Brass Music for Christmas
The extensive program of side events at the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt, which is held annually on the city squares next to the cathedral and Residenz, also includes performances by the Turmbläser: Every Thursday and Saturday in the evening, the sounds of traditional Christmas melodies echo from terraces high above, every Wednesday you can listen to the "Young Turmbläser".
Salzburger Turmblasen brings together the best brass musicians from across the province to spread the spirit of Christmas by performing from the terrace above the Cathedral Arches, the terrace of the Christmas Museum and from atop the tower of the carillon. The lights of the market are dimmed and spotlights focused on the individual brass ensembles to create a truly special and romantic atmosphere.
Turmblasen is an Austrian tradition which originally involved groups of brass and wind musicians gathering on Christmas Eve to perform beloved Christmas melodies from a church tower, thereby adding to the beauty of the festive celebrations. After the war, Tobi Reiser revived the tradition and also incorporated it into what has since become another highlight of the many Christmas traditions in Salzburg, Advent Singing. 1950 marked the first year when historical compositions and Advent folk melodies were performed from the carillon tower. Since 2008, the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt Association has been responsible for organizing this truly special event.
