Breda Loses 500-Year Carillon Post
Breda faces losing its city carillon player by January 1 2027, as funding and employment disputes threaten a 500-year municipal tradition.
The city’s mayoral executive announced that the dismissal procedure for city carillon player Paul Maassen is underway. His role at Nieuwe Veste ends on December 31 2026, stemming from a reorganization at the cultural organization.
Breda has employed a city carillon player since 1526, when Thomas den Beyaert took the position. Maassen has held the role since 2012.
Grote Kerk Foundation Rejects Role
Stichting Grote Kerk Breda rejected a municipal request to take Maassen onto its payroll, stating the issue rests entirely between the municipality and Nieuwe Veste. The foundation argues it is a small organization with 6.2 full-time jobs and about 40 volunteers, compared to Nieuwe Veste’s 220 workers and the municipality’s 3,000 employees.
“It is difficult to understand that Nieuwe Veste and the municipality of Breda are not solving this issue together,” the foundation said.
The municipality offered to cover Maassen’s salary costs through 2030 and expressed intent to fund the position afterward, but declined to offer long-term guarantees due to legal limits on spending across council terms. The foundation refused permanent employment terms over fears it would absorb financial liability after 2030.
Municipal ownership and the future of the carillon
The Grote Toren has belonged to the municipality of Breda since 1798, while the Protestantse Gemeente Breda owns the church building itself. The foundation maintains that employer responsibility historically sits with the local government.
“The Stichting Grote Kerk Breda trusts that the municipality of Breda and Nieuwe Veste will jointly find a solution in this case to preserve the centuries-old carillon culture in Breda for now and for future generations,” the foundation said.
Who was the first carillon player and why is funding disputed?
Who was the first city carillon player in Breda?
Thomas den Beyaert served as the city’s first carillon player when the municipality established the position in 1526.
Why is Stichting Grote Kerk refusing the municipal request?
The foundation operates with 6.2 full-time staff and declines the financial risk of hiring Maassen indefinitely after municipal funding guarantees expire in 2030.
When does the current employment contract end?
Maassen’s position at Nieuwe Veste terminates on December 31 2026, ahead of the potential elimination of the post on January 1 2027.
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