"So many voices in our troubled world are still unheard."
"From the People of the Netherlands to the People of the United States."
The Netherlands Carillon is a gift from the Dutch people in honor of American aid recieved during and after World War II. This beautiful carillon stands as a symbol of friendship between the two countries. You are invited to visit and listen to the bells during one of the concerts that are held at the Carillon.
Visiting the Carillon
The Netherlands Carillon is located on the Virginia shore of the Potomac River opposite Washington, D.C. and bordering the northern end of Arlington National Cemetery, adjacent to the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial.
Carillon concerts are generally presented from May to Labor Day. Exact dates and times are available on the schedule for the current year.
Complete Schedule for Netherlands Carillon Recital Series in 2009
The Bells
Eighteen bells of the Netherlands Carillon are programmed to play automatically by computer.
Westminster Chimes and hour strike: Daily between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
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Monday through Saturday,
12:00 pm and 6:00 pm:
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Armed Forces Anthems and National March; The Caissons (Army), Anchors Aweigh (Navy), Marine Hymn (Marines), Semper Paratus (Coast Guard), Air Force Anthem (Air Force), Stars And Stripes Forever (National March). Note: the Armed Forces Anthems are played in the order that the various branches of the Armed Forces were commissioned.
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Sunday, 12:00 pm
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U.S. National Anthem (Star Spangled Banner), The Netherlands National Anthem (Wilhelmus), The National March (Stars And Stripes Forever).
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Sunday, 6:00 pm:
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U.S. National Anthem (Star Spangled Banner), America The Beautiful, The Naval Hymn (Eternal Father, Strong To Save). Note: The Naval Hymn contains verses that honor the men and women in all branches of the Armed Forces including Astronauts that have given their lives in the service of their country.
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In addition, there are programs on special days that replace the daily programs:
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May 5 (Dutch Independence Day), 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm:
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U.S National Anthem (Star Spangled Banner), The Netherlands National Anthem (Wilhemus).
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July 4 (U.S. Independence Day), 2:00 pm:
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13 tolls of the bourdon (largest) bell, Yankee Doodle. Note: Bell ringing at 2:00 pm on Independence Day is authorized by an act of Congress, H.R. res. 261 (1963), to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
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September 2, 9:04 am:
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U.S. National Anthem (Star Spangled Banner), America The Beautiful, The Naval Hymn (Eternal Father, Strong To Save). Note: This program was funded in perpetuity by the Veterans of Foreign Wars to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the moment of the signing of the Japanese armistice that concluded the Second World War.
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Thanksgiving Day,
12:00 and 6:00 pm:
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Simple Gifts (original Shaker hymn tune, used by composer Aaron Copland as an American folk tune in his ballet, "Appalachian Spring"), We Gather Together (Traditional Thanksgiving song, based on the old Dutch hymn tune, "Kremser").
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December 31, 6:00 pm:
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Auld Lang Syne (traditional New Year song).
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Operation of the Carillon
The carillon is tuned to the chromatic scale. Its 50 bells provide it with two notes more than four octaves. In the playing cabin are the wooden levers and pedals of the clavier. These connect directly to the movable inner clappers of the stationary hanging bells permitting the carillonneur to achieve a full musical expression.
