The Bells, The Bells

23 April 2007

USL were major players in the Liverpool Symphony for Bells, commissioned from Llarenc Barber, a composer from Valencia, where all the buildings with bells (and a few that don't have them) plus ships, cannon and some air horns were heard all over the city at lunch time.

The piece was to celebrate St Georges Day and the re-opening of St Georges Hall to the public by Prince Charles.

USL were asked to play bells (in our case aluminium car wheels) in St Luke's Church, on the balcony over looking the entrance to the World Museum, and on the roof of Marks and Spencers over looking Williamson Square.

Working to a graphic score was a novel experience but great fun (as well as challenging in some cases), but the biggest challenge was probably the 50 foot scaffolding tower holding the bells in St Luke's. It's not everyone's cup of tea standing on a moving tower beating the life out of car wheels, but we (Kelly, John and Liz) had a real ball.

Ambrose, Tilly and Rod were playing at the World Museum, and created a great spectacle for passers by and visitors alike.

But the most fun it seems was had by Karl, Tin and Alex on the roof of M&S. Minding their own business and playing their part, they were rudely interrupted by a soldier in full Dress Uniform accompanied by two security guards. Apparently the soldier had reports of people on the roof acting suspiciously, and he was doing his duty in the protection of the Royal Personage. His face was said to be as red as his tunic by the time he had been appeased and appraised of the situation and the legality of USL's presence on the roof.

A lot of passers by reported that they really enjoyed the afternoon,and called BBC Radio Merseyside's Roger Phillips with their stories and experiences and many said they would like something like it to happen on a Sunday when there is less traffic noise to spoil the listening experience. USL had been interviewed live on the programme before the symphony started.

USL will continue the bell ringing at St Luke's as often as possible - using aluminium car wheels to let the public know that St Luke's is open to the public on a daily basis.