History
The State Government of Victoria, through the Melbourne festival, commissioned the Federation Bell project in 1998. They were located as a central feature in Birrarung Marr, a new Melbourne parkland located alongside the Yarra River, between Federation Square and Melbourne's sporting precinct. Both the Federation Bells and Birrarung Marr were opened on the 26th of January 2002. Sir Gustav Nossal launched the installation and the Federation Bells played seven Australian pieces commissioned especially for the Federation Bells.
The original composers and the names of their compositions are:
Neil McLachlan - "Opening"
Terry mcDermott - "Rhyme"
Anne Boyd - "St. Donat's Morning Bells"
Brenton Broadstock - "Jagged Tears"
Constantine Koukias - "Pentekostarion - Prayer Bells"
Anne Norman - "Sylvia's Chalice"
Garth Paine - "Klangfarben"
In 2005 the Federation Bells underwent a structural upgrade to ensure the longevity of the poles. In late 2006, the City of Melbourne entered into an agreement with Arts Victoria to manage the Federation Bells for four years. The City of Melbourne plans include expanding the number and range of compositions that are played on the Federation Bells, special events and greater public access.
Read more about this topic: Federation Bells
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