Photo: Getty Images
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) – More than 100 local tuba players gathered in Downtown Crossing to bring holiday joy to Boston residents.
The city hosted the Annual Boston Tuba Christmas Concert on Sunday afternoon where classic holiday tunes were played by an orchestra of tubas. The concert was part of a string of concerts the group hosts around the world.
“I always like to think of it as it sort of looks like a Dr. Seuss ensemble,” said Eric Goode, the coordinator and conductor of Boston Tuba Christmas. Despite some challenges with having a complete tuba ensemble, Goode said he would not trade the experience for anything.
“In the tuba world, the sounds are so close that it can sometimes get muddy or just kind of very billowy,” he said. “Sometimes it’s a struggle but it’s beautiful at the same time.”
Read More: Man Charged In Middlesex Fells Assault To Undergo Mental Health Evaluation
Tuba Christmas began in 1974 by renowned tuba soloist Harvey Phillips as a tribute to his teacher and mentor William J. Bell, who was born on Christmas Day. The group uses their platform to honor Bell, as well as other artists and teachers who have provided high performance standards for all instrumentalists.
“We express our respect and gratitude to all composers who continue to embrace our instruments with their compositions and contribute to the ever growing solo and ensemble repertoire for tuba and euphonium,” the organization wrote on their website.
The Boston event welcomed participants from around New England ranging in ages from eight to 85. Upcoming concert dates and locations for Tuba Christmas can be found on the organization’s website.
WBZ's Matt Shearer (@MattWBZ) has more:
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App