Deseret News | Reader comments: 'The Mormon Choir Tabernacle'

Reader comments
'The Mormon Choir Tabernacle'

Ron from Littleton | 5:44 p.m. Sept. 28, 2007

I took a friend to Temple square in the beginning of August. We were able to attend a rehersal for the choir while we were there. She had never seen the choir sing before, nor had she ever been in the Tabernacle. Although I had been there numerous times in the past, we were both impressed and really enjoyed out time there. The choir was again very impressive, and to see the effort put into achieve the "final product" is absolutely astonishing. I am proud to have been a part of the rehersal that Thursday evening.

Dan from Tempe Alameda Stake, AZ | 7:31 p.m. Sept. 28, 2007

I love all the info on our Choir! Thanks. We were wondering, do any of the workers or performers get paid?

Marley | 10:33 p.m. Sept. 28, 2007

Dan:

The conductors, organists, and some of the staff are paid because of the full- (or part-) time nature of their work.

However, all of the choir members and orchestra members are volunteers and are not paid, but have other vocational pursuits.

Comments continue below

Spencer Saito | 4:28 a.m. Sept. 29, 2007

My father's childhood was in San Francisco in the early 1900s. He and my mother raised us on the West Side of Salt Lake City. (Redwood Road & North Temple)
Growing up I remember my father telling us how he listened to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in San Francisco every Sunday on the radio and how lucky we were to be so close to this wonderful music.
I am retired and live in Southern California and still listen to the Choir early 6:30 am on Sunday
mornings. Enjoying the Choir has been a part of my life for over 60 years!
Sincerely, Spencer Saito

Mark S | 8:34 a.m. Sept. 29, 2007

It won't happen... for likely several reasons, tax implications being a part of it and PR the other... but I'd sure love to see the Choir's Christmas tickets require a "donation" of at least $5 per chair. They'd still sell out. I really don't like going to them for free. (Love the concerts, however.) I feel like a leech. Everyone who goes can afford $5. Then they could pay their performers something. They put in so much time. I believe in value given for value received.

Put Concerts on KBYU-FM | 3:41 p.m. Sept. 29, 2007

Given the huge demand for the Tab Choir's Christmas concerts and the fact this year more people will not attend who want to, they ought to consider broadcasting one of the concerts on KBYU-FM for those of us who can't attend.

Javier Tobon | 6:43 p.m. Sept. 29, 2007

Now that we can hear the choir on Internet, no matter if we live far away, we can enjoy the wonderful music and also receive the true word of the Lord! We are so blessed!

Jim J in Cedar Rapids | 5:54 p.m. Sept. 30, 2007

Great story. I knew Craig Jessop when he was Lieutenant Colonel Jessup in the US Air Force and director of the USAF Heartland of America Band at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. He was a class act then and inspired the troops with a great music program and fantastic musicians. He is doing the same today with a fantastic organization and superb musicians with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Thank you for a great story and a greater appreciation for what goes on "behind the scenes" from the directors/conductors to the musicians to the support staff. Regardless of one's religious beliefs, the choir exemplifies the teachings of Jesus Christ by providing a service that brings one to Christ through inspirational music. I for one always am uplifted whenever I listen to them in General Conference, on Music and the Spoken Word, on KZion, or on CD.

Glenys Huls | 10:22 p.m. Sept. 30, 2007

Extremely interesting reading. I have known Debra Gehris since I was 12yrs old. We started writing as pen pals at school and have kept in contact ever since. I have visited her in the USA a couple of times and the last time I saw her and David was for Brisbane Expo in 1988. A wonderful couple and I'm sure a real asset to the choir in their role as photographers.

Glenys Huls Brisbane, Australia

Al R | 7:50 a.m. Oct. 1, 2007

I want to give kudos to all the staff involved in preparing the stage with the flower arrangments. A lot of time goes into this work and they go un-noticed. They are a group of talented individuals who utilize those talents to ensure that all watching or present are able to not only feel the spirit through the performance, but through the atmosphere prepared by them. Way to go!

Kent | 3:44 p.m. Oct. 1, 2007

If you haven't heard the Tabernacle Choir in person, and if you get any opportunity to - even just for a rehearsal, DO IT. It's a far more powerful and exciting experience than from TV, radio, or CD player. Even so, I sometimes get emotional just listening to the CDs.

The Choir's versatility is unparalleled. They're famous for powerful crescendos in great works like "Battle Hymn of the Republic." But they're equally impressive in the softest a cappella passage. They can move you to tears with "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing," or have you clapping along with folk songs like "Cindy."

I must confess Iï¿½m currently a member of the Choir. But Iï¿½ve been a fan since I was a child listening to them on the radio with my mother every week.

Mark | 5:02 p.m. Oct. 1, 2007

I was able to attend an open house and special concert for choir family members last summer. We got to tour the newly renovated tabernacle and I could picture in my mind the rooms described in this article.

My wife and I used to live in down town Salt Lake and we enjoyed walking to Temple Square, especially at Christmas. The Christmas concert was always a highlight and tradition for us. We live in Phoenix, AZ now but we like to attend the choir broadcast whenever we come to visit.

I wish the Christmas concerts were broadcast live on BYUTV so we could resume our tradition.

Lois McCullen | 5:25 p.m. Oct. 1, 2007

I always enjoy reading stories about the Choir and how they have blessed so many people with their beautiful music. I wonder if they will be coming on a Southern tour in the next few years. I do not recall that they have ever made an appearance in NC. I would gladly drive two hours to Raleigh NC if they should come there. May God bless all of you as the Choir has blessed our lives.

michelle | 5:41 p.m. Oct. 1, 2007

Could a person ever take a tour of the areas you have described? It is fascinating.

Vivian | 5:51 p.m. Oct. 1, 2007

I listened to the broadcast while growing up in NYC. It always touched my heart and now years later as a convert to the Church I still am thrilled when I hear the choir singing. Have attended broadcasts when I lived in SLC and Sat. night watched Women's conference where they were playing before broadcast. It was truly moving and I didn't want to see it end. I do have many tapes in my collection and play them sometimes every day. I also wish the Christmas concerts were broadcast on BYUTV so I could see the broadcast. The music still brings tears to my eyes as I lose myself in the music.

Keith Russell | 8:59 p.m. Oct. 1, 2007

I loved all the comments. What a wonderful choir. I often listen to them on the Internet on BYU. I am so excited to even have the opportunity to applaud them that I am just overcome with joy sitting here. Thanks for the beautiful music. I know of no other Choir that has a Prophet as an advisor. Never in all the scriptures. God Bless You All It will take us 12 hours to travel to conference but we hope to get in. We have no tickets. But it will be worth the wait in line.

Timothy J. | 10:30 p.m. Oct. 1, 2007

The heartfelt music of the Tabernacle choir has changed my life in so many ways.

Several years ago, I lived in downtown Salt Lake City, not far from Temple Square. I was going through a deep period of depression found it difficult to even get out of bed and try to function. One of the few things I looked forward to was Sundays with the Tabernacle choir. The choir became such an important part of my life. I will never forget the way the choir's music changed my heart and healed my soul.

One specific Sunday-- Mother's Day-- They sang several songs, one of which was a stirring rendition of Shenandoah. Many times, I've looked back to remember that morning as one of the greatest moments of my life.

Miriam Feldstein Case | 2:13 a.m. Oct. 2, 2007

My husband and I have had the priviledge of traveling from New Hampshire to Saratoga Springs, NY, to hear the choir. Not only was the music great, but we enjoyed speaking with family members of the choir before the concert.Keep up singing the songs of Zion.

Syd Coleman | 3:09 a.m. Oct. 2, 2007

My Wife, Veronica along witb my son Stephen and grandson Samuel attended Music and the Spoken Word on April 15, we traveled from Farnham, England to visit our son in Bountiful. The tears of joy flowed. It was a marvelous performance finished by "God be with you til we meet again" which once again had the tear ducts working overtime. What a Wonderful Choir....

Stephen Russell | 12:40 p.m. Oct. 2, 2007

I have loved hearing the Choir sing since I was 17 and first heard a recording of them. It was through "Music and the Spoken Word" that I first came in contact with the missionaries, and at age 56,I was baptized and became a member of the Church. Thank you for your ministry through music. Keep singing "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing", and "I Know that My Redeemer Lives". I look forward to hearing you live next spring when I will be in Salt Lake City for General Conference. May our Heavenly Father continue to use you to bring souls to His Kingdom.

Edna Young | 1:21 p.m. Oct. 2, 2007

I travelled to Salt Lake City with Jan Gow's Hooked on Genealogy Tour in 2004 and 2005. We attended the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's morning sessions several. The music was always wonderful and it was a priviledge to be able to be present.

Sincerely Edna Young
Feilding New Zealand

Barry Cleveland | 4:09 p.m. Oct. 2, 2007

I fell in love with the choir 50 years ago, listening to its marvelous music on a scratchy LP. And I've loved the choir ever since. It's been my privilege to hear it in concert in Atlanta and Nashville, and to sit in on two rehearsals in the Tabernacle. And although I'm not LDS, the most moving spiritual moment of my life came as I listened to the choir boom forth with "Come, Come Ye Saints," at rehearsal, on a summer evening years ago.
I don't believe the choir has ever sounded better, in a technical sense. And the arrangements! Old hymns such as "Come Thou Fount" and "Come Let Us Anew" have been given a fresh, wonderful sound, and the choir's renditions of "O Holy Jesus" and "Jesu, The Very Thought is Sweet" are simply exquisite.
This is America's choir, yes, but more than that. The choir, through its music and its obvious love for each other and the audience, exemplifies the virtues that I'd like to think all Americans, regardless of faith, cherish and share.
I salute the choir and all the staff, volunteer and otherwise, who make it what it is. You have enriched my life.

Debbie | 6:54 a.m. Oct. 3, 2007

My Grandmother sang with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir when she was a young Lady. The choir will always hold a special place in my heart.

Brett | 9:26 p.m. Oct. 3, 2007

My maternal grandmother sang in the Tabernacle as a member of a travelling choir from New Zealand. They were the Te Aroha Cultural Group. Te Aroha in Maori expresses an emotion.

Dan for Tempe Alameda Stake Az | 12:24 p.m. Oct. 4, 2007

Thanks for the info!

Steve | 6:30 p.m. Oct. 4, 2007

I love the Mormon Tabernacle Choir! They have inspired me and I am sure as well as countless others. Good luck in the future, MoTab! 'Nuff said!

Ruth Millward | 10:15 a.m. Oct. 7, 2007

I was wondering were the wardrobe for the choir is kept, and who selects the outfits for the women. I love what they wear every sunday!
The music is wonderful and it gets me going for my sunday callings.
My dream was to someday sing in the choir. Unfortunatly I live to far to do so.

Paul Anderson | 6:23 p.m. Oct. 14, 2007

Wow, this is wonderful information that you have included here. We are so impressed, we have enjoyed the choir for years, and knew that it took "tons of organizational skills" but when we read here all that goes into it, we are so impressed. We really got a kick out of "The Mormon Choir Tabernacle". When we were there in 2003 and heard the choir in the conference center, that was beautiful too. We did attend an organ recital in the tabernacle so enjoyed both. Thanks, for bringing so much joy and love into our home, God Bless you in all you do, Paul and Marla Anderson, Manteca, California

Noï¿½ Garrido, Mexico | 6:20 a.m. Oct. 16, 2007

I had the rare privilege of being a guest in the choir's rehearsal last july. It was a highlight in my life. Craig Jessop and Mack Wilberg have a wonderful way to lead the choir, and each memeber of that great organization has a special mission to fulfill. Sitting next to them made me feel like a dream was coming true. I have loved the choir since early in my childhood, and decided to pursue a career in choral conducting because of the choir's lasting impact on my life. God blesses each individual in this venerable organization because of the nature of the choir. They sing of God, they sing TO God, for all the world to hear. What a blessing not just for the United States, but for the whole world.

Mary | 3:02 p.m. Oct. 26, 2007

I was fortunate to attend a choir rehearsal in September. It was as good as it gets!!we were even treated to a full rendition of Battle Hymn of the Republic , there couldn't have been a dry eye in the house. The music, singing, acoustics and surrounding were something I will never forget. Thank you choir, conductor and orchestra for a wonderful evening,also the Chinese Childrens choir who also gave a wonderful performence.

Michel R. Scott | 6:32 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007

It was a hot July day in the Summer of 1944 during World War II. Our family was traveling to our new home in San Francisco from West Hartford, Connecticut. Wes arrived at Salt Lake City and stopped to visit the Tabernacle. A door was left open in the building. We looked around in awe and wonder like we were all little children. Clearly, God gave us that one chance in a million !!! I particularly loved the very dark, beautiful woodwork surrounding the lofty organ pipes. Later when we arrived in San Francisco, we so very much enjoyed hearing the Choir's broadcast from Station KSL. I was then seven years old. Today, I'm 70. Still alive. Still with music in my soul. I sincerely recommend that the Choir sing in Berlin, Paris, and London. Europe could well appreciate Heaven's Choir, on Earth; moreover, it would clearly shine forth as a beacon of love and friendship to all peoples, showing the world what we Americans are all about. May God bless you and keep you. Most sincerely, Michel R. Scott

Seanna McLouth | 5:31 p.m. Nov. 14, 2007

I am not really informed on the things going on in the Tabernacle Choir... but I have always wanted to join and I am only 15 years old. I get such a spiritual vibe from the music it sends chills through my spine and I get goosebumbs. It is really interesting to here how it all works and what goes on. I play the cello and I love to sing, so hopefully in 10 years or so I will be able to join the choir or the orchestra. Take Care and God be with you!

Angel | 6:02 a.m. March 5, 2008

Back in 1988, as a recent convert to the Church in a small island lost in the Atlantic Ocean, I remember returning from the missionaries appartment/chapel after a Church activity to the barracks of the military base where I was serving. In a huge room filled with 100 more soldiers, I played a tape that I had borrowed from one of the sister missionaries. I put on muy earphones and leaned back on my bed. I immediately got caught by the beauty of the music. The sweet spirit of the choir voices lifted my heart in such a way that I felt like I was not in that crowded and noisy barracks, but in a peaceful setting not easy to describe, where my inner being was taken to a new height of pure joy. That was the very beginning of my relationship with the Tabernacle Choir. They are the best, they are the greatest; there is no choir in the whole world like them. I wish to thank every member of this magnificent organization for touching so many lives. God bless you all! Long life to this unique group of dedicated men and women!! God save the Mormon Tabernacle Choir!!!

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