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Choir's Jessop is resigning

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Gabriel - 6 yrs old | 2:08 p.m. March 5, 2008
My grandson had just been operated on for a brain tumor (he was three), he also suffered a stroke during the operation. He does not have any options, his one wish was always to be able to lead the Choir and meet you. That wish was granted and since then he still goes to see you on thursdays. All he ever wants to do is to say hi to you. Thank you for making Gabriel's wish come true. Good luck!
J | 2:15 p.m. March 5, 2008
As a member of the Orchestra at temple square, all i have to say was that he inspires and is truly a spiritual man who wants to reach the hearts of those that have ear to hear. Thankyou, God bless, we love you....
HL | 2:22 p.m. March 5, 2008
I have always said that someday a good book would be written about Craig. Millville's famous son. He is the son of great pioneer stock, of hard working and honest and humble people. He worked hard to get to where he is. He has made anyone who has known him or his parents proud.
Comments continue below
Juls | 4:21 p.m. March 5, 2008
Thanks you, Brother Jessop, for your years of dedicated service! They will not be forgotten, nor will you. Best of everything to you and your family in the future.
Sandman5 | 5:02 p.m. March 5, 2008
Ta Ta Craig,
Who could follow your crazy swooping motions anyway. Make Mack the director, he is the greatest since Rutter at arranging, and directing. When did they add an L to the word Christ. Watch and hear. I am glad to see him go.
L.J. | 5:51 p.m. March 5, 2008
I want to express my gratitude for the last nine years being under the baton of one of the most sensitive, talented, fun and genuine individuals I have ever known. I too am stunned and have shed many tears, but I want Craig to know how much love I have for him and will cherish the time spent under the direction of this amazing man. He will be a tremendous asset to those lucky and blessed enough to work with him. I just wish it could still be me. God Bless you and good luck!
Peter Priesthood | 6:08 p.m. March 5, 2008
I understand that the director John Williams was recently baptized in California and has been in contract negotiations with the general authorities about filling the new position.

I can't wait to hear 'March of the Storm Troopers' during his conference d�but on April 6th!
jt | 6:10 p.m. March 5, 2008
Thanks, Brother Jessup - and thanks to your family for supporting you as you have given your all for our spiritual enllightenment through God's language - music. Music is eternal and will continue to inspire.
What? | 6:22 p.m. March 5, 2008
"I understand that the director John Williams was recently baptized in California and has been in contract negotiations with the general authorities about filling the new position.

I can't wait to hear 'March of the Storm Troopers' during his conference d�but on April 6th!"

Can anyone verify this?
lynn in TN | 7:34 p.m. March 5, 2008
Thank you.
Utahn | 8:07 p.m. March 5, 2008
I've always been impressed with the cooperation between Bro. Jessop and Bro. Wilberg. Their collaboration has brought the choir to new levels, a goal that was set by Pres. Hinckley. I remember hearing Bro. Jessop speak in a fireside here at USU. He truly is a wonderful man, and I can imagine he's anticipating "retirement" so he can spend more time with his good family. Just as a wonderful director emerged after Bro. Ottley departed, another will come and lead the Choir onward. Best wishes in the future Bro. Jessop.
Chris | 8:28 p.m. March 5, 2008
I've been so blessed by the music of the choir. But I am not alone, Millions have been blessed by Brother Jessop's musicianship and love. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
An open position | 10:35 p.m. March 5, 2008
in the Quorum of the Twelve....
Salt Lake Observer | 10:37 p.m. March 5, 2008
"What?", don't you recognize snark when you see it? The John Williams/Storm Trooper item was just someone being "clever."
Still Recovering | 11:41 p.m. March 5, 2008
Thank you Craig for sharing your talents, courage, gentleness, wit, wisdom, sensitivity, spirituality, leadership and love. Best not leave out sense of rhythm. The choir will miss "dancing" with you. Whatever it is that has taken you from us, God be with you.
Relocated Southerner | 11:45 p.m. March 5, 2008
I'm with Salt Lake Observer. If you notice, the original "poster" of the John Williams' "news" identified himself as "Peter Priesthood". Take that as your source, and you can figure out this was a farce. Oh, yes, and "may the farce be with you"........:)
Sky View | 7:04 a.m. March 6, 2008
I remember Craig from his being Sky View Class Prez. He was remarkable then and has continued on since! Best of wishes to him and his family ... and thanks for alllll you have done for so many, Craig !!!
Mark, Louisiana | 9:06 a.m. March 6, 2008
You will be missed. I had the brief, but amazing, opportunity to sing under the guest direction of Craig Jessop once when I use to sing with the Mormon Youth Chorus (I think it was for General Conference). He was truly amazing. Having also sung under Mack Wilberg in BYU Men's Chorus, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is in VERY GOOD hands! God bless "Craig" and "Mack"...they bring the spirit into meetings via music like no one else has!!
Anonymous | 9:37 a.m. March 6, 2008
I have the highest regard for Craig and his endless musical talents.I have had the privlege of being the soloist with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir twice under his paton , and have seen his great abilities to inspire, lift, and see the vision of each performance. He will be deeply missed. I wish nothing but the very best for such a fine man. We are all the better to have had the opportunity to work under such a talent. Warmest regard, Nancy Peery Marriott
John Goldsmith | 4:12 p.m. March 6, 2008
Craig . . . I am shocked to hear about this! You are such a fine, gentle, caring, musical soul . . . Elaine and I count you among our finest, most cherished and most admired friends. Best to you and your family!
CHL | 4:39 p.m. March 6, 2008
Sang under Craig...Mr. Jessop...at Granite High School and took voice lessons from him. Some of my fondest memories! We've maintained some contact over the years. He will lift people and touch their lives wherever he goes with his musical skills and kindness. I'm looking forward to see his next undertaking! Thanks, Craig
ssjwo9 | 9:58 p.m. March 6, 2008
Hasn't anyone raised an eyebrow as to why the Deseret Morning News hasn't done any investigative reporting as to WHY he actually left?
Investigative reporting? | 8:54 a.m. March 7, 2008
That's easy for you to say, but how do you know no one at the DMN has done any investigative reporting? Asking questions is one thing, getting verifiable, publishable answers is another. Believe it or not, not all newspapers are willing to publish rumors. Would you prefer a story every day saying "we asked so-and-so what happened and he said no comment?" Or "this person who wouldn't give us his name told us such-and-such?"
Jeanie, NV | 2:03 p.m. March 7, 2008
Why do some of you feel the need to see bad or conspiracy in Brother Jessop's resignation? He has given his reason, family and more importantly, guidance from Heavenly Father. People, remember: Nothing is more important than our families.
Craig Jessop's years of service to the Church by directing the Tabernacle Choir have been great! We have all benefited for his inspiration and talent. For those years of service we say "Thank you and God Bless your future plans and you!"
The Lord will make his wishes for the next Director known and remember this is His choir. We are just the recipients of his loving guidance.
Brother DeSimone OR | 11:50 p.m. March 7, 2008
Thank You Brother Jessop for all you have done. Jeanie, NV I agree with you 100% AMEN
Sam | 7:28 a.m. March 9, 2008
Thanks for the fun.
USA | 2:51 a.m. March 10, 2008
All of the above comments would be hard to add to. I hope that Craig Jessup can see, and feel, how much his tireless and skillful efforts have been appreciated by so many. Whatever your future path may be, Craig, may it be filled with the same happiness that you have brought to so many people.
Roberto Simpson | 1:56 p.m. March 10, 2008
I realize there is not much evidence to go on here, since those who know aren't talking. But one thing that should be pointed out is what the president of the Choir, Mac Christensen, said about Jessop's departure. He could have said nothing, kept quiet and let the "official" statement be the last word. But he has been effusive in his praise of Jessop. He went on record, immediately following the resignation, and spoke at length about how he feels personally toward Jessop and what Jessop's contributions have been. All very positive. We can read through the lines a bit here, I think, and assume that at least between Christensen and Jessop, there was a great deal of admiration and respect. Just something we should take into consideration amid all the guessing.
Dan Whitley | 4:34 p.m. April 20, 2008
Craig brought a new level to the Choir and we wish you well in your new assignment. We love you and wish you and your family well in all you do.
LDS Sister in B.C. Canada | 9:38 p.m. Aug. 13, 2008
Wednesday August 13, 2008

Brother Jessop, as I have always enjoyed music, it was a priviledge to hear and see you conduct the LDS Tabernacle Choir. For whatever reason you had to resign as the choir leader, I'm absolutely positive our Lord and Saviour had a hand in it. May our Lord and Father in heavan, bless you and your loving family.
Mike Mitchell | 6:53 p.m. Sept. 9, 2008
I remember Craig Jessup from the Rheinpfalz International Choir in Germany, where his outstanding leadership trained a no-audition community choir of military family members to sing Andrew Lloyd Weber's "Requiem" good enough for German TV. It was a highlight of my 3 years in Europe. Thank you, Dr Jessup for your time and effort.

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