The Royal Carillon School "Jef Denyn" blows out 100 candles. This will be celebrated extensively in Mechelen together with various choirs and the Mechelen Chamber Orchestra. On the menu is an exclusive Flemish programme including the Dahomese Rhapsody and Carillon Cantata by August De Boeck.
In Mechelen you have been able to listen to carillon concerts every summer since 1892. City carillonneur Jef Denyn then made the carillon a modern musical instrument. Today the city has five operational carillons, including two monumental instruments in the Sint-Romboutstoren. The youngest in the series is the chamber carillon in the Sinte-Mettetuin, which introduces the carillon art into the concert hall.
The beating heart of Mechelen's carillon culture is the Royal Carillon School Jef Denyn. It was founded exactly 100 years ago thanks to financial support from America. With the establishment of this school, Jef Denyn pioneered; it was the first of its kind and immediately attracted students from all over the world. Denyn also made history by admitting female students. Previously, the carillon was only played by men.
As an international institute, the Carillon School is a unique place of learning where people from all corners of the world still come to study today. Not only students who want to work as professional carillonneurs, but also amateurs acquire all the necessary skills there. Even young musicians let the bells ring with great joy of play. In this way, the Mechelen Carillon School builds the future of the carillon art with passion and dedication. As part of Belgian carillon culture, the school rightfully bears the UNESCO label of "best safeguarding practice" for intangible cultural heritage.
Saturday 7 May 2022 at 20:00
Sint-Romboutskathedraal, Mechelen
Sunday 8 May 2022 at 16:00
Sint-Romboutskathedraal, Mechelen
Performers:
Koren Vokalis, Salvocalee and Scala Vocale
Mechels Kamerorkest
Tom Van den Eynde, orchestra conductor
Jeroen Keymeulen, choir conductor
Programme:
August De Boeck - Dahomese Rhapsody
August De Boeck - Carillon Cantata for choir and orchestra
Geert D'Hollander - Elegy for carillon, clarinet & strings
Piet Swerts - Big Ben Rhapsody (world premiere)