Many summer activities have come to a grinding halt this season due to COVID-19 and the restrictions enabled for social distancing. So, are there any local outdoor events to attend this month? Yes, right here in Norwood, and it is FREE!

You've probably heard them while driving or walking around Norwood Town Hall. The sweet, delicate sound of bells. You may have even looked up to the majestic Tilton Memorial Carillon to catch a glimpse of the origin of the music, maybe wondering about the framework of these lovely sounds. 

The carillon is a unique musical mechanism composed of at least 23 bells that are systemically arranged to produce a unique harmony with a strike of a keyboard and foot pedal. The greatest concentration of carillon bells is in the low countries of Europe and were first produced during the Bronze Age. While their popularity almost died by the 19th century, they experienced a revival in the 20th century. 

According to the Guild of Carillonneurs of North America, the Tilton Memorial Carillon is one of only eight monuments housing this instrument in New England. Another interesting fact and additional gem to our Town is that Norwood is one of only four towns in New England this year that is offering registered carillon recitals.

Why not grab a lawn chair on a beautiful summer night and enjoy the tunes that have traveled across the world. All concerts are held rain or shine. The best listening locations are within the Central St. pedestrian zone, on the Town Common or in the upper parking lot behind Town Hall off Central St. Proper social distancing is encouraged.

Carillon Bells Concerts on the Common Schedule

August 2nd 2:00 pm Margaret Pan, Somerville, Massachusetts 

August 9th 2:00 pm Anton Fleisner, Beverly, Massachusetts 

August 16th 2:00 pm John Whiteside, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Cohasset, Massachusetts 

August 23rd 2:00 pm George Matthew, Jr., Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont 

August 30th 2:00 pm Lee B. Leach, Norwood, Massachusetts

About Carillons

The world's greatest concentration of carillons is still in the Low Countries of Europe (Belgium, The Netherlands, northern France and northwest Germany).  The art of the carillon has spread worldwide, however, with instruments on every continent except Antarctica.  More than 180, of all levels of quality, exist in North America; they are listed in the Tower Directory.  Elsewhere in the world, more than 450 exist, and they can also be found through the Tower Directory.  All are identified there as "traditional carillons".

An instrument which is like a carillon in terms of the number of bells, but which has only automatic action, is often loosely called a carillon.  These can also be found through the Tower Directory, where they are identified as "non-traditional carillons".

An instrument which is like a carillon but has less than 23 bells is called a chime.  Several different types of playing mechanism are used in chimes, and the musical capabilities are distinctly less.  However, the quality of those bells need not be less, and indeed there have been many instances where good-quality chimes were eventually enlarged to become carillons.  Although chimes are found in as many parts of the world as carillons are, there was a uniquely American development of them in the 19th century.  About 700 are known in North America, and more than 500 in the rest of the world; they can also be found through the Tower Directory.

Norwood's Fifty-Bell Memorial Carillon was cast by Gillett and Johnston, Bellfounders,

Croydon, England and, together with the Norwood Memorial Building and Tower, was dedicated on Armistice Day, November 11, 1928. The instrument was a gift to his fellow townspeople from the late Walter F. Tilton, a prominent local banker and civic leader.

The Carillon Concert Series is sponsored by the Town of Norwood and by special gifts from the Norwood Women's Community Committee and from the family of Betsy Dobson, and by private donations to the Town’s Carillon Fund.

Visit the The Guild of Carillonneurs in North America (GCNA) to learn more about Norwood’s unique musical treasure.