We are delighted to invite you to participate in the World Carillon Congress 2023, in Utrecht. The congress will be held from August 24th until August 28th, with an exciting post-congress programme from August 29th to 31st.
August in the medieval city of Utrecht is vibrant. Tourists, students & residents enjoy the summer in the city. Terrasses are full of people and the music from the carillon of the famous Dom Tower (Domtoren) makes people smile. It is the perfect place to spend time with your colleagues and friends.
Besides the official WCF meetings, we have planned various carillon concerts, a masterclass “Baroque Music Interpretation for Carillon” and presentations by music and carillon experts, all contributing to the holistic theme of the congress: “Profession: Carillonist – Changing Perspectives”.
You will have an opportunity to listen to Utrecht’s renowned Domtoren (Dom Tower) carillon, the other Hemony instrument on Nicolai Church and the modern carillon in Vleuten. We will also visit the unique Glass Carillon and the new to be unveiled carillon on the Majella Church. City carillonist Jacob van Eyck will play a special role during our conference, with a surprise appearance!
During the three post-congres days, we will experience three very different locations. We will visit Castle De Haar (Haarzuilens), a beautiful castle, where a carillon of 26 bells was installed in 2019; Breda, with special attention to the Maassen family that has been holding a position of city carillonist for exactly a century next year; and Amsterdam, listening to the carillons and sightseeing the beautiful streets and canals.
Currently we are busy with all the preparations to make this a great event. The website with the application form will be launched shortly, however we recommend you to already start booking your hotel reservations. We suggest below hotels, located in the center of Utrecht:
· Stayokay Utrecht City Center
· Bunk Hotel (organ inside!)
We are looking forward to welcoming you in Utrecht!
Sincerely,
Gijs Bannink Chair Organizing Committee
Malgosia Fiebig City Carillonist of Utrecht
Christiaan Winter Chair Royal Dutch Carillon Association
Erik Kerpen Chair Utrecht Carillon Society
Xavier Vandamme Director Utrecht Early Music Festival
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The congress has one main overarching theme, with each congress day having its own contributing theme. So with this in mind, the lectures have been planned and each will have a topic fitting the congress (day) theme. The speakers have already been lined up and the lecture topics agreed on. Therefore, there will be no call for papers.
We will monitor the Covid-19 developments closely and keep you informed about any measures.
Yes, you should book your own hotel. We suggest the hotels in the introduction above.
For the formal opening and closing dinners the dress code is semi-formal/smart casual.
All meeting locations will be in the center of Utrecht and at walkable distance from the Dom Tower, unless otherwise mentioned in the schedule.
You will receive a confirmation email for the congress. There is no need to present this for entry on the day, as the Congress Team will have your registration details on file.
Your registration packet will be available for pickup at the congress registration desk.