Market Square was alive with the sounds of music this afternoon as Victoria’s 40th annual Tuba Christmas entertained a huge crowd on Saturday.
For 40 years, tuba and euphonium players from across Vancouver Island and beyond have been gathering at Market Square in downtown Victoria for one of the city’s most anticipated holiday traditions.
Tubist and UVic instructor Paul Beauchesne lead the ensemble for the fourth year. He describes the sound of massed tubas and euphoniums as a “sonic hug” filling the square with music.
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Jointly sponsored by Market Square and UVic’s School of Music, Tuba Christmas was established in Victoria by the much-loved tubist, Eugene Dowling, who succumbed to cancer in June 2015. Dowling was one of Beauchesne’s tuba instructors, as well as a mentor and friend.
Tuba Christmas dates back to 1974 where it originated in New York City. Concerts now take place in over 200 cities worldwide and this year marks the 45th year for TubaChristmas internationally.
c.vanreeuwyk@blackpress.ca
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