HMS Beagle Ship Bell Chime

The HMS Beagle Ship Bell Chime was commissioned by City of Darwin 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 Darwin City to Charles Darwins voyage on the HMS Beagle from 1831-1836.

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

Featuring a series of cast bronze bells and a replica HMS Beagle ships 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.

Bell Chime Public Use

Have you ever wanted to play a musical instrument?

The citys Bell Chime in Civic Park is open for use by the public by appointment. Schools, tourists and community groups are welcome to make a time to play the bells "live"using a MIDI keyboard (supplied). Sessions are usually for 1 hour.

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

Composers Wanted!

Every year the City of Darwin 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

For more information about this opportunity please contact the Arts and Cultural Development Officer on 8930 0674 or email arts@darwin.nt.gov.au