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Chester County Press

The Washington Memorial Chapel Free Memorial Day Carillon Concert

Carillon Concert To Feature Patriotic Selections By American Composers

Spend the Memorial Day holiday enjoying the enchanting sounds of the Carillon during a special outdoor concert at the Washington Memorial Chapel in Valley Forge on Monday, May 28 at 2 PM.


The Chapel’s Carillon, which is an extraordinary instrument housed in a 112-foot-tall building that is dubbed the “National Patriots Tower,” comprises 58 bells, each tuned to a specific note. Played by Chapel Carillonneur Doug Gefvert, its gorgeous sound adds a vibrant extra dimension to the Washington Memorial Chapel experience.


Sponsored by The Washington Memorial Heritage, the concert will begin with the tolling of the largest bell 13 times in memory of those who have given their lives for our country. According to Gefvert, the Memorial Day repertoire will be a mix of well-known patriotic compositions and other music appropriate for the day, all arranged for the Carillon’s unique characteristics.


The Washington Memorial National Carillon was first introduced in 1926 to commemorate 150 years of American Independence. Initially it only contained 14 bells, one for each of the original colonies and one that represented the “National Birthday.”


Throughout the 1930s another 14 bells were added, and in 1941 construction began on a completely new tower – the one we see today. Funded by the Daughters of the American Revolution, this tower with its carillon was completed in 1953. The final two bells were added in 1963. For more information about The Washington Memorial Chapel, visit http://wmchapel.org/heritage/

Date & Time

May 28, 2018

2:00PM - 3:00PM

Location

Washington Memorial Chapel - RR 23, Valley Forge, PA, 01917 RR 23 Valley Forge 01917 PA US

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More Info

Free

Special Attractions