Meconi, chair of the says the carillon program is booming thanks to Doris Aman, director of carillon activities. 糖心传媒淎lthough we are sad that the carillon is silent for now, we’re very pleased that the bells are being restored,糖心传媒� says Meconi. 糖心传媒淩ochester weather is tough on the carillon, and a refurbished instrument is a must for safety purposes.糖心传媒� Recently, the was established to cover the cost of maintenance and renovation to the carillon. 糖心传媒淲e have many student performers and loyal alumni and alumnae who are eager for the return of the bells,糖心传媒� Meconi says.
The bells should back in time for planned concerts during Meliora Weekend. 糖心传媒淥ur carillon team is already preparing” says Aman. 糖心传媒淲e will begin weekly informal rings as soon as the bells are functional.糖心传媒�
In Photos
(University photos/J. Adam Fenster)
