Deseret News | Tabernacle Choir Director Jessop resigns

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Tabernacle Choir Director Jessop resigns

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DIANA | 3:57 p.m. March 7, 2008

HE IS A DEDICATED MAN TO HIS FAMILY AND TO THE CHOIR.HIS PASSION FOR MUSIC HAS TOUCHED SO MANY PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD.HE LEAD THE CHOIR IN A MYRIAD OF AREAS SUCH AS TOURS, CONCERTS,AND SINGING FOR THE PRESIDENTS IN 1999 TILL THE YEAR OF 2007.HIS LEGACY WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED IN MANY GREAT WAYS.

Patsey | 4:15 p.m. March 7, 2008

Something isn't right that's for sure! Right before the big conference. Maybe Craig has finally seen the light. Anyone not Mormon will understand this.

MY SLC | 4:35 p.m. March 7, 2008

If there was any "dirt" this blog site would have disappeared from the Des News far before it got this far, the "Church" would not have let it continue. It appears he made a choice and left for what ever reason. It is his business!

Comments continue below

Patsey | 4:31 p.m. March 7, 2008

I pray that Craig has finally seen the light. God is the light of his life and will lead him in the right direction for the rest of his days and have peace within himself that he might want to feel a freedom within his heart to get out of the LDS.

Jim in Utah | 5:15 p.m. March 7, 2008

Yes, Jay Welch left under the same scenario of abrutness, yet he was to successfully re-emerge with his Chorale. I hope Craig Jessop can also land on his feet and come back to have a significant impact in musical circles. In the meantime, one again wonders what is it that causes such chaoses - it does not seem fair - affecting hundreds of peoples lives. The very best to what seems to be a well-loved contributor in society.

L*K*L | 10:31 p.m. March 7, 2008

Brother Jessop,

Thank you so much for your 13 years of service as choir director. You truly have been an instrument in the hands of the Lord, and have been such a marvelous example to all of us. Your special spirit, talent, and passion for music will be missed, but never forgotten. We love you!

To all of you who are curious as to why he resigned... PLEASE don't speculate. Why ruin 13 years of wonderful memories? Whatever the reason, it is between he and the Lord- not he and the world.

We love you Craig!

Angelino | 4:47 a.m. March 8, 2008

I remember well the period that Mr Jessop took over the reigns of the Choir. I never missed taking in a Sunday performance, when in town from Los Angeles. Something had happened to the choir, which was not performing at it's level best. Even at the beginning of each performance, as the Choir was cued to stand in unison, there were noticebly many who seemed to have a very lackadaisical attidude. This was also reflected in the overall sound of their performance.
However, when Mr. Jessop took the reigns, there was a dramatic change in visible attitude and the level of each performance. That level of each performance under Maestro Jessop has once again restored the tabernacle choir as the world's most magnificent.
I sincerly hope the new director will be able to fill the very sizable shoes of Maestro Jessop.

Fbear0143 | 3:39 p.m. March 8, 2008

Dr. Jessop's reasons for leaving are personal, IF they are his own. If there is some other reason, the "faithful" are entitled to know. No one stated publically why Jay Welsh was removed in the 70s, but there is evidence his removal was political WHILE PRESIDENT KIMBALL WAS AWAY! When Kimball returned, his displeasure was clear but for the appearance of unity didnï¿½t have Welsh reinstated, despite Jerold Ottleyï¿½s inferiority. I can't believe that in some way, Jessop didn't cross swords with the wrong person/people. If it is personal indiscretion, I wish him well in dealing with it. If it is political, I believe the powers-that-be will have more to answer for than they imagine like with the Danzig situation, and they will be held to a much higher judgment. As they eagerly remind us, "Where much is given, much is required."
Funny how the Savior's representatives in this world, with the possible exception of Joseph Smith himself, are so much draconian and secretive in their dealings with His sheep I hope Dr. Jessop finds contentment wherever his life goes.

Anonymous | 6:27 p.m. March 8, 2008

To Fbear0143,

You must have made a mistake. You said, "Funny how the Savior's representatives in this world, with the possible exception of Joseph Smith himself, are so much draconian and secretive in their dealings with His sheep"

Joseph Smith NOT draconian and secretive? He practiced polygamy (or adultery) for over a decade without telling his wife!

Insider | 7:07 p.m. March 8, 2008

Some have suggested something sinister or secretive in the format of Bro. Jessop's resignation - short notice, late at night, no fanfare, etc. I can tell you as an insider that it is standard procedure in the choir and has been as long as I've been in the choir that those who resign hardly get an announcement, much less any fanfare. And not just for choir members but conductors as well, e.g. Barlow Bradford, Jay Welch, etc. The fanfare is reserved for those that "endure to the end" and retire. This is as it should be and is in all businesses - employees who resign just clean out their desk and leave - no fanfare. Those who retire get the going away party - as did John Longhurst when he retired as organist, or Jerold Ottley as conductor. Even the retiring choir members get a big send off. When did any of you critics get a big send off for resigning from a job? It's just not done, so leave it alone. All is well and in order. Nothing is odd nor strange so focus on Bro. Jessop's contribution while he was present. Not his exit. Nuff said.

Rob H | 7:12 p.m. March 8, 2008

This news makes me so sad. Like with the passing of President Hinckley, it is another ending of a very enjoyable era. While I am glad Mack Wilberg will be staying on (I LOVE his arrangements), he and Brother Jessop made this an exquisite time for the choir. I hope we get to stay in touch with him somehow.

Kathleen in Canada | 7:55 a.m. March 9, 2008

My greatest teaching moment from you, Bro. JESSOP
We all hope to have a Christlike attitude of fairness and highlighting others accomplishments. In today's world we seldom see this but in a simple act of selflessness I saw that on your 75th anniversary special this past year. As you were concluding with your celebratory song - you motioned to Jerold Ottley to come take the baton. It wasn't the gesture so much but the manner in which you did it - with such kindness and reverence. Thank you - when I feel selfish and want the spotlight I regularly go back to that moment to inspire me. Then seeing Bro. Ottley swing that baton reminds me that we are all in this together. Thank you for your example. I miss you this morning but know you have much work to do as only you know of your great talent to share with others. May the greatest blessings be yours!

Another Insider | 8:55 a.m. March 9, 2008

I'm an insider too, and I DO think there was something uncanny about such a sudden, unannounced resignation. There's a big difference between Barlow Bradford's resignation and Craig Jessop's, don't you think? Essentially, Brother Jessop was mysteriously absent at important rehearsals (a no-no for ANYONE in the choir, much less the director) and when he did show up, read a letter saying he was leaving, then walked off and left.

For any job, in any field, the professional thing to do is to give notice to your supervisor, allow at least two weeks or more for loose ends to be tied up, a replacement search to start, proper procedure to take course, etc.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir was dubbed "America's Choir" by a former President of the United States of America. Not only do we have a right to know; the country and the world has a right to know why this untimely, unprofessional exit. The only answer seems to be that he was forced out.

Missy | 1:58 p.m. March 10, 2008

Please! Several of you are trying to turn this into a conspiracy! For what ever reasons Brother Jessop resigned, they are private. Perhaps he did it for his family, maybe it is because of some other issue, but the fact is...he resigned...and the world goes on. It is sad to continually be reminded that many members of the church are gossips and pot stirers. Relax and be thankful for the time he did serve, and hope that for whatever reasons he did leave, he will be able to become stronger and a better man for it.

Keith | 4:11 p.m. March 10, 2008

I do feel the method and timing of the departure beg questions and speculation. I'm sure that there is a story behind this we may or may not ever know. But this I do know - we live in an age were too much delight is taken in the downfall of heroes and leaders. This attitude has not served us well. So even if the church leaders are more tight lipped than the curious of us would like them to be, let's remember that much of the mission of the church is to proclaim the gospel and better its members. The mission does not include the shouting of people's failings from the rooftops - even the failings of the church's more public members. Let's be vocal in uplifting heroes, leaders and others of good report. Let's be tight-lipped, silent and discreet when dealing with failings. As with other church institutions, the Tabernacle Choir will go on and fulfill its mission. It is bigger than any one person. My prayers and best wishes are with Craig Jessop.

David | 10:28 p.m. March 10, 2008

Wouldn't Michael Ballam be a good replacement for Craig Jessop?

typesetter | 9:04 p.m. March 11, 2008

Michael Ballam? Oh puhleeese. Are you really serious? Not all prima donna opera singers are sopranos. And he ain't no conductor, whatever else he is. Really can't picture him willing or able to share the spotlight with 360 other people, can you?

Insider II | 11:50 p.m. March 11, 2008

Don't we all know that a sudden resignation usually means the person was kindly asked to resign? As an insider, I believe that Craig would never leave the Choir "high and dry" without thinking that he was forced to do so. Sure, the Choir deserves an explanation, but does the world? Anything said to the Choir would eventually be leaked to the general public. Craig has been in the public eye, but now he deserves a little privacy. At some point the truth will come out, but by then it won't really matter. The Choir members will miss Craig, but his position will be filled with another talented musician and the Choir will continue just fine without him.

Insider III | 8:31 a.m. March 13, 2008

A final observation: we "insiders" don't know any more than anyone else. Our speculations are no more valid than those of the "outsiders." Unless Brother Jessop chooses say more, we will never know the true reason. Many of the speculations that have been made are hurtful either to the Church, the Choir, or to Brother Jessop and his family. We've got to just leave it alone and move on!

SLClose | 1:47 p.m. March 17, 2008

Actually Dr. Michael Ballam is more than qualified. As for being a prima donna who can't share the spotlight, he does share it every year in Logan with hundreds of people. In fact, he often works behind the scenes and gives over the spotlight to others, and let's them do performances without appearing himself. Not to mention the free visits he does at nursing homes and hospitals. It appears Michael Ballam has more of a Christ-like attitude than many people who have responded to this news. He rather reminds me of Craig Jessup, who I wish all the best to, and thank for all the joy he brought to all of us in 13 years. God Speed.

>Wouldn't Michael Ballam be a good replacement for Craig Jessop?

typesetter | 9:04 p.m. Mar. 11, 2008
Michael Ballam? Oh puhleeese. Are you really serious? Not all prima donna opera singers are sopranos. And he ain't no conductor, whatever else he is. Really can't picture him willing or able to share the spotlight with 360 other people, can you?<

DougNC | 2:24 p.m. March 17, 2008

I live back east and have enjoyed Music and the Spoken Word on BYUTV since I went with Dish Network 4 yrs. ago. I have also had the privilege of attending a Thursday evening choir practice where I could see Bro. Jessop's amazing perfectionism and sense of humor and how he motivated the choir to excellence. He is a great talent and I will miss him. I have been blessed these past few years to enjoy the choir under his direction. I also look forward to Mack Wilberg's tenure if he is called to be the next director. It doesn't matter to me why Bro. Jessop resigned. I truly wish him great success and happiness in all of his pursuits. If he is blessed with just a small portion of the joy he has given others, much will be his joy. Finally, Bro. Jessop, if you read this, thank you, thank you with all of my heart!

Jerold Ottley | 3:09 p.m. April 4, 2008

This statement is based in the hope that readers will agree that I have earned the right to comment.
I take unvarnished joy in the glowing and justifiable praise offered to my very dear friends Craig Jessop and Mack Wilberg. At the same time I am embarrassed for the speculators who insist on stirring up uninformed clouds of suspicion and doubt. The arena in which the Tabernacle Choir operates is so huge and so convoluted with criss crossing streams of influence and pressure that it is foolishness for the average person to speculate about something as personal as Craig's decision to resign. As close as I am to Craig, I know nothing more than his statement to me that he felt it necessary and in the best interests of all concerned. This decision was not taken lightly or without pain. If you are a fan of the Choir and the personalities involved, then offer your grateful support. If you are not, be gracious enough to wish them well and move on.

Mike Beeler | 2:27 p.m. April 6, 2008

We wish Brother Jessup well from Indiana. I had the opportunity to meet him last summer and enjoy a Tab Choir concert. They were wonderful as always. I suggest we respect Bro Jessup's privacy and not speculate on why he resigned.....we will miss him. We wish him well....

sharon,Farmington | 11:42 a.m. April 12, 2008

Thanks for your years of service to the church and the Lord. Your music was so beautiful.

DeAnn | 10:47 p.m. April 12, 2008

I must admit, I am really curious as to the reason for the sudden departure. I really hope that he is also on his way out of the church!

Lynn and Pat Robinson | 9:23 a.m. April 27, 2008

We love and admire Craig. His expert leadership with the Choir has been evident over the last 13 years. What a blessing for each of us to hear how the choir has moved forward to greater heights as he built on the shoulders of the past directors. The Chrismas concerts in the Conference center were incredible knowing all the work involved. We are excited about the new director appointment of Mac Wilberg, and wish Craig the best for the future. Thank you, Craig for serving; for loving; and for making every performance of the choir special. "Rolling"

Reader | 6:45 p.m. Nov. 15, 2008

Maybe he spoke out against Prop 8, and then he was excomunicated?

Donna Conner | 4:50 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009

I know exactly why he left. Because I (and I'm sure hundreds of others)have been praying for years that I would be able to sing under his direction and knew I could never make the Tab Choir. I am now a member of the American Festival Chorus, because Craig Jessop took a chance on a simple, untrained singer. Prayers are answered. Having sung under Dr. Craig Jessop's direction, I will never be the same. Life stands still and all troubles and trials of life vanish if only momentarily while singing under his direction. It is the greatest miracle in my life.

Mary E Brown, Fmr S-18 | 11:36 a.m. Nov. 20, 2009

Thank you, dear Jerry O., for saying it properly. We all love Craig, and always will. He was and is a fabulous director and leader! We don't understand why he resigned, but our hearts go with him, and we are thankful we are blessed to call him a friend! The Lord watches over all of us, and knows our hearts.

And it IS, after all, the Lord's Choir.

Thank you for your time and love and dedication, Craig!

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