Cape Town marked the 100-year anniversary of the inauguration of the City Hall Carillon, this week. A musical instrument consistently had a set of at least 23 bells played with a keyboard and pedals.
The Cape Town City Hall is home to the largest carillon in Africa, with 39 bells and the only one with a mechanically-playable console.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Growth and Tourism – Alderman James Vos said that the carillon was inaugurated on April 30, 1925 to commemorate approx. 12,500 South African soldiers who gave their lives in World War-I. The bells bear the names of places where the soldiers served such as France, Egypt, East Africa and Palestine.
Vos expressed that it gave him great pride that the iconic City Hall is carefully maintained by the Strategic Assets Department within the Economic Growth Directorate, which is home to such a remarkable feature that is unique to the continent.
Reportedly, the City Hall played as host to the annual Last Night of the Proms charity concert, which was hosted by the Rotary Club of Wynberg, this past weekend. However, funds from this year’s show went to Victoria Hospital, the Friends of Orchestral Music and a planned new hospice for children.
Moreover, the carillon was included in the event programme, that featured daring pieces such as the 1812 Overture by Russian composer – Pyotr Tchaikovsky.
Capetonians will have an opportunity to learn more about the iconic instrument of history with an exhibition created by the Arts and Culture Department of the city. This show will be on view at the Attic exhibition within the City Hall, with plans for it to travel thereafter to other City facilities.
Notably, the exhibition will share information and images of the fascinating instrument and gave insight into its historical context and importance to Cape Town. The exhibition is all set to open on May 19, 2025.