BACH & CARILLON - BACH FESTIVAL Antwerp 2026

BACH & CARILLON 2026 - BACHFESTIVAL Antwerp 2026 Koen Van Assche, city carillonneur Antwerpen De carillon of the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwetoren van Antwerpen is without any doubt a masterpiece from the Baroque period. Of the 49 bells, 36 historical bells from 1655 and 1658 have been preserved, cast by the best bell founders that the carillon world has known, the Hemony brothers from Amsterdam. The bass bell of the carillon is the oldest bell, an impressive masterpiece from 1459. In 1972 and 1990, the carillon was expanded to 49 bells by the renowned bell foundry Eijsbouts from Asten (NL). The carillon instrument has a dynamic range that is comparable to the piano, and it is played with supple fists, but often also with fingers. Contrary to what is often thought, it is a subtly playable instrument. The many decorations, the ingenious harmony, and the musical lines of Bach are well expressed on the Antwerp carillon. Today, city carillonneur Koen Van Assche plays keyboard music by J.S. Bach on this impressive instrument. The green, intimate inner garden behind the shop of Dille&Kamille in the middle of the historic center is the charming listening spot for this carillon concert. Largely surrounded by high facades and overgrown walls, the carillon sounds come into their own here. Enjoy a drink upon arrival and meet the carillonneur after the concert during an informal chat. In collaboration with Muziekmuseum Vleeshuis