The Singing Tower - Netherlands Centennial Carillon Victoria, BC
N 48° 25.225 W 123° 22.108
10U E 472738 N 5363095
The Singing Tower, The Netherlands Centennial Carillon, Victoria, BC (1967; 49 bells, increased to 62 bells in 1971). This sounds so beautiful through out the harbor when it is being played.
Waymark Code: WM1YVH
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Date Posted: 08/05/2007
Views: 199
The Carillon was a gift from British Columbia's Dutch community to honor Canada's one hundredth birthday in 1967. Her Majesty Queen Juliana of the Netherlands unveiled the cornerstone of this tower on May 23, 1967, it now sits in the garden below.
A carillon is a musical instrument with a set of 23 or more bronze bells. This carillon the largest in Canada, has 62 bells. It is housed at the top of this tower which stands 89 feet tall. The largest bell weighs 1500 kilos.
To play the carillon a musician climbs the 75 steps of the spiral staircase and then a 10 step ladder. There a carilloneur depresses the keys and pedals of the clavier to play a song on the bells. Carillon bells do not swing, they ring when struck by clappers connected with wires to the clavier.
Centennial Carillon Tower
Centennial Court
Government & Belleville Streets
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Traditional carillon of 62 bells
Pitch of heaviest bell is D in the middle octave
Transposition is up 2 semitone(s)
Keyboard range: C D / C G
There is one missing bass semitone
There is a non-identical practice console
The instrument was enlarged in 1971
with bells made by Petit & Fritsen
Prior history:
In 1967, the instrument was begun with 49 bells
by Petit & Fritsen
Year of latest technical information source is 1973
Summer schedule of recitals and recitalists (verify when you come subject to change)
Sundays, 3:00 p.m., May - October
Saturdays, 3:00 p.m., July - August
Additional recitals on civic and national holidays
Rosemary Laing, Carillonneur