Mormon Times briefly

Mormon Tabernacle Choir holiday CD rises up national music charts

SALT LAKE CITY — Cash register bells are ringing for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's latest holiday CD.

The "Ring Christmas Bells" CD is on Billboard's Hot 100 list as one of the 10 top-selling Christian albums. In addition, the album is No. 4 on the Billboard Classical Crossover chart and No. 5 on the Billboard Classical Overall chart.

"Our annual Christmas albums have been a source of delight for many people, and many folks think that it's not Christmas without a new Mormon Tabernacle Choir CD," said Scott Barrick, the choir's general manager. "We are gratified with its reception in the marketplace and thrilled to be able to be a part of people's Christmas."

The album is a collaborative effort of choir music director Mack Wilberg and Broadway leading man Brian Stokes Mitchell.

Wilberg wanted to fill the Conference Center with bells and put them in the hands of 108 ringers. He arranged dancers who mimicked ringing bells, chose bell-like skirts for costumes and even had bells flying from the ceiling rafters.

To plan the program, Wilberg traveled to New York for a meeting with Mitchell. They chose to perform the charming and playful "The Friendly Beasts," the stirring "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," "Go, Tell it on the Mountain," "Sleigh Ride" (with a new twist) and "And the Glory of the Lord" and "Hallelujah" from the "Messiah."

The CD comprises live recordings from the choir's 2008 Christmas concert from Temple Square, a musical spectacle that was seen in person by more than 80,000 last year.

The album received national attention last week when the "Today" show featured Mitchell singing a track from the album, "The Christmas Song/A Crazy Christmas List."

— Sharon Haddock

Another 'Idol' contestant at BYU-I

REXBURG, Idaho — Singer and songwriter Brooke White will perform at BYU-Idaho in Rexburg on Saturday, Jan. 9, at 7:30 p.m. in the John W. Hart Auditorium as part of the Center Stage Performing Arts Series.

White competed in "American Idol" Season 7. Since placing fifth, the Mesa, Ariz., native has been building her career and recently released an album, "High Hopes and Heartbreak."

David Archuleta, who was runner-up during the same season, performed at BYU-Idaho in December.