Lake Burley Griffin’s National Carillon has chimed its bells for the last time this year as the 49-year-old musical masterpiece on Aspen Island undergoes a season of surgery to prepare it for its 50th anniversary next April.
The final concert for the year celebrated Peter Bray’s success in the international Queen Fabiola Carillon Competition and his graduation to the position of Senior Carillonist.
Managed by the National Capital Authority (NCA) the Carillon was a gift from the British Government to the people of Australia, accepted by Queen Elizabeth II on behalf of Australians on 26 April 1970.
“April 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the Carillon and to mark this important date the NCA is undertaking a number of works to enhance this magnificent musical instrument,” the Authority said.
“Part of these works include the addition of two new bells, a G Bell weighing over 5 tonne and a D bell that can practically fit in your pocket,” it said.
The NCA said modifications and enhancements to Aspen Island would also be carried out, including path and landscaping upgrades, as well as improvements to the island’s beach.
It said that in order to facilitate the works, Aspen Island would be closed from next Monday (9 September) until early April next year.
