George Gregory, carillonneur and organist at Central Christian Church in San Antonio and former professor of music at San Antonio College, will perform in the second concert of The Hopeman Memorial Carillon Summer Recital Series at the University of Rochester. The performance will begin at 7 p.m., Monday, July 31, at the Eastman Quadrangle, located in front of Rush Rhees Library on the River Campus.
Gregory's performance will consist of several pieces written specifically for the carillon. The evening's program includes "Poe Suite-The Bells for Carillon" by Robert Kleinschmidt, "On the San Antonio River for Carillon" by Robert Byrnes, and "Campanella for Carillon" by Géo Clément. Some additional pieces will also be heard, including a 16th-century song, "Pavane and Gaillarde," and folk music, such as "Go 'Way From My Window" and "Londonderry Air."
The Hopeman Memorial Carillon, one of only six carillons in New York state, is located in the landmark tower of Rush Rhees Library. Weighing almost three-and-a-half tons, it consists of 50 stationary cast bronze bells that are sounded by clappers, which are connected to 48 wooden keys or 26 pedals. The carillonneur sits on a bench and plays by depressing the keys with both hands and feet. As with a piano, expressive playing is achieved by varying the touch.
The concert is free and open to the public. The final concert in the three-part series will take place on August 7 with Gloria Werblow of Williamsville, N.Y. For additional information, contact the music department at (585) 275-2828.