Honoring a Legacy in Bells

Since 1991, David Osburn has been the heart and soul behind the annual 4th of July Carillon Concert, filling the village with the beloved sound of "the bells."

Photo by Ron Holman II

In October, members of the Gates Mills community gathered at St. Christopher's by-the-River to honor a remarkable legacy. This year marked a bittersweet milestone, as David, announced that 2024 would be his final performance.
The event opened with a blessing by John Irwin, Senior Warden at St. Christopher’s, followed by a heartfelt introduction to the carillonneurs from Peter Griesinger. Gates Mills Mayor Steven Siemborski presented a proclamation honoring David’s years of dedication, recognizing the deep roots his family has in the community, dating back to the 1950s.
The concert featured a lineup of talented performers, beginning with Becky Everett, St. Christopher’s resident carillonneur. The evening’s highlight was Keiran Cantilina, a graduate of the Royal Carillon School in Belgium and a frequent performer on Cleveland’s McGaffin Carillon, who played David’s favorite selections with stunning improvisations and artistry.
The evening closed with applause, laughter, and fond memories, capturing the essence of a man whose legacy will continue to echo through the bells of Gates Mills for years to come.

Photos of the event were provided by resident photographer Ron Holman II as well as our friend Clark Langmack.