Bathurst War Memorial Carillon concert on Saturday, March 20

About 16 carillonists will share their talents with Bathurst when the War Memorial Carillon in Kings Parade is played in concert for the first time since a new clavier was installed.

Although the carillon was officially opened on November 11, 1933, it has taken many years of dedication to realise the original vision of installing a clavier to give the bells their full expression.

Originally the carillon's bells were played by a pneumatic keyboard and later an electronic keyboard but, in recent years, additional bells have been installed taking the number from 35 to 47 and a clavier has been installed immediately below the bell chamber.

The clavier is attached to each bell by a system of wires, pulleys and springs and comprises a set of batons which the carillonist plays with their fists. It also has foot pedals.

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The carillonists to play on Saturday afternoon include performers who will travel from Canberra and Sydney and also local trainees who have been learning the art.

Friends of the Bathurst War Memorial Carillon president Jan Page invited community members to gather in the city's centre from 5pm to enjoy the 90-minute concert.

"People can bring a picnic and sit in Kings Parade or Machattie Park, or even their own car and listen to the music," Ms Page said. "We do, however, ask people to be aware of COVID distancing."

The carillon's bells were cast by John Taylor & Co of Loughborough, England.

"Taylors are well known for their beautiful bells and the bells that Bathurst will now hear ... are simply beautiful, sweet and charming," Ms Page said.

"A carillon is quite physical to play but much lighter than it used to be ... Although lighter to play, the carillonist is still very busy and interesting to watch as they use both hands and feet.

"It can be played gracefully as well as energetically and has a wide dynamic range, which means it can play very softly or very loudly. This is why Bathurst now has a carillon which is a full concert instrument."

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