The International Carillon Festival, first held in 1962, is lauded as one of the world’s most important and prestigious carillon events. The Festival has earned an unsurpassed tradition of presenting the world’s finest carillonists/carillonneurs. During the past five decades, the Festival has featured carillonists from: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, and the United States.

The Festival is presented by the Springfield Park District with the support of The Rees Carillon Society and The Carillon Belles. Individuals and families are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner as well as lawn chairs and blankets. Several monitors will be positioned around the tower to view the playing keyboard and carillonists during the performance. All concerts are about 45 minutes in duration.

As always this is a free event. Donations will be accepted and are very much appreciated.

61st International Carillon Festival
June 1-4, 2023

The Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon, located in Washington Park, will host the annual International Carillon Festival on Thursday, June 1 through Sunday, June 4. This year’s festival boasts nightly concerts from guest carillonists, local musicians, and an array of new activities to appeal to all ages.

• Thursday, June 1

6:00p: Springfield Municipal Band

6:30p: Carillon Concert by Carlo van Ulft – Illinois

7:20p: Carillon Concert by Dr. Linda Dzuris – Clemson University, South Carolina

To kick off opening night, the first 100 people at 5:45p will receive free ice cream or bundtini thanks to Hy-Vee, Nothing Bundt Cakes and ABC NewsChannel 20/FOX Illinois. Yard games from Kidzeum, It’s All Good food truck, kids craft, and scavenger hunt will also be available.

• Friday, June 2

6:00p: Springfield Saxes

6:30p: Carillon Concert by Marcel Siebers – The Netherlands

7:20p: Carillon Concert by Tim Sleep – Illinois

Hy-Vee starts grilling at 5:30p, along with yard games and a scavenger hunt. A spectacular fireworks show will end the night at dusk thanks to the Springfield Park District and Waterford Place Association.

• Saturday, June 3

6:00p: Illinois Youth Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet

6:30p: Carillon Concert by Dr. Linda Dzuris – Clemson University, South Carolina

7:20p: Carillon Concert by Alex Johnson – Illinois

Preregister on our website https://www.eventbrite.com/e/international-carillon-festival-watercolor-paint-night-tickets-627157493947

or Facebook for a watercolor paint night led by Dr. Amy High starting at 4:30p. The class is $40, and you will paint a watercolor landscape of the carillon. It’s All Good food truck will be available to the general public.

• Sunday, June 4

6:00p: The Trinity Wind Ensemble

6:30p: Carillon Concert by Marcel Siebers – The Netherlands

7:20p: Carillon Concert by Carlo van Ulft – Illinois

To book a mini photo session on Sunday, email Sarahrenaephotog@gmail.com for mini-photo sessions by Sarah Renae Photography. $75 gets you a 15-minute session and 10 edited photos emailed to you after the event. It’s All Good food truck will be available along with yard games, kids craft, and scavenger hunt.

This festival is presented by the Springfield Park District with the support of The Rees Carillon Society and The Carillon Belles. Individuals and families are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Several monitors will be positioned around the tower to view the playing keyboard and carillonists during the performances. All concerts are about 45 minutes in duration.

For more information or an interview, please contact Emily Lynch, Carillon Belle President,

at 217-891-0321 or via email at erlynch@sbgtv.com