Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Wilmington, N.C. - The University of North Carolina Wilmington Department of Music will present two free performances of the Fourth Annual Tuba Christmas Concert on Saturday, Dec. 8, at noon at Westfield Independence Mall and at 2 p.m. at Brightmore of Wilmington. Under the direction of music professor Daniel Johnson, the concert features traditional Christmas carols by a tuba/euphonium ensemble with special guest conductor, Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo. In addition, Saffo will deliver a mayoral proclamation designation Dec. 8, 2007 as Tuba Christmas Day.

First performed in New York City's Rockefeller Plaza, Tuba Christmas is a long-standing tradition within the music community. The event was conceived in 1974 as a tribute to the late artist and teacher William J. Bell, born on Christmas Day, 1902. Every Christmas season, tuba and euphonium players of all ages gather in cities throughout the world to honor the great musicians and teachers of their art form. As a Tuba Christmas tradition, the annual celebration features the same collection of Christmas carols arranged for the original event in 1974. This year, Tuba Christmas events will take place in more than 120 cities worldwide.

2007 marks the fourth year that UNC Wilmington has participated in the annual Tuba Christmas celebration. "The rich, organ-like sound of a tuba-euphonium ensemble is ideal for a holiday performance," said director Daniel Johnson. "Tuba Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and appreciate these beautiful and often misunderstood instruments. At the same time, it is a truly unique holiday tradition that allows us to give a special musical gift to the community."

All tuba or euphonium musicians interested in participating in this year's Tuba Christmas should contact Johnson at 910.962.7559 or johnsond@uncw.edu.

Westfield Independence Mall is located at 3500 Oleander Drive.

Brightmore of Wilmington is located at 2124 41st Street.

Both events are free and open to the public.

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Media contacts:

Ann Seymour, events coordinator, UNCW Department of Music, 910.962.3415 or seymoura@uncw.edu.