Carillon Bells Are Ringing

DANBURY — The Wednesday Carillon Recital Series at St James’ Episcopal Church has returned for the 2002 season, with guest performers from around the world.

Performances are on the historic Ella S. Bulkley Memorial Carillon, which is housed in the church’s tower at 25 West Street. This is the oldest carillon in Connecticut and was the first installed in the country. The instrument began as a 15-bell chime in 1928. Later that year another eight bells were added, making it a carillon. Two more bells were added in 1936, and the instrument was completely refurbished in 1987.

Concerts are free thanks to partial funding from Danbury Cultural Commission. Chairs are set up in the church’s garden, and the concert moves indoors in the event of rain. Audience members can bring their own lunches; soft drinks will be offered.

The concerts follow the noon Mass at St James, which everyone is also welcome to attend.

On July 24 Lisa Lonie, the carilloneur at St Thomas Church in Whitemarsh, Penn., will be the gust performer, and then on July 31 the 2002 series will conclude with Dionisio Lind, from The Riverside Church in New York City.

Further information is available from St James’ parish office, 748-3561.