Celebrate market rights with a new carillon
The celebration of the fact that Beverwijk will have 750 years of market rights next year is a reason for the college to come up with a proposal to rebuild the carillon. Opening the market was previously announced by the ringing of the clocks. That is why the Commission prefers that the carillon will be given a place in the station environment, close to the current market location.
“With the rebuilding of the Carillon we add a permanent musical and cultural symbol. The sounds of the carillon bring atmosphere and recognition to the city and therefore create a sense of welcome and togetherness. In addition, it brings a piece of local history to life, ”says alderman Ali Bal.
Carillon competence
The plan to restore the carillon in honor is enthusiastically greeted by chairman Cees Hazenberg of the Beverwijk association Friends of the Carillon. This association, which in principle mainly takes care of the carillon of the Sint-Agatha church, is happy that a carillon is being added, but the chairman immediately adds: “There are also worries.”
The location of the new chimes to be built in particular is reason for care. If the new carillon finds a place in the vicinity of the town hall, it is within hearing distance of the Sint-Agatha church. Then you run the risk that the two clock games will go against each other if not good agreements are made, the friends of the Sint-Agatha carillon fear.
“Good agreements will have to be made about repertoire and playing times,” says chairman Hazenberg. According to Alderman Ali Bal, spiritual father of the plan, everything will be decided in close consultation with the city carillonneer. He is convinced that a very nice communication can arise between the two carillons, he tells NH News.
Design, construction and money
For the design and rebuilding of a new carillon, an amount of almost two tons is required. The city council will decide on this at the end of this month. As a provisional location, an island in the pond in front of the town hall is considered. Another cheaper possibility is to attach the chimes to the facade of the town hall.
If the council agrees with the proposal, Beverwijk will look for a designer for the housing. Because the then housing on Kennedyplein has been demolished, a new design for the suspension of the clocks must be made. When choosing the final design, the Commission wants to consult society. It is not yet clear how that consultation will take place.