She’s back! Photo: James Coleman.
The National Carillon on Lake Burley Griffin has been ensconced in scaffolding since late 2019 for much-needed “façade restoration works”, but even as it all comes down, the work continues inside.
Over September, the public may notice “changes to the pattern of playing”, according to the National Capital Authority (NCA).
Fyshwick-based engineering and construction company Duratec was contracted to clean the 50-metre concrete bell tower from top to bottom, repairing portions along the way and replacing worn or perished external seals.
The roof was also upgraded, many of the windows re-glazed and extra cladding support installed.
The NCA says the work “will ensure the structural integrity and architectural character of the national landmark for future generations”.
The National Carillon was the British government’s gift to Australia for the 50th anniversary of Canberra and was opened on 26 April 1970 by Queen Elizabeth II.
John Gordon, after whom the Queen Elizabeth II Island footbridge is now named, played the inaugural recital.
The clavier in the George Howe Room, about halfway up the tower. Photo: James Coleman.
Where a carillon must house a minimum of 23 bells in its bell chamber, ours goes above and beyond with 57, each cast from bronze and weighing between seven kilograms and six tonnes.
Carillonists play these suspended stationary bells from a keyboard of wooden batons and pedals called a clavier, located about halfway up the tower. A system of cables and wires draws soft iron clappers onto the bells as each wooden baton or pedal is struck.
There’s also a separate automated mechanical system to allow for the quarter-hour striking of the Westminster chimes.
The NCA says technicians from the original Carillon instrument maker, John Taylor Co, have flown from London to the Carillon over the past few months to assist in designing, fabricating and installing new clappers in all 57 bells.
“A six-month commissioning process will follow, during which the NCA will work with carillonists to test the instrument, and then John Taylor Co will make any final adjustments, where considered necessary, around March 2025,” the NCA says.
Local and visiting carillonists perform recitals at the Carillon throughout the year across a range of music styles, from compositions especially written for the carillon to pop songs.
John Taylor Co will finetune the clappers (the red bits) in September. Photo: James Coleman.
NCA CEO Karen Doran adds, “We are working with carillonists to support the return of their wonderful music as soon as possible and expect that Canberrans will be able to once again hear carillonists practising and playing from late September”.
“The feedback of carillonists will help to guide subtle adjustments to the instrumentation to optimise its playability and sound quality.”
Queen Elizabeth II Island has reopened, but the public is asked to stay off any roped areas of grass.
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