Laurel Buckwalter of Alfred University kicks off this summer’s Hopeman Memorial Carillon Series at 7 p.m. Monday, July 11, on the Eastman Quadrangle of the University of Rochester’s River Campus.
Buckwalter will present a program of Scottish folk songs, classical music such as Bach’s chorus from “St. Matthew Passion” and Robert Schumann’s “Traumerei,” pieces written specifically for the carillon, and popular songs of the last century such as “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.”
A technical specialist in music at Alfred University, Buckwalter has been the school’s carillonneur since 1994, playing the 47-bell Davis Memorial Carillon. She teaches piano and accompanies university ensembles and recitalists on piano and organ. Buckwalter holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Houghton College and a master’s degree in education from Alfred University. She is a carillonneur member of the Guild of Carillonneurs in North America, a professional membership based on an applicant’s examination and recital.
The University of Rochester’s Hopeman Memorial Carillon, an instrument of bells connected to a keyboard, is located in the landmark tower of Rush Rhees Library. It is one of only six carillons in New York State and contains 50 bells that were imported from Holland. Its total weight is 6,668 pounds.
Concertgoers should bring blankets, lawn chairs, picnic baskets, and even a book to read and can sit anywhere on the Eastman Quadrangle in front of the library to enjoy the music.
The Hopeman Memorial Carillon Summer Recital Series is sponsored by the Department of Music. For more information, call (585) 275-2828.