Tuesday, November 30, 2010

UNC Wilmington Department of Music professor Daniel Johnson will direct two free performances of the Seventh Annual Tuba Christmas Concert on Saturday, Dec. 4. The first begins at noon at Westfield Independence Mall and the second show starts at 2 p.m. at Brightmore of Wilmington (2324 South 41st Street).

The concert features traditional Christmas carols by a tuba-euphonium ensemble. The Wilmington Tuba Ensembles is comprised of community and college euphonium and tuba players from throughout the Cape Fear region. Featuring carols, polkas and other holiday music, Tuba Christmas is a fun, family event—perfect for all ages. Both shows are free and open to the public.

First performed in New York City's Rockefeller Plaza, Tuba Christmas is a long-standing tradition within in 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. As a Tuba Christmas tradition, the annual celebration features the same collection of Christmas carols arranged for the original event in 1974. Tuba Christmas events take place each year in more than 120 cities worldwide.

"The rich, organ-like sound of a tuba-euphonium ensemble is ideal for a holiday performance," said director 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."

Media contact:
Dana Fischetti, media relations manager, 910.508.3127 or fischettid@uncw.edu