Meredith Monk's 'Carillon Call' Debuts at Amsterdam's Historic Oude Kerk
The Oude Kerk in Amsterdam, a landmark known for its blend of medieval architecture and contemporary art, is set to host a significant musical event. On Friday, April 12th, the historic venue will feature the world premiere of 'Carillon Call,' a new composition by the acclaimed artist Meredith Monk. This unique performance coincides with the final weekend of Monk's solo exhibition, "Meredith Monk: Calling," offering visitors a multifaceted cultural experience.
Experience a Unique Musical Event in Amsterdam
The premiere of 'Carillon Call' will take place on Friday, April 12th, at 4:00 PM. Amsterdam's city carillonneur, Boudewijn Zwart, will perform the piece on the Oude Kerk's carillon. This roughly 4.5-minute composition is deeply rooted in Monk's signature vocal work, unfolding through subtle musical shifts and meditative rhythmic phrases that build into striking dissonances. While the carillon bells can be heard from a distance, the Oudekerksplein offers the best listening experience. Monk herself expressed anticipation for the premiere, noting that parts of the composition date back to a 1995 sketch and were later incorporated into other works before finally finding their intended voice through the bells.
Meredith Monk's Visionary Exhibition Concludes
The 'Carillon Call' premiere marks a highlight during the closing days of "Meredith Monk: Calling," a major solo exhibition running until April 14th. This presentation, hailed as Monk's first European overview, celebrates her influential and interdisciplinary career. Within the 700-year-old church, Monk transforms the space into an immersive environment, featuring video and sound installations that reinterpret her live performances and concerts. The exhibition, a co-presentation of Oude Kerk Amsterdam and Hartwig Art Foundation, was curated by Beatrix Ruf in close collaboration with Monk and The House Foundation for the Arts.
Special Curator Tour Available
For those interested in a deeper insight into the exhibition, a public tour with curator Beatrix Ruf is scheduled for Saturday, April 13th, at 3:00 PM. More information and tickets can be found here.
The Historic Carillon of the Oude Kerk
The carillon housed in the Oude Kerk tower is a significant historical instrument, comprising 47 bells. Fourteen of the heaviest bells were cast by François Hemony in 1658, with the remainder added by Klokkengieterij Eijsbouts in 1964/65. The entire carillon underwent restoration in 2021. Boudewijn Zwart, who has served as Amsterdam's city carillonneur for nearly four decades, regularly performs on this and other city carillons, maintaining a centuries-old tradition.
This event at the Oude Kerk offers a unique opportunity to experience a new piece by a legendary artist within one of Amsterdam's most iconic cultural venues. To discover more unique cultural spots and experiences in the city, explore Musemap (musemap.art) and browse museums in Amsterdam or find other interesting places on the map.
