The sweet sounds of low brass tones filled the air of Rockefeller Center during the annual Tuba Christmas celebration.
On Sunday, Dec. 15, around 300 tuba and euphonium players gathered in New York City’s iconic holiday epicenter to play beloved Christmas songs on their horns, conducted by Dr. Christian Wilhjelm, Conductor and Music Director of the New Jersey Wind Symphony.
“This is one of the days I always look forward to; it is such a cool experience,” a Tuba Christmas fan told amNewYork Metro.
Now in its 51st year, Tuba Christmas was started in Rockefeller Center in 1974 by Harvey Phillips as a tribute to his teacher William J. Bell. The very first Tuba Christmas was conducted by Paul LaValle, conductor of Band of America. Tuba Christmas has since grown to take place in over 200 cities around the world.
The event brings together student, amateur, and professional tuba and euphonium players from ages 8 to 80 to celebrate the season. The players (and the horns!) come decked out in their finest holiday attire while staying bundled up against the cold to play Christmas carols, including “Oh Come All Ye Faithful,” “Deck the Halls,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “The First Noel.” Members of the audience were encouraged to sing along with the horns as they played.
“This is what the holidays are about, bringing people together and happiness through music,” a fan told amNewYork Metro.
For more information about Tuba Christmas, visit tubachristmas.com.
