Andrew W. Crawford Memorial Carillon

The Venice Institute for Performing Arts, in partnership with the Venice Carillon Society, has brought a 48 bell carillon to the Venice Performing Arts Center.

A Carillon is most often seen in a bell tower and is played by a live performer. The Andrew W. Crawford Carillon is one of only three mobile carillons in the western hemisphere and has found its new semi-permanent home in front of the VPAC. While most carillons project their sound at a distance, this ground-level carillon gives audiences an opportunity to easily view the instrument and its performer.

The Andrew W. Crawford memorial Carillon bells were cast by the Royal Eijsbouts foundry in Asten, The Netherlands between 1991 and 1992. The bells cover four full octaves from the F below middle C. The largest bell, called the bourdon bell, weighs one ton and all 48 bells combined weight 13 tons.

The Andrew W. Crawford Memorial Carillon was dedicated on May 5th, 2019. Those interested in taking lessons should contact the Venice Institute for Performing Arts at 941.218.3779

The inaugural Florida Carillon Festival kicked off at the VPAC in January 2020, with an attendance of over 900 people enjoying this free outdoor concert. The Flordia Carillon Festival continues each month January- April with one free concert each month.

Your Sun – The Man Behind the Carillon