France  |  June 7, 2024

Announcing the Twentieth Anniversary of the National Carillon Interpretation Exam

The GCF National Interpretation Exam celebrates its twentieth anniversary in 2024.

Since 2004, the exams have been organized on different spots on the national territory: Hondschoote (2004), Lisieux (2005), Tourcoing (2006), Cappelle la Grande (2007), Grézieu-la-Varenne (2009), Cholet (2023), Dunkirk (2024). The mechanical condition and the range of a carillon are two major criteria for hosting the events.

Created both for individual carillonneurs or for those enrolled in a carillon course, the exam is aimed at French or foreign candidates of all ages.

Despite changes in the location of this exam, registrations have recorded more than twenty candidates each year.

The course is made up of 3 cycles (4 years in the first cycle, 3 years in the second cycle, 2 years in the third cycle). The compulsory pieces are selected by a committee of the Guild.

Successful completion of the third cycle results in the award of a Carillonneur diploma. On this occasion, the Paccard foundry is offering a personalized bell to each winner.

The examination jury is made up of carillonneurs and musical personalities from the host venue.

Let us hope that the longevity of this exam contributes to the sustainability of carillon teaching in France.

Some bells from the carillon of Bourbourg

Bailleul  |  France  |  March 8, 2024

Annual Congress 2024 in Bailleul

Many carillon events will take place this year in France. The main highlight of the Guild of Carillonneurs of France will be its annual congress, scheduled for July 19 to 21, 2024 in Bailleul.

"Our carillon, at the top of the belfry, is part of the identity of our city" says the mayor of Bailleul. This carillon from 1932 has 35 bells, with a manual keyboard and a drum for the automatic music. Classified as a Historic Monument in 1992, a recent restoration allows it to once again resonate in the city of Mélusine.

The Guild of carillonneurs will be happy to meet next July, for a program combining association time, carillon time and discovery of the city and the 'Monts de Flandres'.

All French news on the website of the guild.

The City Hall of Bailleul

The carillon consists of 35 bells.