Deseret News | Tabernacle Choir Director Jessop resigns

Reader comments
Tabernacle Choir Director Jessop resigns

179 comments | Read story

Carnagie Kid | 11:31 a.m. March 5, 2008

I was blessed to sing under the direction of Craig Jessop at Carnagie Hall. He was able to "caress" amazing sounds from high school choirs as well as the Tab Choir. He has an amazing gift. I wish him well and hope he will be able to inspire others as much as he did me!

Choir Tenor | 11:38 a.m. March 5, 2008

I've often thought that the years with Craig Jessop and Mack Willberg at the helm would someday be considered as the "golden years" of the choir's long history. Their talents have complemented each other in a unique way. It is sad to see it come to an end, but all good things eventually come to an end.
Craig: Thank you, thank you, thank you. You have been an inspiration to me in so many different ways.

kaeh | 12:03 p.m. March 5, 2008

I have been thinking about this over and over and how strange the whole thing is. As long as Brother Jessop has been with the choir and as beloved as he is, the natural thing would be to keep him for a few weeks until a replacement is found and then give him a big send off party and a happy (daylight) media release. I fear that Brother Jessop has done something embarrassing or inappropriate that has forced the church's hand. It appears that they are allowing him to be quietly "put away" and buy him some time before the media frenzy hits - for those old enough to remember this reminds me of the Spence Kinnard and Paul H. Dunn tragedies....

Comments continue below

patsy | 12:10 p.m. March 5, 2008

Craig we all love you and thank you for your years of sacrifice, sharing your talent, expertise and testimony through music with us. I know it is your life passion. I don't think you did leave Mack out in left field. you did mention a lot of prayer, which probably involved Mack. To us, the viewers, it was a quick decision, but obviously, not to you and your wonderful family. there's way too much judging and second guessing among members. we all should be happy for your past successes working with the choir, for being a wonderful father and grandfather, and extend our love and best wishes to you for the healthiest and happiest 2008 and beyond.

I must add that you do deserve a "gala" sendoff

Dan Knudsen | 12:22 p.m. March 5, 2008

When I got into the Tab Choir in 1976, I got to know Craig, who soon left to pursue his doctorate at Stanford. We also ran into him in Washington, DC, on a choir trip there in 1981, and when he brought the Singing Sergeants to sing with the choir. When Don Ripplinger retired, the choir searched the world to get the best conductor and they found him--we hoped he would last 20+ years. Jerry Ottley was a tough act to follow, but Craig was up to the challenge and left his mark, like all who preceded him have done--he couldnï¿½t have done what he did without the preparatory work they each made with the choir so his era could blossom and bear the remarkable fruit it has. Few have been, or will be, his equal. Speculation as to his reasons for resigning is stupid and irresponsible, and can only result in rumor and innuendo, which accomplishes nothing worthwhile--I suppose some can only claim self-importance through such means.

ksmo | 12:27 p.m. March 5, 2008

I am having the same thoughts as kaeh...

Bill | 12:26 p.m. March 5, 2008

One month after Pres. Hinckley's death...hum

Great job Criag.

Also resigned | 12:33 p.m. March 5, 2008

I doubt any one ever wanted to be in the choir more than I did. My father was in the choir, my grandfather was choir director at BYU, my great-grandfather sang a solo in the very first conference in the "new" tabernacle in 1867. I had to audition 3 times over 15 years to get in. My only regret was that I would only be able to sing for 11 years before having to leave when I turned 60 rather than singing 20 years which is allowed. Every moment was a once in a lifetime experience for me. I loved every minute of it, for about 6 years. Then, other needs and interests in my life began to grow, mostly family related. I wanted more "quantity" (rather then just "quality") time with my family. I struggled for about 6 months with the very difficult decision to leave something that I loved dearly for something that I loved even more dearly. Finally, 8 months ago I resigned and have loved life as much since as before. I fully understand Bro. Jessop's motives and struggles with this very difficult decision. He'll be blessed for it as was I. Craig McAllister

Joan Wooley | 12:37 p.m. March 5, 2008

I will miss you so very much. I love the choir and you have changed so many things to make the choir even more wonderful than before. I am so sorry that you will not be leading the choir anymore. Whatever the reason for your leaving, I want to tell you that I will always remember your terrific talents and thank you for memorable moments. Bless you for your service. Thank you.

Pete | 1:05 p.m. March 5, 2008

All of you negative people need to not make a big deal out of everything. The guy is resigning, quit the speculating and wondering why, it is none of our business to even know. He has done wonderful things for the choir and we just need to celebrate that and not wonder why. Please

LAP | 1:27 p.m. March 5, 2008

Craig is a musical genius, a great leader and conductor. Mack Wilberg however is a musical genius as well and his arrangements gave the choir a fresh new modern sound that Craig Jessop (or anyone else) could not have done alone.

The Choir and the church will be well served to have Mack Wilberg as their conductor.

Newport Doc | 2:04 p.m. March 5, 2008

Hearing that Craig Jessop is leaving was heart breaking. I hope that the LDS Church realizes the talent it is loosing.

Jessop is a super talented classy guy. One of the fondest memories I have is watching the Choir on a warm summers night at Deer Valley with my family. I remember looking around and seeing tears in the eyes of everyone around me as they sang "Come thou fount of every blessing". Just a memory I hope never fades and Craig Jessop and the Tabernacle Choir made it happen.

Best of luck and may God bless you in your future endeavors.

Susanne Price | 2:17 p.m. March 5, 2008

Brother Jessop,

Three of our daughters have had the privilege of being members of the Orchestra at Temple Square. They always had the highest praise for your work and for the consideration you showed for all who worked with you.

Thanks so much for the wonderful service you have given to the Church, to the community and to my family. Our lives have been enriched. You will be greatly missed!!

Reply to Pete | 2:41 p.m. March 5, 2008

It is not negative to wonder why the sudden departure and why the need to do it late at night with no opportunity for choir members to give a proper send-off. Craig Jessop was the public face of a internationally celebrated choir - why hasn't the media been allowed to interview him?

Bonnie Fisher | 2:57 p.m. March 5, 2008

My Brother Craig,
The only thing I can compare to last night's announcement is death, so abrupt and so unexpected. Your wonderful inspiration will never be forgotten. You know those times you looked up and we didn't seem to be paying attention--sometimes--we were busy writing down the words you used to inspire and give meaning to the song we were singing. The next time we sing those songs, we are reminded of what you had to say about it and are spiritually uplifted again and again. We still have that. Choir is one big family and the "Rallantando Rest Home" is still something I am looking forward to. Please say this is not good-bye, but until we meet again.
Love Your Sister,
Bonnie

ghl | 3:01 p.m. March 5, 2008

Leigh Harline is my mother's uncle. He is not well known but he received 11 Oscar nominations in his lifetime aa a composer of film scores. His most recognized piece is the Oscar winning song from the Disney classic Pinocchio; "When You Wish Upon a Star" which became the theme song for the entire Disney organization. The two surviving daughters of Leigh Harline, who are not members of the church, met Craig Jessop when they were in town from California after a choir broadcast. He told them: "when you are in town again, give me a few weeks notice and we (the choir in broadcast) will sing your father's song". Well, my mother set that up, there were a hundred Harlines in the Conference Center that Sunday morning. The Choir was perfection. The Spoken Word focused on the lessons that can be drawn from that childhood story Pinocchio. It had a moving impact on the daughters of Leigh Harline who will never see the Church the same way again. Only Craig Jessop would have thought to do such a meaningful tribute to the two non-LDS daughters of the man who also donated the score for "Man's Search for Happiness".

It will all work out... | 3:23 p.m. March 5, 2008

Thunderous applause to Craig Jessop for the monumental work he has done.
Who knows, maybe he's going to be the new apostle! Why do people have to assume there's something dark going on here?
I prefer to assume the best of a man of such high esteem and character, and also of revered and inspired Church leaders. Well done, thou good and faithful servant, Craig.

Dennis in Utah | 3:35 p.m. March 5, 2008

Brother Jessop,

Little did you know that I often stood secretly in my living room and conducted the choir along with you. You were always better than I, but I loved imitating you. Your devotion to excelence has touched many a life. I only wish you could see all of us out here shedding tears right now.

Analee (Choir Member) | 3:59 p.m. March 5, 2008

I was surprised when Craig made his announcement last night at Choir. Though deeply saddened for Craig to leave us, we must respect his decision to do what is best for himself and his family. Dr. Jessop is an incredible director with great knowledge and skill. Not only is he a talented musician--he's a fantastic teacher. He's brought us around to the correct way of sound, time and time again--through love, patience, and a positive attitude while instilling within us a sense of pride that comes from striving for personal excellence. Everyone will miss him. I will miss him greatly, but I know he will be a be blessing to the lives of those he will go forth to serve, train, uplift and build in his ventures ahead. His 'inspired' intelligence will guide him throughout life. His leadership has paved the way for those who follow. We will go on with the brilliant genius of Dr. Mac Wilberg, but we will never forget the mastery of Dr. Craig Jessop--nor his wisdom, his patience, his example and his constant care. We will ever be...friends on earth and friends beyond...forevermore!

Sunday Tab Chor Watcher | 4:15 p.m. March 5, 2008

I really think that Bro, Jessop was a great conductor, But I know that Dr. Wilberg will do a great job in taking over the Choir, I think that he is one of the Greatest Composers of alltime, Thanks to Dr, Jessop and all that he has done to make the Choir what it is today Good Luck to Dr, Wilberg in taking over the choir,

Don't Judge | 4:32 p.m. March 5, 2008

Thank you Bro. Jessop for sharing your gifts and talents for so long. We are in the last days and things are truly becoming VERY difficult for all of us. Whatever your reason I know without a doubt, it has come with much prayer, and difficulty. There are many shocking things coming all of our ways, may we not judge each other, let us pray and uplift each other through all of our many trials. That is what you have from me, are my prayers that you may be sustained, there is definitely a reason. Do we always have to know everything to not judge each other? May you feel of all of our love and prayers and compassion for you at this time.

Sunday Watcher | 4:33 p.m. March 5, 2008

I would like to thank the Tabernacle choir for all the Preformances that they do every Sunday, Bro Jessop is a very good conductor, He will be missed, Thanks to Dr Wilberg for all the time and effort that he also puts in to make the choir and the Ochestra sound so good , Dr Wilberg is one of the best Composers that their is, I wish him the best of luck as he now takes over the choir,

Teri | 5:21 p.m. March 5, 2008

As a most unassuming man and not one to EVER bring notice to himself, it seems fitting that he would want to leave with no fanfare or recognition (to his embarrassment he is getting both). Decisions that may seem sudden to others in reality may have been a long time coming. I imagine this is the case with Craig's departure. It is time for RaNae. Brent &,Jen and their son, Aaron & Leticia and their boys, Liz & Don and Russ & Ali to enjoy the husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather they love. God continue to bless you, Craig, as we are all enriched by knowing you.

Lynn Farrar | 5:29 p.m. March 5, 2008

We are stunned and saddened by the resignation of our dear friend,
Craig, you have been our heart.

Thank you for your countless hours, weeks, months and years of absolutely committed service, for your love, for your talent.

Thank you for rehearsal time, the very best time for us as singers and you, our leader. Thank you for that intense and tender experience week after week.
Thank you for your testimony and the way mine has grown through sharing this experience with you.
If only we could go back in time and somehow change your mind!!
How we will miss you! There is only one Craig Jessop in this world. I am grateful to have known you and so very sad to no longer have this association with you. I know I speak for many.
And thanks to Ranae who has given up so much time with you for the Choir's sake.
May you be blessed in the future, I hope all will be well with you and yours.
With great respect and love, Lynn Farrar

Not Confused Nor Bewildered | 5:38 p.m. March 5, 2008

Let's assume that this is a family issue that needs to be dealt with in an emergency fashion. Why do we assume that the Church has the problem? Everyone knows that family issues are always more complicated and people are not "replaceable." Let's trust in his reasons and know that he can be replaced as Choir Director but nobody can truly replace a father, son, and husband. Broaden your minds and keep the Focus on the Family!

Janice Martin | 7:04 p.m. March 5, 2008

Last night my son, who is the sound engineer for the choir and orchestra, called with the news of Craig Jessop's resignation. The news was almost as sad as the news of the passing of Pres. Hinckley. I had the opportunity to meet this warm, unassuming, talented man last year and briefly learned why others think to well of him. My son loves Brother Jessop and expressed how much he miss him but assured me that the choir is in equally talented guidance under the leadership of Mack Wilburg. Both men complimented each other according to my son and each brought great strengths to the choir through their musicality. He has a life's mission to fulfill and obviously his path is leading him in another direction. We should wish him happiness and gratitude, for his contribution, as he embarks on his new mission. Sometime there are those who want to go quietly...and perhaps this was the best way he knew how. We look forward to hearing about his new direction as he shares his great gifts to the world in another way. Let's not speculate on why he moved on only wish him happiness and our very best.

Cody Wy Brimhall's | 7:42 p.m. March 5, 2008

Thank you for your years of service. We have truly been lifted with the concerts of the choir. We wish you much joy and happiness with your family and your future endeavors. May God continue to bless you always.

Joe | 8:25 p.m. March 5, 2008

Thank you, Dr. Jessop. Our son sang under your direction in Central Florida last year, and had a wonderful experience. Our family enjoyed seeing you lead these youth, and hearing their beautiful voices. May the Lord bless you and keep you and your family.

LD$ | 9:17 p.m. March 5, 2008

a money issue no doubt. scratch a mormon and you inevitably find some financial hanky panky

Gossip hurts | 9:25 p.m. March 5, 2008

There are certain people who demand to know all the specific tidbits about why Craig Jessop resigned as Tabernacle Choir director. Why? Simply put, they're hoping for one more dart they can throw at their Mormon-bashing dart board.

Even if they have to stretch the truth (which they do most of the time) Mormon haters will find something about this to smear the LDS Church and its members with. Even if it's a personal issue with Brother Jessop or his family, they don't care. Their definition of "truth" is, anything spoken which places the LDS Church and its members in a negative light.

If you think I sound paranoid, just remember these are the same people who were openly disgusted when the Westboro Baptist Church began protesting at the funerals of GIs killed in Iraq, only to turn around and give the Westboro Baptists a standing ovation when they protested at President Hinckley's funeral.

As these people have the nerve to call LDS Church members rude, self-righteous, bigoted and hateful?
WHAT HYPOCRITES!

The public eye | 10:48 p.m. March 5, 2008

How hard to be in the public eye when making a difficult decision! And shame on those of you speculating about or criticizing a man who has sacrificed so much of himself so unselfishly and accomplished so much good with his gifts and talents! The world would be a much better and happier place if we could all learn to focus on the positive, as our beloved Pres. Hinckley so often encouraged us to do. Dr. Jessop deserves our highest praise and gratitude. And he also deserves the privilege of being able to depart the choir in the way he chose as best under the circumstances that he knows better than anyone else.

Steve | 11:05 p.m. March 5, 2008

For his resignation to come so suddenly at such a critical time suggests it is a very important reason that he resigned. To pry farther inappropriately would make the situation harder for him. We should all just be patient and wait until the story plays out. Meanwhile, thanks Bro. Jessop for the amazing gift of your talent and inspiration!

Alan | 11:20 p.m. March 5, 2008

I can think of a dozen reasons why someone would quickly resign, and not at the most convenient time. The reasons range from mission plans, to health, to a family member's health, to an imminent opportunity, to (***gasp***) simple inspiration. Even not all of those reasons are not necessarily serious or all that dramatic.

What is certain is that Craig Jessop's personal life is neither your business nor mine, and that some people can't come to terms with someone moving on with their life doesn't mean there is anything sinister behind it. I don't understand the need some people have to turn everything into a soap opera.

Wannabe | 11:37 p.m. March 5, 2008

One of the biggest disappointments in my life has been my failure to be accepted into the Tabernacle Choir under the direction of Brother Jessop. His love of music, and love for the members of the Choir came through in his every move and look while conducting. I'm sad to know that 'The Jessop Years' have passed, and I didn't get to sing for him! My admiration knows no bounds. He has brought the choir 100 years worth of progress during his 13 years. I'm sorry it has to end at this time. I wish him the best, and hope the Choir will continue to flourish after the shock has worn off! My hope is that I'll get to sing under his direction "with the armies of heaven" one day.

Sage | 11:58 p.m. March 5, 2008

Thank You, May the Lord bless you for the service you have rendered and for that which you wil continues to give to your brothers and sisters.

Dont you all worry | 12:00 a.m. March 6, 2008

It wont be to long until we find out what he did for the Church to kick him out. No one leaves a position like this so quickly unless they HAVE to.If it was for the family they would have waited till after conference and/or until a replacement was found.

Sara | 1:21 a.m. March 6, 2008

Whatever the reasons are, I wish Craig Jessop and his family many blessings and happiness in whatever path they choose next.

Erika Pechacek | 6:12 a.m. March 6, 2008

Thank you for all the wonderful music and the missionary work that you did in this position. The Lord knows your needs and will bless you in whatever your new path leads you to.
I hope that you will come back as a guest conductor and spoil your fans once in a while with your brilliant leadership.
Thank you and may the Lord bless you and your family.
Erika Pechacek,
Lakeland, FL

Eldon | 7:06 a.m. March 6, 2008

I have loved the choir for decades, but never more than the past 13 years. Thank you very much Brother Jessop. I wish you wonderful opportunities in your bright future. We will truly miss you and I look forward to a tearful tribute in the upcoming weeks, including from President Monson in General Conference. And we are all anxious to learn about the next chapter of your life. You will continue to bless all with whom you come into contact.

chior fan | 7:06 a.m. March 6, 2008

Amazing that people want to have all the juicy details of someting that is quite personal to the Jessop family. To speculate on the reason is just rude. It doesn't mean Bro. Jessop did anything at all. Perhaps he has something in his family that needs his immediate attention. He has given his service to the chior and thus the rest of us and doesn't need any critique of his life from us. Good Luck Bro. Jessop

Aristide Dago | 7:16 a.m. March 6, 2008

I'm in Ivory Coast, Africa and I love this guy Jessop. As a stake music president, he is my idol in classical music. He leave is os abrupt and I'm wondering what is going wrong with the church.

Susan | 9:55 a.m. March 6, 2008

While I loved the leadership of Craig Jessop, I want to go on record as looking forward with great enthusiasm to the leadership of Mac Wilberg. He is a great blessing to the music of the Church, and of the world, and I look forward to his inspired leadership!!!

Zelph | 10:02 a.m. March 6, 2008

I certainly hope that all these readers who have heaped praise on Dr. Jessop (most of it entirely justified, I hasten to point out) will continue to hold him in the highest regard if and when it comes out that his sudden departure is related to the shameful way in which Peter and Mary Danzig were treated as members of the Orchestra at Temple Square. I just have a sneaking suspicion that he was on the right side of that issue, which was not the side that prevailed.

Brent LeBaron | 10:15 a.m. March 6, 2008

Craig, if you're reading this... As a solo performer, who first met you in Menlo Park, CA almost 30 yrs ago, I have been awed by the depth and wealth of your accomplishments. You have inspired me to reach new heights in musical performance - and I never have missed an opportunity to be lifted and moved by the Choir under your superbly wielded baton. Oh, how you will be missed. Whatever events or elements are that have brought you to this most unpopular decision, I and my family pray that you will be richly blessed and rewarded for the depth of your gifts to the musical world. There are many great music directors with perhaps equal technical abilities - but none who will bring to the table the rare and unparalleled combination of charisma, character, respect - and vision you have so aptly demonstrated. Vaya con Dios!

Former Choir Member | 11:27 a.m. March 6, 2008

Craig Jessop is one of the greatest spiritual leaders I have ever had the privilege to know. I sang with the choir for six years, minus three maternity leaves. While on leave I missed the singing so much, but I missed the spiritual leadership of Brother Jessop even more. His humble testimony and prayful admonition for us to be faithful truly changed my life. He always expected the best of us, and the results are manifest in the Choir's growing excellence. God bless you, Brother Jessop, and your family, for the countless hours you have devoted to the Choir!
Jennifer Horne

MTC Fan | 11:35 a.m. March 6, 2008

Craig will be surely missed; he is a man of immense talent, faith, and dedication. He lead the choir to new heights during his tenure. While his resignation saddens us, the choir will continue to shine based on the foundation that he helped lay and by the unmatchable leadership of Dr. Wilberg, who is, without a doubt, a musical genuis. I pray that those who decide about the choir's next leader will consider this. Craig, God's blessings and peace be with you in your retirement. My life has forever been changed by the ministry of the MTC.

Bill | 12:09 p.m. March 6, 2008

What is Mac Christensen's role in all of this?

la la la | 12:17 p.m. March 6, 2008

it's "the rest of the story" that will be most interesting to find out.

William Ramsey | 12:27 p.m. March 6, 2008

Dr. Craig Jessop is the most talented, most honorable, most humble, most caring, most loyal, most faithful, most spiritual human being I have ever met. His integrity is the highest I have ever known. He has taken a wonderful musical ensemble and transformed it into the undisputed most outstanding choral group in the world. For those of us who are not LDS, the outreach of the Choir is virtually our only contact with the Church. As we listen each week we are blessed and frequently moved to tears by both the beauty and message. We pray for the future of the Choir but can't help but fear that there will forever be an enormous void in that ensemble because of the departure of Craig Jessop. We thank him for unselfishly sharing his multitudinous gifts and wish him peace.
William Ramsey - Michigan

It's NOT a private matter! | 12:56 p.m. March 6, 2008

How can it be a "private" matter when a very public person resigns from a very prestigious position in a very publicly open manner.

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.