Christmas With the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

For the last 10 years, "Christmas With the Mormon Tabernacle Choir" has graced the airwaves of PBS broadcasts.  Each concert, which takes place at the LDS Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, has contained a different celebrity.  The Choir's most popular Christmas concert was in December 2010, which featured David Archuleta.

The Conference Center decorated for the 2011 concert

What I love most about the Choir's Christmas concert, is that every year the decorations are different.  Each year finds a new way to layout and display the trees, garlands, snow, etc., so that the display is unique.

I love the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and know that their music is the most sacred of any.  I know sacred music brings the Spirit of the Lord.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert #1 PBS program during Christmas seasons

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir at the 2010 Christmas Concert

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is one of the most renowned choirs in the world.  It ranks with the Vienna Boys Choir as world-class.  The love of millions of God-fearing people throughout the United States is apparent.  President and CEO of PBS Paula Kerger said, "The Christmas concert presented by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is the No. 1-rated entertainment program on PBS during the holidays, with more than 4 million Americans tuning in to watch it each year" ("Concert growing in national popularity, Deseret News, Friday 9 December 2011, C8).

God be praised for the inspiration of President Brigham Young.  It was he who requested John Parry to organize a Choir out of a group of Parry's Welsh converts.  This he did, and the rest is history.

I love the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  I know music is powerful.  Elder Russell M. Nelson taught, "Dear brothers and sisters, please fill your minds with worthy sights and sounds. Cultivate your precious gift of the Holy Ghost. . . . As you control your thoughts, you control your actions. Indeed, worthy music can provide power and protection for your soul" ("Power and Protection Provided by Worthy Music", BYU Devotional Address, 4 May 2008).  The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is the greatest source of worthy music this world has ever seen.  I know music is powerful, and it helps control our thoughts.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Mormon Tabernacle Choir 9/11 Tribute Digital Release

From the Deseret News, Tuesday 13 September 2011.  The article is written by Trent Toone:

"The Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s special Sunday telecast, “9/11: Rising Above,” narrated by veteran newsman Tom Brokaw, was significant for three reasons.

"The broadcast was a stirring salute to the American spirit on the 10th anniversary of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001.

"The program aired on more than 900 radio, television and cable networks and Internet stations across the United States.

 

"Veteran newsman Tom Brokaw said he relished his opportunity to work with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. 

 

"The event also opened new doors of digital innovation for the choir to share its music with the world.
For the first time, the choir is releasing a digital-only album of the tribute’s music on iTunes and Deseretbook.com.

“'What usually happens on the Monday following a broadcast of this special nature, our phones and the phones at Bonneville (Communications) are flooded with people saying, ‘How can I get a copy (of the music)?'’” said Scott Barrick, the choir’s general manager.  'The stars aligned for us.  We were able to put this music out there digitally, a lot faster than a physical piece, and have it out there for people to enjoy the next day.  iTunes was a great idea.  It will be a really neat thing to see the response we get.'

"When word leaked to network affiliates in major markets that Brokaw had accepted an invitation to join the world-famous choir in a special 9/11 performance, Deseret Book, a division of Deseret Management Corp. that operates the choir’s record label, was informed.

"'Man, we are going to get phone calls like crazy about where you can get the music that’s in the program,' said Bob Ahlander, director of music and film for Deseret Book.  'We went to the choir and said we wanted to build an iTunes digital album that features music from the program.  They said go for it.'

"In a matter of weeks, the music was pulled together and art was created, Ahlander said.  Deseret Book approached iTunes, and their people loved the idea.

"'They were excited about it and jumped on board right away,' Ahlander said.

"Music from '9/11: Rising Above' will receive iTunes banner ad placement on both the Gospel/Christian and Classical home pages for the next two weeks.  The downloadable six-track album will cost $4.99 and includes popular songs such as “Shenandoah,” “Amazing Grace” and “God Bless America.” Brokaw’s narration is not included.

“'This is the first time we’ve created an album to be sold exclusively in the digital domain,' Ahlander said.

“'This project opened some doors we haven’t been able to get through before.'

"Choir president Mac Christensen said this performance will impact listeners for years to come.

“'We know that many people will be moved by the choir’s 9/11 tribute,' Christensen said.  'We know from experience that many people will want to hear the music over and over.  This digital-only album will enable our listeners to have this music so they can experience the feelings of the broadcast again.'

"The tribute performance Sunday was part of the choir’s weekly series, 'Music and the Spoken Word.'  It originated from Temple Square in Salt Lake City and featured the Orchestra at Temple Square.

"Veteran newsman Tom Brokaw said he relished his opportunity to work with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. 

 

"Barrick said it was fitting for the choir to have a special program Sunday because the choir performed a special concert on the evening of Sept. 11, 2001.

"'They had planned to do a mini concert for a group of financial executives who were in Salt Lake City,' Barrick said.  'As the events of the day unfolded . . . a request came from the First Presidency to change the program to an impromptu memorial concert.  That night the concert, broadcast over KSL Radio, became one of the first musical memorials for the victims of 9/11.'

“'So it’s appropriately fitting that the choir would do a commemoration concert on the anniversary because their music has been providing solace for memories associated with 9/11 from the very beginning.'

"Brokaw and his wife relished their chance to spend time with the choir, Barrick said.  During a taping session on Aug. 21, Barrick said Brokaw stood in front of the choir and related how he first heard the choir perform as a young man when his family passed through Salt Lake City on a trip.

“'It was his highlight of that trip, so he was very pleased to have this opportunity,' Barrick said.  'He talked about what an honor it was for him to be able to be with the choir.'

“'Shenandoah' is Brokaw’s all-time favorite song, Barrick said.

“'After we finished recording Mr. Brokaw’s narration, he and his wife went to the back of the hall with a host and sat there while the choir and orchestra played the full arrangement of ‘Shenandoah.’  He just sat there with tears in his eyes.  At the end of the playing, he just jumped to his feet and yelled, ‘Bravo,’ from the back of the Conference Center.  It was a treat to know it had reached him so meaningfully.'”

Pioneer Day Concert and Broadcast by The Mormon Tabernacle Choir Set for 22 July 2011

From lds.org:

"The Church's Pioneer Day Commemoration Concert, held on July 22, will be broadcast via the Church satellite system, the Internet, and other media on July 23, 2011. Ticket registration for those wishing to attend the concert on July 22 in the Conference Center will begin on June 11 at 12:01 a.m.

"While paying tribute to those pioneers who left their homes and families to settle the West, this year’s celebration will focus on men and women who have served in the military.

"The Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square will perform its signature “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and other patriotic, inspirational, and folk favorites.

"In addition to the musical tributes, a series of short video vignettes will tell the stories of commitment, loyalty, and heroism that so distinguish those who have served or are currently on duty in the armed forces.

"Video will be broadcast on broadcast.lds.org on July 23, 2011, at 7 p.m. MDT, in American Sign Language, English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish. English audio will also be available at mormonchannel.org. Television and radio broadcasts will be available in some parts of the world. Check local listings or visit byubroadcasting.org or ksl.com.

"Local priesthood leaders will receive a schedule of available rebroadcast times, which will also be published on broadcastinfo.lds.org.

"Registration for free tickets will open on the Internet at lds.org/events on Saturday, June 11, 2011, at 12:01 a.m. and close on Monday, June 20, at 11:59 p.m. Those without Internet access may register over the phone at (801) 570-0080 (local) or at 1-866-537-8457 (toll free)."

Mormon Tabernacle Choir Album Hits #1

Truly it is that "if any man serve [Jesus Christ], him will [His] Father honor. (John 12:26)"  The Lord and His Heavenly Father have done that to The Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  The Choir's album "This is the Christ" has just hit number 1 on the Billboard's Classical Overall charts this week, according the the 17 June 2011 issue of the Deseret News.  The album even beat out His Majesty Prince William's and his bride's Wedding Album, "The Royal Wedding: The Official Album".

According to the Deseret News, "Over the past 100 years, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir has recorded nearly 200 albums, with five gold records, two platinum records and a Grammy."