Maintenance today
The Federation Bells are undergoing maintenance at the moment (1pm Monday 20 May) and are not presently ringing. They are expected to be ringing again by Wednesday 22 May.
Federation Bells ring out for the Long Walk
On 21 November 2004 former Essendon footballer Michael Long embarked an historic trek, walking fromhis home in the suburbs of Melbourne all the way to Parliament House in Canberra – more than 650 kilometres away.
After returning home from yet another Indigenous funeral, Michael decided that something needed to be done about the plight of his people. He took it upon himself to get Indigenous issues back on the national agenda and resolved to meet with Prime Minister John Howard to discuss his concerns… even if he had to walk all the way to Canberra to do it.
Today Michael Long and his supporters continue to promote the story of The Long Walk in all communities. More than 10 000 people are expected to walk from Federation Square to the MCG for the annual “Dreamtime at the ‘G” clash between Richmond and Essendon on Friday 25 May 2013.
As the Long Walk passes the iconic Federation Bells in Birrarung Marr the unique instrument will celebrate two of Australia’s finest Indigenous musicians. Deborah Cheetham’s Eternal Birrarung and James Henry’s All Bells That Ends Well will ring out between 6pm and 7pm.
Bellissimo! Write music for the Federation Bells
Never before has it been so easy for young people to compose music for the amazing Federation Bells in Birrarung Marr.
In this new workshop, young people will create their computer-generated masterpiece at the Digital Learning Hub at Arts Centre Melbourne.
Participants will learn about the bells and how they work. They will then be guided through the music composition process and finally walk the short distance to the Bells to hear their piece played live! No musical experience is required.
Workshops in January and April were very successful, with pieces ranging from the sweet and ethereal to the manic and chaotic. Participants are armed with knowledge about the bells, but are encouraged to explore their own creativity. The results can be heard between 12.30pm and 1.30pm on Sunday 14th April.
Wednesday 2 and Friday 4 October, 2pm
Duration: 2 hrs 30 min
Cost: $18. Accompanying adult free
Ages 9+
Venue: Digital Learning Hub, Arts Centre Melbourne
Arts Centre Melbourne
2 Kavanagh Street
Melbourne 3006
Federation Bells Composition Project
Arts Centre Melbourne and City of Melbourne present
Federation Bells Composition Project
A rare opportunity to discover the iconic Federation Bells. Use computer software to create your own compositions and hear them performed live on the Bells.
This is a full day workshop offered to school groups in Term 1 and 2, 2013.
Where: Arts Centre Melbourne, Digital Learning Hub, Australian Ballet Centre Level 4
When: 9.30am – 2.40pm, dates subject to availability
Cost: Introductory offer $10 per student
Bookings: dlhenquiries@artscentremelbourne.com.au
Federation Bells rang for White Night
From dusk til dawn White Night Melbourne transformed the city into an all-night wonderland with over 80 free events celebrating music, food, film, art and light. An estimated 300 000 people participated.
The Federation Bells rang in and rang out the celebrations. Purple Daze by Daryl Wallis rang at 7pm on Saturday 23 February and then again at 7am on Sunday 24 February.
Competition winner
City of Melbourne announces the winners of the Federation Bells competition competition.
Winner
“Purple Daze” by Daryl Wallis.
He wins $2000 courtesy of City of Melbourne
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Runner-up
“The Dreamer” by Anthony Barnao.
His prize is entrance into a short course at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music at the University of Melbourne.
Congratulations to all 43 entrants.The winner and runner-up can be heard on the hour 9am to 9pm Thursday 30 August to Sunday 2 September.
