The world's strangest instrument? Find out at bell fest
Music lovers can hear one of the world's heaviest - and strangest - instruments at Stoneleigh Park on September 5 and 6.
Boudewijn Zwart , from Holland, is described as one of the finest carilloneurs in the world.
He will give recitals on his three-ton, 50-bell instrument as part of a two-day Ringing Roadshow expected to be attended by more than 1,000 camponologists, or bell-ringers.
The carillon is the largest of all musical instruments and is part of a Belgian musical tradition.
Its bells are sounded by forcing a clapper down onto the bell from levers at a keyboard, or clavier. Zwart's carillon has a further distinction - built to the 46-year-old's own design in 2003, it is the world's only portable such instrument, with an integral trailer.
The former Sweelinck conservatory piano pupil will give half-hour recitals starting on the hour, every hour, with programmes including Bach, Mozart and Tjaikowski. Each performance will end with improvisations on requested themes, including jazz and folk music
Other highlights of the two-day festival include demonstrations from the finest hand-bell teams, plenty of opportunities to have a go at ringing - including a miniature church-style peal - and a history trail. Bellfounders will also reveal how bells such as Big Ben are produced. Organiser John Anderson said visitors were expected from as far afield as Australia and America. He said: "We are very fortunate to secure the services of such a famous musician.
"This is now the biggest event of its kind in the world and its popularity means we are able to attract top performers. In addition to Boudewijn Zwart we also have England's top handbell team performing, with 132 handbells"
For further details visit www.ringingroadshow2008.org.uk or call 07504 070030. Entry is 8, under-16s free if accompanied by an adult.
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Tuesday 22 May 2012
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