Christmas bells ring in Canberra thanks to musical AI

An ANU researcher has combined the power of music and computer science, to create an instrument to spread Christmas joy throughout the Canberra community. Dr Charles Martin, an expert in musical AI based at The Australian National University's College of Engineering and Computer Science, has redesigned the National Carillon's old clavier, or keyboard, which is currently in the Canberra Centre for festive shoppers to try. He's programmed the old clavier's batons - or keys - with synchronised sounds that mimic the original bells of the carillon, as well as to play three Christmas carols. Visitors can play the instrument. "This installation really demonstrates how the National Carillon is controlled by musicians and is actually a huge city-scale musical instrument!" Dr Martin says. "People can try it out and know what it feels like for the carillonists who perform for us." The NCA has been upgrading the National Carillon, including replacing the old clavier. The organisation wanted to put the old clavier on display and add electronic sound.