Friday University Circle Lunctime Carillon Concert and Live Stream

The Alexander McGaffin Memorial Carillon is the only cast-bell carillon in the city of Cleveland, Ohio. The 47 bronze bells weigh a total of 15,000 pounds and are played by a performer high in the tower at an all mechanical console. The performer used his fists and feet to move the clappers against the bells. The concert is free and open to all. Parking is free in the parking lot in front of the tower on Euclid Avenue. The audience is invited to listen from their cars, or wander the campus areas around the tower. The concerts will also be live-streamed. Performers include George Leggiero, University Circle carillonneur and guests. The music will include classical, popular, folk music as well as composition written for carillon. Check the Friends of the McGaffin website for details and the link to the live stream.  www.ucbells.org

The Alexander McGaffin Carillon was cast and installed in 1968 by the Royal Eijsbouts Bell Foundry in Asten, The Netherlands. The art of casting tuned bells and playing them in this manner started in the Low Countries in the 17th century and came to North America in the early twentieth century. The UNESCO Ninth Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in November, 2014 recognized the Belgian carillon culture as an example of best practice in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. We are doing our part to bring this tradition to Greater Cleveland.