Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging (VBV)
Belgium / Flanders | June 7, 2024
Celebrating Europe Day and the 200th Anniversary of Ode to Joy (Beethoven)
On May 9, 2024, we celebrated Europe Day and the 200th anniversary of Beethoven's 9th Symphony! As part of the Belgian presidency of the European Union during the first six months of 2024, the Representation of the European Commission in Belgium, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, highlighted the European Union through a series of activities.
Naturally, the Belgian carillons could not be left out. The Flemish Carillon Association and the European Commission called on all Belgian carillonneurs to play the European anthem, 'Ode to Joy' from Beethoven's 9th Symphony, on as many carillons as possible at precisely 1:00 PM on May 9. The Flemish Carillon Association (VBV) supported this initiative and encouraged its members to participate in this special event. The goal was not only to mark this festive day but also to highlight the rich cultural heritage of carillon music.
The carillon action was a success! A large number of participants filmed their performances, and a video will be posted online. So be sure to keep an eye on the Flemish Carillon Association's Facebook page!
Mechelen | Belgium / Flanders | March 8, 2024
International Carillon Competition Queen Fabiola 2024
We are pleased to announce that this year we are ready for the ninth Queen Fabiola International Carillon Competition, which will take place from 10 – 14 July 2024 in Mechelen! You are cordially invited to experience this unique event where talented international carillonneurs gather and compete for the first prize. During two pre-selection days, five finalists will be selected who will perform during the two final days.
Are you a potential candidate yourself? Then you can still register until April 30, 2024 via this website where all necessary information, the registration form and the competition regulations can be found.
This competition is one of the most important of its kind and is organized every five years by the Royal Carillon School Mechelen and the City of Mechelen. In this competition we are looking for versatile carillonneurs of the highest level. This time the two compulsory works are by Joey Brink (solo carillon) and Jeroen Malaise (chamber carillon, percussion and piano). The complete course of the competition and the requested repertoire can be found on the website as above. This edition we will once again be awarding great prizes to the finalists :
First Prize (€ 3,000) : from the Flemish Prime Minister Second Prize (€ 2,000) : from the City of Mechelen and the Royal Guides Association of Mechelen Third Prize (€ 1,500) : from Toren & Beiaard Fourth Prize (€ 1,300) : from the World Carillon Federation Fifth Prize (€ 1,000) : from Clock-O-Matic Improvisation Prize (€ 1,000) : from Campanae Lovaniensis, Roeselaarse Klokkengilde and the Carillon Society of Australia SABAM Prize (€ 1,000) : for the best performed contemporary work by a Belgian composer Audience Award (€ 250 + bronze bell) : from the Flemish Carillon Association
We are looking forward to this edition of the Queen Fabiola International Carillon Competition 2024 and hope to welcome many of you there as a candidate or in the audience. More information can be found on the competition website.
St. Rumbold's tower
The 97 meter high tower of St. Rumbold's Cathedral in Mechelen.