Australia  |  March 8, 2024

New publication of Dulci Tomes

Dulci Tomes is the official Newsletter of the Carillon Society of Australia (CSA). After an extended hiatus, our society recently celebrated the digital publication of Dulci Tomes Issue 38 in late 2023. Prior to this, our newsletters were last published in 2010 (Issue 36, edited by Lyn Fuller) and then in 2012 (edited by Isaac Wong, in digital format). As a society, we are very excited to revive this beloved tradition, one that began since the inception of the CSA in 1948.

The twelve articles in our latest Dulci Tomes represent an eclectic collection of essays, which collectively showcase the keen-spirited nature of past and present Australian carillonists. There is a lovely article about the celebrations that marked the 90th anniversary of the Bathurst War Memorial Carillon (1933 - 2023). This instrument only officially became Australia's third carillon less than four years ago, following the installation of its first-ever baton clavier, although it had been called "The Singing Tower" since its inauguration on Armistice Day in 1933. You will also find articles about two of the five most recent WCF World Congresses: the 2011 congress in Bloomfield Hills and the recent 2023 congress in Utrecht. Some readers will recall the significant (and at times highly visible fluorescent pink) contributions of a relatively great number of Australian carillonists over the two intervening World Congresses in 2014 and 2017; we are looking forward to reminiscing about these good old times in coming issues.

Dulci Tomes represents an opportunity for members of our society to become more informed about how the "outside world" perceives Australian carillon culture. To that end, and as editor of Dulci Tomes, I cordially invite you, the reader, to earnestly consider submitting a piece of text (e.g., essay, blurb, poetry) of any length, a single paragraph would be perfectly fine, as would a longer essay plus photos. We want to learn more about your perspectives and experiences of Australian carillons (perhaps you visited one some years ago and have insights or recollections in your journal), Australian carillon culture (perhaps you shared a beer with an Australian after their concert in your home town), or an individual carillonist or composer (perhaps you have befriended, mentored, or collaborated with Australian carillonists, or played good music written by one and wish to review it).

There will be two issues of Dulci Tomes published in 2024, with due dates for submissions on 16 March and 21 September for our 'Autumn' and 'Spring' editions, respectively. As part of the international carillon community, we look forward to learning from and contributing to the continuing development of carillon cultures worldwide.

Issue 38 is hosted on our website. We anticipate the sharing of all past newsletters and issue of Dulci Tomes in the near future.

Thomas Laue - on behalf of the CSA
Editor of Dulci Tomes