Meet the Man Behind the Cathedral (and other) Bells

You might know Ed Nassor as the Cathedral Carilloneur, doing his musical magic across 53 bells high in the Central Tower. But did you know he regularly plays another carillon across the river in Arlington?

Our friends over at WETA Arts spent some time with Ed at the Netherlands Carillon, which sits on the edge of Arlington National Cemetery, near the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. The Netherlands Carillon was a gift to America from the Dutch people in 1960 to acknowledge America’s liberating role in World War 2. Ed has been playing it since 1987.

On Most Sundays, you can find Ed here at the Cathedral, playing the carillon before Sunday services. He also offers a mid-day recital most Saturdays.

And yes, those aren’t the only bells at the Cathedral. In fact, we are one of two Cathedrals in the world to feature both a carillon and a set of change-ringing bells, which is an entirely different instrument run by a team of volunteer bell ringers.