OSLO – The Committee of Delegates of the WCF has chosen Oslo as the location for the 14th World Carillon Congress 27 June - 1 July 2004. Her Majesty Queen Sonja will be the patron for the congress which is being held in Norway for the first time. The Congress Committee includes the Nordisk Selskab for Campanologi og Klokkespil and Sonus - Amici Campanarum Osloensis, a recently founded society for people interested in bells and carillons.

OSLO
Oslo - the Capital of Norway - is situated in the heart of Scandinavia, surrounded by magnificent scenery from the fjord to the forested hills. Already at the turn of the 10th century, a settlement was built at the head of the Oslo fjord. During the 11th century, this settlement grew into the medieval city of Oslo, making Oslo one of the oldest cities in Scandinavia, and the only Scandinavian capital with an urban settlement dating back to the Viking Ages.

Today, Oslo is a modern city well-equipped for conferences. The centre of Oslo is small and compact, offering most hotels, meeting facilities, shopping areas, restaurants, outdoor café's, and entertainment within walking distance. The clean environment, with fresh air and clean water, is an important asset. People in Oslo are friendly, and they enjoy receiving visitors. Communication is easy as most Norwegians speak English.

Oslo is proud to invite the congress participants to Oslo City Hall. The unique architecture, frescoes and sculptures, along with the carillon, will create the best possible surroundings for the congress. The lectures will be held here. An exhibition on the carillons of Oslo will also be presented at the City Hall, a mere two minutes walk from the congress hotel.

The Oslo Cathedral has inaugurated a new carillon on December 14, 2003 and in the summer of 2004 a new carillon in Uranienborg church will be completed. Along with the Travelling Carillon, four instruments will sing in Oslo during the congress.

The WCF congress is a joint project between the Nordic countries and Oslo is looking forward to present the city, the Nordic carillon culture, Nordic bell founding, and the Nordic music for the international carillon society. From Finland, the hand bell choir SONUS will take part in the congress. Theme of the congress is The voice of the city.

CONGRESS CARILLONS
During the world congress six carillons will be avaiable for recitals:

The Travelling Carillon will be on tour through all the Scandinavian countries both before and after the congress. Carillonneurs who are interested in playing concerts, please contact Morten Langberg. More information is available on [www.nordic-carillon.dk].

CONGRESS PROGRAMME
The congress programme will include:

• Lectures about the instrument, the carillon music and the congress theme
• Concerts on three new carillons in Oslo and the Travelling Carillon
• Carillon + (carillon with other instruments and carillon duets)
• Congress Tour to two carillons outside of Oslo and Norwegian Bell Foundry
• Congress Service in the Cathedral
• Mayor's Reception in Oslo City Hall
• Carillon inauguration in Uranienborg Church
• Time for meals, museum visit, shopping and social life

PRE- AND POST CONGRESS ACTIVITIES

HOW TO GET TO OSLO
Congress participants may travel to Oslo by air, ferry, train or car. The international airport in Oslo, Oslo Airport Gardermoen, is located approximately 50 km north of the city. Sandefjord Airport Torp is located 110 km south-west of Oslo. The low-fare airline Ryanair has made this airport a new and important gateway to Oslo. Through the Oslo fjord, there is all-year access to the ocean, which makes Oslo an important harbour for regular ferry-boats. Modern and comfortable trains and busses connect Oslo to Sweden, Denmark and the rest of the continent. It is recommended not to bring cars as parking in Oslo can be expensive.

REGISTRATION
The Registration Form is now available as PDF-document  
The congress fee is € 150. Please register and pay the congress fee before March 15, 2004.

Address for registration and questions: