Language: Russian/French/Dutch
06.02 19:00
The carillon is one of the most recognizable symbols of Flemish musical culture and at the same time a rare but significant phenomenon in the soundscape of Saint Petersburg. This lecture is dedicated to the history, traditions, and contemporary revival of the carillon art in Russia, as well as the path that led to the appearance of a new carillon in Saint Petersburg.
As part of the preparations for the 300th anniversary of the city of Saint Petersburg (the twin city of Antwerp), a carillon was presented to the former imperial capital in 2001 — a historic contribution to the revival of musical traditions laid down in the 18th century by Peter the Great at the Peter and Paul Fortress. The project of the renowned Belgian carillonist Jozef Haazen was supported by the King Baudouin Foundation and financed by more than 350 sponsors, including Queen Fabiola, the Flemish Government, Flemish provinces, cities and municipalities, companies, universities, cultural associations, schools, and private individuals.
The development of the carillon tradition, its European roots, and the specifics of its adaptation within the Russian cultural context will be presented by the author of the project — Jozef Willem Haazen — an outstanding musician and scholar, Professor at the Faculty of Arts of Saint Petersburg State University.
The lecture will be accompanied by a screening of the historical documentary film “Mellow Chime” by Russian director Igor Romanovsky (Moscow).
Jozef Willem Haazen is a graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp and the Royal Carillon School “Jef Denyn” in Mechelen (Belgium); former city carillonist of Antwerp and Mechelen; Honorary Director of the Royal Carillon School “Jef Denyn” in Mechelen (Belgium); Professor at the Faculty of Arts of Saint Petersburg State University (Department of Organ, Harpsichord and Carillon); and Visiting Professor at the Faculty of Comparative Religious Studies in Antwerp (ULB University). One of the world’s leading carillonists, composer, and virtuoso, he has toured extensively worldwide. In 1980 he was awarded the “Honors of Music” medal by the University of Berkeley (California, USA). In 1995 he received the “Citizens Medal First Class” from the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 2000, Jo Haazen was awarded the title of European Honorary Senator (BVSE-UEF) “Pro Pace et Unitate, e meritu et honoris causa.” Since September 2001, he has regularly performed concerts at the Peter and Paul Fortress in Saint Petersburg.
In 2004, by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation V. V. Putin, for his great contribution to the development of St. Petersburg culture and the revival of the city’s musical traditions, Mr. Haazen was awarded the Order of Friendship. He was also awarded the medal “In Commemoration of the 300th Anniversary of Saint Petersburg” and the “Honorary Certificate of the Legislative Assembly of Saint Petersburg.”
