Choir to mark 75 years on radio

Music is the true universal language, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir has taken advantage of it. They're less than 400 strong but they've conquered the world, singing from their hearts and winning over a global audience.

Transcending religious beliefs and political and geographic boundaries, the choir reaches out to everyone. Audiences are inspired — and perhaps even humbled — by what they hear. And the choir has been doing this for more than a century.

There have been many milestones in the rich history of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and the latest comes next weekend when the choir joins the Orchestra at Temple Square to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the "Music and the Spoken Word" broadcasts.

The occasion will be celebrated with a gala concert in the LDS Conference Center on Saturday and a special "Music and the Spoken Word" broadcast the next day.

The weekly radio program, which is now transmitted to more than 20 countries through television and satellite, has been on the air continuously since July 15, 1929. That makes it the longest-running radio program in history.

And for 73 of its 75 years, "Music and the Spoken Word" has been carried by the CBS Radio Network. "When you look back on it, 75 years of continued broadcasts on national radio is absolutely unbelievable," choir president Mac Christensen said.

"There's nothing like it," said Gordon B. Hinckley, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in an e-mail response to an inquiry from the Deseret Morning News. "It's a miracle.

"You've seen them come and go — the artists, the performers. Over the years, to think that that choir has been on the air for 75 years says something that's tremendous. What a great organization it is, and what a tremendous service it has performed.

"And it's better today that it's ever been. It is, I believe the greatest choir in the world. And one of the reasons for that is, they're volunteers. They're not singing for money. They're singing out of their hearts. And what a great contribution they make."

Music director Craig Jessop said he feels fortunate to be able to celebrate the historic event with the choir. "It's just a great honor for me," Jessop said. "I'm a Utah boy. I grew up listening to the choir and being a part of all this is an honor. It represents my love of music, my pioneering ancestry and my religious faith."

Christensen said that the choir is looking forward to the gala. "They're all excited about it. And knowing what a dedicated and magnificent group this is, the concert is going to be fantastic."