Dec 11, 2010

Frank Steijns of André Rieu's Orch. to Play Carillon's at Bok Tower


This message was written on Frank (Steijns) Facebook page tonight. I thought it was exciting that he'll be playing the carillon's here in the US!

Frank Steijns: Tomorrow is Saturday, so I will play the carillon ;) but not in Maastricht - there was a wonderful replacement for me yesterday. I will play the carillon at Bok Tower, Lake Wales FL, one of the most beautiful in the world! And then, of course, concert in Orlando, FL!

A little about the Carillon Frank will be playing ...
Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales Florida "The Singing Tower" is the centerpiece of the gardens. The tower was built at the highest elevation of the site, south of a reflection pool that allows the water to reflect its full image. A 60-bell carillon set within the 205-foot (62 m) tall, Gothic Revival and Art Deco tower that was designed by architect Milton B. Medary. Construction on the tower began in 1927 and was completed for the dedication of the gardens in 1929, when it was dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge. The tower is 51 feet (16 m) square at its base, changing form at 150 feet (46 m) high to an octagon with 37 feet (11 m) sides that include sculptures designed by Lee Lawrie. The tower is surrounded by a 15-foot (4.6 m) moat that serves as a Koi pond. It is built of pink Etowah marble and gray Creole marble, mined in Tate, Georgia, and Florida native coquina stone, from Daytona Beach, Florida. Although the tower's interior is not open to the public, it contains the Anton Brees Carillon Library, said to be the largest carillon library in the world. Inside the bell chamber is a playing room that houses a clavier, or keyboard, that is used for playing the 60 carillon bells.

3 comments:

  1. Frank, I saw on last night's news that the carillon in the Town Hall in Cape Town has been fixed! Although the concert has been moved to the indoor Grand West Arena, maybe some time in the future you will play for us! Wishing the whole JSO and Andre a wonderfully blessed Christmas. With much love and good wishes, Janette Morris, Cape Town

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  2. Thanks for posting the info, Sue!! Now that I know more history about this carillon, I can imagine how excited Frank must have been :)

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  3. Steph Padgett11 December, 2010

    Sounds a very attractive place tohouse a carillon! Hope Frank enjoys playing there and posts losts of photographs.

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