Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the McGaffin Carillon

Largest bell of the McGaffin Carillon being hoisted over University Circle for installation in 1968The McGaffin Carillon, centrally located on campus in the 140-foot tower of the Church of the Covenant, is celebrating a big birthday this weekend! It was dedicated 50 years ago, on June 9, 1968. A special free Friday concert features music of Ireland and Scotland to honor Alexander McGaffin’s heritage.

A longer concert on Sunday brings together three carillonneurs with wide-ranging repertoire representing the music that has come from the 47 bronze bells in the tower over five decades, including duets for four fists and four feet.

In between, there’s Parade the Circle, kicked off by ringing of the newly restored Cragin Memorial Peal of Three Bells.

The weekend’s festivities are listed on the web site for the Friends of the McGaffin Carillon in University Circle: http://www.ucbells.org/events.