The HMS Beagle Ship Bell Chime

The HMS Beagle Ship Bell Chime was commissioned by Darwin City Council in 2009 to celebrate 200 Years since the birth of Charles Darwin (1809-1883).

Created by Dr Anton Hasell of Australian Bell Pty Ltd, the Bell Chime is a publicly accessible musical instrument linking the City of Darwin to Charles Darwin’s voyage on the HMS Beagle from 1831-1836.

The Port of Darwin was sighted by John Lort Stokes in 1839 and was named in Darwin’s honour by his friend and former shipmate John Clements Wickham.

Featuring a series of cast bronze bells and a replica HMS Beagle ship’s bell, cast in brass, the HMS Beagle Ship Bell Chime brings together the separate Eastern and Western bell traditions.

Whilst in Australia, Darwin was amazed at the varietal range of the parrot species, and a selection of these, cast in bronze, from the small Budgerigar to the large Black Cockatoo, are perched on top of each bell.

• G# Red Crested Black Cockatoo
• A# Galah
• C# Sulphur Crested Cockatoo
• D# Crimson Rosella
• F# Eastern Rosella
• G# Red-collared Lorikeet
• A# HMS Beagle
• C# Night Parrot
• D# Cockatiel
• F# Budgerigar
• G# Wild Budgerigar

For more information on Dr Anton Hasell and his work please visit www.ausbell.com.au

Musical Program

The HMS Beagle Ship Bell Chime is programmed to sound at regular times of the day, featuring musical compositions by local composers and composers from around the world.

• Download current musical program
  

Composers Wanted!

Every year Darwin City Council will commission new works for the HMS Beagle Ship Bell Chime, to play regularly throughout the year. Register your interest now!

The HMS Beagle Ship Bell Chime is a fully programmable, MIDI-compatible public musical instrument.

The bells form a pentatonic scale of 2 octaves beginning and ending on G#.

• G# 207 Hz
• A# 233 Hz
• C# 277 Hz
• D# 311 Hz
• F# 370 Hz
• G# 415 Hz
• A# 466 Hz
• C# 554 Hz
• D# 622 Hz
• F# 740 Hz
• G# 830 Hz

Open Days

Have you ever wanted to play a musical instrument?

For an hour (12-1 pm) on the last Friday of every month, the city’s new Bell Chime in Civic Park will be open for use by the public.

A MIDI keyboard will be set up under the awnings of the Civic Centre and you can add your name and have a go. It’s free!

Come along and experience Darwin’s newest musical installation, or grab a spot in the shade and listen to the melodies being created. All ages welcome.

Open Days in 2009

• Friday 28 August
• Friday 25 September
• Friday 30 October
• Friday 27 November

A MIDI keyboard will be set up on these days between 12 noon – 1 pm for public use.

There will be no open days in December.

For more information or to register your interest please contact the Arts and Cultural Development Officer on (08) 8930 0674 or arts@darwin.nt.gov.au