John Widmann: Summer Carillon Series

Now in its 29th season, the Muelder Summer Carillon Concert Series brings the distinctive sound of Beaumont Tower’s bells to life from the heart of MSU’s beautiful campus. Curated by Jon Lehrer, University Carillonist of MSU, the series invites listeners to gather on the surrounding grounds for a summer evening of music. Concerts take place Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. in July and the first week of August and are free and open to the public. Bring a chair or blanket, pack a picnic, and come enjoy this treasured summer tradition at MSU.

Guest Carillonist: John Widmann
John Widmann is City Carillonneur for the City of Frederick, Maryland, where he presents year‑round recital programs on the Joseph Dill Baker Memorial Carillon. He is an active performer in the United States and internationally, with recital appearances across Europe and North America, and holds advanced degrees in music, including study at the Royal Carillon School “Jef Denyn” in Mechelen, Belgium. Widmann has long been engaged in carillon performance, education, and church music, and performs regularly as both a carillonist and organist.

Program
Widmann’s program celebrates American music in recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary, offering a broad spectrum of styles and influences. The concert features original works and arrangements by American composers, familiar songs drawn from film, theater, and popular music, and pieces that reflect how American music has been embraced and reimagined by composers. The program also includes a work composed by Widmann himself, highlighting a personal connection between performer and repertoire. Together, these selections showcase the carillon’s versatility and its ability to transpose well‑known music into the instrument’s distinctive sound world.

Video Preview