Travels With The Post

Five Free Carillon Concerts Scheduled in Valley Forge

Carillon Bells Ring Again in 9 Valley Forge Concerts

Carillon Bells Ring Again in 9 Valley Forge Concerts
Inside the chapel

VALLEY FORGE PA – Nine different carillon concerts, featuring performers from America and a duo from Belgium and The Netherlands, are planned during July and August evenings in Valley Forge.

The 2023 edition of the Frank P. Law Summer Carillon Concert Series is scheduled to be held every Wednesday during both months beginning at 7:30 p.m. with the Washington Memorial National Carillon at Washington Memorial Chapel, Route 23 (at top), in Valley Forge National Historical Park. Each concert is open to the public and free to attend.

The series this year begins July 5 and, during its course, welcomes four carillonneurs new to Valley Forge as well as welcoming back returning favorites. The popular Irish Thunder Pipes & Drums is scheduled to perform Aug. 23. The series concludes Aug. 30.

Scheduled performances

The dates and line-up of performances include:

  • July 5, Laura Ellis, University of Florida, Gainesville FL;
  • July 12, “Bel Ensemble” Carillon Duo with Dina Verheyden of Puurs and Mechelen, Belgium; and Richard de Waardt of Rotterdam and Tholen, The Netherlands;
  • July 19, Annie Gao, Irvine CA;
  • July 26, Simone Browne, New York NY;
  • Aug. 2, Dennis Curry, Kirk in the Hills and Oakland University, Bloomfield Hills MI;
  • Aug. 9, Lynnli Wang, The Riverside Church of New York City NY;
  • Aug. 16, Janet Tebbel, First United Methodist Church of Germantown and Miraculous Medal Shrine, Philadelphia PA;
  • Aug. 23 — Music of the British Isles with Doug Gefvert, Washington Memorial Chapel, Valley Forge PA; and Irish Thunder Pipes & Drums, Swedesburg PA; and
  • Aug. 30, Doug Gefvert, Washington Memorial Chapel, Valley Forge PA.

All concerts are played rain or shine, so bring an umbrella or protective covering if appropriate. Each concert is an hour long, so chapel representatives also suggest visitors bring a blanket or lawn chair on which to sit, as well as snacks or dinner if desired. Refreshments and souvenirs will be available for purchase at the Chapel Cabin Shop before the concerts start.

Photos provided to Travels With The Post by the Washington Memorial Chapel