Edward Christmas

Edward Christmas considers himself a flute stylist. His instrument is a handmade, pure silver bass flute. The overtones in a bass flute are more prominent than in a C flute (where the fundamental tone takes precedence). Though the size and weight of the bass flute make it difficult to play for long periods of time, Christmas chose the instrument because of its exceptional tonal qualities.

Born in 1941, Christmas began playing flute at age nine. He studied flute and composition at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and played in jazz groups throughout college. His musical career has been augmented by his talents in other areas. Christmas has been a photo-journalist for Life Magazine, Look Magazine, and the Chicago Sun-Times. He has worked in film and created a documentary for WGN-TV. A painter and writer, he has designed album covers and has been involved in music research.