Free Carillon Concert at Princeton University

Princeton University Carillon continues tradition of free Sunday concerts

Celebrating more than 30 years of community recitals, the Princeton University Carillon continues to host free Sunday concerts for the public. Performances begin at 1 p.m. and are held rain or shine at the Graduate College, 88 College Road West.

The carillon, housed in Cleveland Tower, is a musical instrument made up of at least 23 stationary bells with clappers that strike their rims to produce music. It is played manually from a console, where the carillonneur uses both hands and feet to operate batons and pedals connected to the clappers through a mechanical system. There is no electronic assistance; all sound and expression come directly from the performer.

Because the music carries over long distances, the carillon serves as a community instrument that can be heard across much of Princeton.

Dedicated in 1927 as a memorial to the Class of 1892, Princeton’s carillon includes 67 bronze bells cast in England, France and the Netherlands. The largest bell weighs 12,880 pounds. The carillon program is part of University Chapel Music and is supported by an endowment established by the Class of 1892.

For more information, call 609-258-7989.