Leuven's historic Sint-Geertrui carillon restored with 12 new bells
The restored carillon in the tower of the Sint-Geertrui church in Leuven was officially played today in a festive ceremony. The carillon, originally cast in 1778 by bell founder Andreas Jozef Vanden Gheyn, is the oldest in Leuven. It has undergone restoration and now features 12 new bells, bringing its total to 61. Church carillonneur Marc Van Eyck, along with several guest carillonneurs, performed during the inauguration. This event marks the completion of the restoration project for this significant historical instrument.
The restoration of Leuven's historic Sint-Geertrui carillon, dating back to 1778, highlights the ongoing efforts to preserve cultural heritage through meticulous craftsmanship and the integration of new components. The addition of 12 new bells to the existing 49, bringing the total to 61, signifies a commitment to maintaining the sonic integrity and historical significance of such instruments. This project underscores the value placed on tangible links to the past, ensuring that traditional musical expressions and architectural landmarks continue to resonate for future generations. The successful completion, marked by a ceremonial performance, demonstrates the collaborative spirit between heritage custodians and skilled artisans in safeguarding cultural assets.
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