Chuck Daellenbach

Chuck Daellenbach and his tuba have added music, imagination and humor to Canadian Brass ever since the group began in 1970. The warm and commanding bass sounds of his gold-plated Yamaha tuba are the bedrock of the group's repertoire - from baroque to jazz. To audiences around the world, Chuck is also admired as a witty stage performer whose improvised banter with Gene Watts (trombone) is a concert trademark.

Chuck comes from a long line of German and Swiss musicians, and during his childhood in Wisconsin his father gave him daily music lessons. He left the Eastman School of Music with a Ph.D. at the age of 25 and headed north to teach music at the University of Toronto. His academic plans were derailed when he met Gene Watts, who had plans for a unique brass quartet - now a quintet with Chuck on tuba.

Together the two created the Canadian Brass and a new model for daring stage presentation of eclectic repertoire. "The music must be satisfying, and the format interesting and entertaining," says Chuck.

Chuck's energy is legendary, and he gives the word "multi-tasking" new meaning. He is a superb musician, overall stage performer, businessman, and innovator. Among his projects is a series of 200 brass works published by Hal Leonard, many with CDs, and played by students everywhere.

When not on tour, Chuck is at home in Toronto with his wife Mary Beth and their two sons.

"Over the last few years we have sensed a really strong connection with our fans and friends - God bless the internet!" - Chuck