Jessop was appointed music director and conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in December 1999, after having served as the choir's associate director since 1995. During his tenure, the choir performed with world-renowned artists and performers at Christmas concerts in the LDS Conference Center that became so popular, more than 1 million tickets were requested for the 2007 performances.

The release said Jessop's vision was to bring the music of the choir to everyone. "My passion has always been music and the power of music — helping other people in lifting their spirits. And whenever we're on tour I see the emotion that the choir can generate from the audience. It's a wonderful experience."

During his tenure, the choir and orchestra at Temple Square launched a private record label in March 2003 and subsequently releasing over 10 albums, several of which hit No. 1 on Billboard's Classical Music chart. They performed 20 times during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, including the opening ceremonies.

Under his baton, the group received the Special Recognition Award from the International Radio and Television Society Foundation and the National Medal of Arts from President George W. Bush. In April 2004 the choir and its Music and the Spoken Word broadcast were inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Jessop is scheduled to present workshops this summer at the prestigious Berkshire Choral Festival.

---

E-mail: carrie@desnews.com