Oakland University’s Summer Carillon Concert Series returns July 10

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy a relaxing evening listening to the sounds of the carillon’s 49 fully chromatic bells when the Six Fridays at 6 Summer Carillon Concert Series returns to Oakland University beginning Friday, July 10.

The free outdoor concert series will feature six guest carillonneurs performing on six consecutive Fridays at 6 p.m. outside Elliott Tower on the Oakland University campus in Rochester, Michigan.

Donated by longtime supporters Hugh and Nancy Elliott, Elliott Tower has become a centerpiece of campus life and a gathering place for students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community. The tower’s traditional Westminster Quarter chimes and live performances have become a familiar soundtrack across campus.

Elliott Tower is home to a fully chromatic 49-bell carillon and is the last carillon to have its bells and keyboard cast by the historic Petit and Fritsen Royal Bellfoundry in the Netherlands, which operated from 1660 until its closure. The instrument’s largest bell weighs approximately 5,000 pounds and measures five feet in diameter, while the smallest weighs just 24 pounds. Altogether, the bells weigh more than 30,000 pounds — more than 15 tons.

“We are anticipating another stellar year of great carillon music,” said Dennis Curry, OU’s resident carillonneur. “These concerts are a wonderful way for the community to gather outdoors and experience live music in a unique setting.”

Guest performers include internationally recognized carillonneurs who will present a wide variety of musical selections ranging from classical works to contemporary arrangements.

This year’s concert lineup includes:

• July 10 — Jeremy Chesman

• July 17 — John Widmann

• July 24 — Ellen Dickinson

• July 31 — Margaret Pan

• August 7 — David Hunsberger

• August 14 — Dennis Curry

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, enjoy the fountains surrounding Elliott Tower and bring a picnic, family and friends for an evening of music and community.

For more information about Elliott Tower and the Summer Carillon Concert Series, visit Oakland University Elliott Tower.