UNC Wilmington Music Professor to Conduct Annual Tuba Christmas Performances Dec. 5
11/23/2009 4:03:08 PM
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Daniel Johnson, professor of music at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, will direct two free performances of the Sixth Annual Tuba Christmas Concert on Saturday, Dec. 5. The first begins at noon at Westfield Independence Mall and the second show starts at 2 p.m. at Brightmore of Wilmington.
The concert features traditional Christmas carols by a tuba-euphonium ensemble. New Hanover County Commissioner Jonathan Barfield will serve as this year's guest conductor. Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo will present a proclamation to declare Dec. 5, 2009 as Tuba Christmas Day.
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. Every holiday 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.
This marks the sixth year that Wilmington has participated in the annual Tuba Christmas celebration. In previous years, performances have drawn nearly forty musicians and captivated crowds with their unique take on holiday classics.
"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."
For the second year, Johnson will present another Tuba Christmas concert in Myrtle Beach. Sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Seventh Day Adventists Church, this concert will take place at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, with a reception to follow.
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. Myrtle Beach Seventh Day Adventists Church is located at 2351 Carolina Forest Boulevard.
All events are free and open to the public.
Media contact:
Dana Fischetti, media relations manager, 910.962.7259 or fischettid@uncw.edu
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