The International Carillon Festival, first held in 1962, is lauded as one of the world’s most important and prestigious carillon events. The Festival has earned an unsurpassed tradition of presenting the world’s finest carillonists/carillonneurs. During the past five decades, the Festival has featured carillonists from: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, and the United States.
The Festival is presented by the Springfield Park District with the support of The Rees Carillon Society and The Carillon Belles. Individuals and families are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner as well as lawn chairs and blankets. Several monitors will be positioned around the tower to view the playing keyboard and carillonists during the performance. All concerts are about 45 minutes in duration.
As always this is a free event. Donations will be accepted and are very much appreciated.
The Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, located in Washington Park, will host the annual International Carillon Festival on Thursday, June 1 through Sunday, June 4. This year’s festival boasts nightly concerts from guest carillonists, local musicians, and an array of new activities to appeal to all ages.
Friday, June 2nd
6:00p: Springfield Saxes
6:30p: Carillon Concert by Marcel Siebers – The Netherlands
7:20p: Carillon Concert by Tim Sleep – Illinois
A spectacular fireworks show will end the night at dusk!