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Tabernacle Choir Director Jessop resigns

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Mark | 1:04 p.m. March 6, 2008

Relocated Southerner:

We are the church and this is why we are uncomfortable with the way everything has happened. Normally, the church is orderly, careful, and respectful. Late night press releases and late night speeches does not exactly give confidence in what is normally a orderly process.

Even the Tabernacle organist was recently released at General Conference by the Prophet--not at 9 p.m. rehearsal on a Tuesday night.

Craig Jessop has been a remarkable talent. Every church position is replaceable, but this one is really sad because it feels untimely.

Wondering | 1:25 p.m. March 6, 2008

How many who have written messages of support to Brother Jessop will drop their support when the real reason for his resignation is disclosed?

CTR | 1:26 p.m. March 6, 2008

We are the church and this is why we are uncomfortable with the way everthing has happened. Normally, the church is orderly, careful and respectful. Late night press releases and late night speeches does not exactly give confidence in what is normally a orderly process. If there is an indescretion involved, simply say, "this is a personal and private matter." Members will understand and respect that explanation.

Even the Tabernacle organist was recently released at General Conference by the Prophet--not at a 9 p.m. rehearsal on a Tuesday night.

Craig Jessop has been a remarkable talent. Every church position is replaceable, but this one is really sad because it feels untimely.

Comments continue below

Re: All is not well | 1:36 p.m. March 6, 2008

I couldn't agree more. This is what is killing me, that there is obviously a "story behind the story" and that nobody is speaking. Come on! Spending time with family is nice, but why would he have to leave so abruptly? It's going to keep killing me until we get some real answers. What is REALLY going on here?

Nathan in Manassas, VA | 2:23 p.m. March 6, 2008

Sorry to hear that Craig is leaving the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

The abruptness of his departure hearkens back and is eerily similar to his sudden departure from the USAF Singing Sergeants in 1988. I know that organization was not quite ready for him to go either.

He leaves a wonderful and lasting legacy wherever he goes, and I'm sure that just as his former Air Force colleagues miss him, so shall you all.

My 2 cents | 2:27 p.m. March 6, 2008

"Spending time with my family" is what every corporate CEO says when he has just been fired.

Richard A | 2:27 p.m. March 6, 2008

Something MUST have happened. A surprise resignation leaves gaping holes in leadership, scrambling to fill positions, run rehearsals, choose music and conduct.

If this were a normal changing of the guard, we would have had an announcement from the church, Craig would have continued conducting until a specific date. There would be announced a month-long timetable, some "accolades" concerts and dinners, a tribute "Music and the Spoke Word" and a relaxed replacement search.

I am sure that Craig Jessop is the kind of guy that would try to mitigate any impact that his leaving would have on his collegues and the choir. Something MUST have happened. No need to speculate what, but there was something.

Claudia | 2:38 p.m. March 6, 2008

The Jessop/Wilberg team has been amazing. I can't wait for Sunday mornings to be touched by the choir, yet again. Whenever I'm in need of something to soothe my soul, I look for a break in my schedule that would allow us to travel to Utah to hear the choir in person. Thanks to the choir members and the two amazing directors for giving so much of their time and talents. An additional thanks is due to their family members.

Forgive one another | 2:48 p.m. March 6, 2008

Dear Wondering,

Perhaps you forgot, we are a church of repentance and forgiveness.

Don't cast stones.

Old Joe | 2:59 p.m. March 6, 2008

Yes, yes, let's never question...anything.

Yogurt | 3:03 p.m. March 6, 2008

Never, ever question anything. The Church is looking out for the best of all of us.

Al | 3:07 p.m. March 6, 2008

Oh I'm sure tremendous pressure from his wife and family, I'm sure of it, sure, sure,...it couldn't be anything else.
Nah!

Oren | 3:36 p.m. March 6, 2008

The only things some people can find are stones. They never get a clue they're in a spiritual desert.

Anonymous | 3:39 p.m. March 6, 2008

The tributes and condolances are most laudable. What a sterling reputation and community of folk that love and care about this former leader. The choir director though is a "public figure" and as such his sudden exit (coached as a retirement) is cause for concern and wonder. Were the man hoping and planning to voluntarily leave his position he surely would have completed Easter programs, the April Conference and then an "advance notice" offered that he was leaving. Something's amiss folk, much or most of this does not make sense, and the public is due a more complete narrative by three sides;choir heads, church officials and the director himself. The sudden "retirement" is surely a cover for who knows what. A personal(or perceived)discretion. A personal political, moral view that clashed. A personality dispute that erupted and wouldn't resolve. A directive that the "director" for unknown reason walk down a different path. If any of you have been connected with BYU in the past decade you know that the term "retirement" is a smoke screen for something dramatically different.
To question is to say one cares. When a family member leaves the fold, should we not at all ask?

Removed Observation | 4:09 p.m. March 6, 2008

To those who are "dying" to know what happened, or those whom it is "killing" to know the rest of the story: Perhaps a little self-reflection as to why you are son involved in someone else's affairs is in order. One of the greatest criticisms of the church is the gossiping that goes on, and this post proves that that is still alive and well in the "land of Zion"

To - Wondering | 1:25 p.m. | 4:12 p.m. March 6, 2008

Will you continue to point your trembling and judgemental finger at LDS Church members if it turns out that Jessop simply left the choir on his own to follow other pursuits?

Salt Lake Observer | 4:41 p.m. March 6, 2008

"Removed Observation," not all who have wondered what's going on are gossipmongers or Enemies of the Church. Many of us know Craig and, like seemingly anyone who ever had any dealings with him, have a very high opinion of him. As such, we are deeply concerned for his and his family's well-being and anxious for any reassurance that they are OK. In light of the bizarre and sudden nature of Craig's departure, surely that concern is understandable.

Re: Salt Lake Observer | 5:12 p.m. March 6, 2008

Thank you for your response to "removed observation". Well said. When I used the word "killing", it was to describe my personal loss because of all that I've gained and for all that I've been influenced by Craig Jessop, and I've never even personally met the man. However, I've gained a sense of his greatness. No doubt about that. I will personally miss him. I'm one of countless numbers who I'm sure feel the same way. My heart goes out to him no matter what. He needs our prayers, no matter what. My point is not to "gossip". I genuinely like to know and understand the facts. In order to do so, I ask questions--hopefully with tact--and people can decide whether or not to answer questions. For whatever reason Brother Jessop seems to feel like maybe he can't or ought not to elaborate more than he already has. I can respect that. But unless he specifically asks that to be the case, I see nothing wrong with asking questions out of concern about what lead to this decision and the way it was announced.

Craig D. Evans | 5:14 p.m. March 6, 2008

Craig, we'll miss you so much! You put life and love back into a worn out public school educator. I have learned so much from your patience and diligence. Those of us who had the blessing of working under your direction will continue making music better and better. You will never realize the impact you have had on music in the Church - it will goes on an on and on - like an eternal principal. God Be With You!

Corey W. Grua | 5:25 p.m. March 6, 2008

The Lord loves music, the scriptures tell us. Music is even grander than this wonderful choir and its humble director. The Easter concert will be blessed and magnificent in nature because of its message, the gentle baton that direct it and the voices that will honor the Savior and His love for us. May we simply stay out of prominent moccasins. We don't have to understand all things. Presumption is dangerous; judgment foolish. Instead, let us enjoy a most remarkable gift from one man (and his family) of his time and talent. Thank you Brother Craig Jessop for raising our eyes to the mountains.

Tabernacle Choir | 5:34 p.m. March 6, 2008

No disrespect, but the recording of the choir sound pretty close to that of the choir now.There are probably 100 plus church members that could step in and replace Dr. Jessop without missing a beat (Music pun).

Fifty years from now, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir will sound like the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Is there more to the story than what was released by the paper? Maybe, probably, could be...

Does it matter?

No.

Choir Leader | 5:35 p.m. March 6, 2008

My vote goes to Gladys Knight.

Dennis | 5:57 p.m. March 6, 2008

Craig Jessop has been the greatest director for the choir during my life. He and Mack did a terrific job of raising the quality of music broadcast by the choir and orchestra.

Obviously, something's amiss. I feel for him and hope he's doing okay. Best wishes.

He will.... | 6:16 p.m. March 6, 2008

be greatly missed and Mack Wilberg is more than ready to keep the momentum going.

Trying to understand | 6:09 p.m. March 6, 2008

The LDS Church has become sophisticated when it comes to public relations. But it appears that this situation has been mishandled and it is turning ugly for many faithful LDS members.

National politicians have learned this lesson when a problem like this arises:

Tell the truth and tell it quickly and the story will eventually die.

Hide the truth and the story never ends. If you lie and you are caught, it is all over.

Brethren: "We believe in being honest, true, chaste...", please don't let us down. You owe it to the church fatihful to give us a further explanation.

Great job Craig Jessop. I hope this doesn't mean the Choir backtracks on the progress it has made this past decade.

re Yogurt | 6:24 p.m. March 6, 2008

"Never question anything"

He's a choir director.

He said he's retiring.

What puts you in any position to question. He said to be with family.

You OK? Must there be "more"?

Are you a Mormon Conspiracy Freak?

Geeze, let it go.

Salt Lake Observer | 6:28 p.m. March 6, 2008

"My heart goes out to him no matter what. He needs our prayers, no matter what." So true. It's comments like these that make me glad to be a Mormon and give me the most hope for the future of our church.

Choir the same? | 6:26 p.m. March 6, 2008

Are you kidding, the choir sounds the same as old recordings? No one believes that.

I donï¿½t ever recall one million people requesting tickets to previous choir concert like they did for the 2007 Christmas program.

This is not the same Choir as a decade ago.

Oh no | 6:26 p.m. March 6, 2008

Mack Wilberg is a prolific arranger, but he is not the personality to lead the choir. The MTC sounds vibrantly different under Jessop-- phrasing, tone, dynamics, even the spirituality-- everything has improved 1000 percent. Let's hope this great instrument doesn't now lose its heart and luster.

re:Bill | 6:28 p.m. March 6, 2008

Mac Christensen's role is too officially accept the letter of resignation.

Choir the same | 7:52 p.m. March 6, 2008

"No One Believes That".

Sure we do.

They are the choir, and that's how they have always sounded...

Sorry.

South Carolina LDS | 8:09 p.m. March 6, 2008

I knew Brother Jessop when we were stationed in Germany with the USAF in the late 1980s. He told me his life's dream was to direct the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, so I was happy for him when he got that opportunity. If he's had to give up his life's dream, then hopefully there is something is great awaiting him. I know his family will enjoy having him around more.

patsy | 9:25 p.m. March 6, 2008

craig, my admiration for your complete devotion to the choir and musical ability is shared by so many people worldwide.

I am so disappointed not to see your praises sung in the press by those above and beyond the choir president's remarks.

I do hope you have a gala celebration that you are deserving of as you are wished many years of good health and happiness.

Eastern Observer | 6:25 a.m. March 7, 2008

All I know is that this tizzy you all have whipped yourselves into makes me glad that I don't live out there among you "Utah Mormons." So absolutely eager to assume the worst - even gleeful at the prospect of censure! If we must speculate, why must it be that he's been fired? Maybe somebody is ill. or there is another private family situation that is time-sensitive. Or a big calling is coming and he needs some time to prepare. Maybe - oh my goodness -the man really wants to spend time with his family!

Snap, Crackle, Pop | 6:25 a.m. March 7, 2008

It's been a few years since we heard Craig in a trio, entertaining fellow students at USU with "Snap, Crackle, Pop, Rice Krispies".
Leading the MoTab Choir is a thousand times more significant.
So it lifted my spirits that after all these years, at a chance encounter, Craig remembered me, simply a fellow Aggie.
He has never let all the achievements and famous connections outweigh his humility.

Salt Lake Observer | 8:38 a.m. March 7, 2008

"Tizzy"? "Absolutely eager to assume the worst"? My question to you, Eastern Observer, would be why do you focus on a minority of negative posts among the majority of supportive, laudatory ones?

In the know... | 8:56 a.m. March 7, 2008

Oh the intrigue of it all. There are really only 3 or 4 possibilities here. Some are good and some are not so good. If the end of this story turns out to be good, Brother Jessop's praises will continue to be shouted. If not so good, the naysayers will continue to spout their poison. Having been a past church leader, here are a few possible choices for any person in Brother Jessop's position: (1) He was called to another position which is still confidential at this time, (2) He had a philosophical and Mo-Tab directional disagreement with one of the brethren, (3) Something happened in his personal life that has made it impossible for him to continue to serve, and (4) His family said "enough is enough, we need you back to spend more time with the family." Let's not speculate too much as to which one it is. Too many of us like the juicy tid-bids which are usually negative. Amen

Craig will tell us why | 9:05 a.m. March 7, 2008

When the time is right, Craig Jessop will eventually tell the world why he resigned. Whatever the reason, due to his high profile among the members and the music communitiy, the truth will be known. If the truth is negative and is causing Craig and his family to suffer, he will probably tell us what happened in a way that we can all learn from it, because he is a teacher. If it's a positive reason, we can rejoice with him. The real test will be ours; if negative, can we be empatheic instead of critical? If positive, can we rejocie in his new opportunity? Let's hope we can do both.

re:Craig I 9:05 | 9:29 a.m. March 7, 2008

Why will craig tell us later.

What if he already told us.

What is with the gossip and needing to know.

You people are worse than my mom (sorry mom)...

LehiLady | 10:10 a.m. March 7, 2008

Did anyone consider the possibility that he may have been chosen to be the next apostle?

Thank you! | 10:28 a.m. March 7, 2008

Bro. Jessup, Thank you for your inspired leadership of the Lord's Choir. I have been deeply touched by the spirit you brought to the choir. Your enthusiasm and love for the members of the choir is obvious. Words cannot begin to tell how much you will be missed. Thank you for your years of sacrifice. If I could be granted one wish, it would be to have the positive impact on the life of another that a small gesture of your hand and heart has had on so many of us. Thank you!

BigFeet | 11:38 a.m. March 7, 2008

When someone who obviously loves music and the spotlight suddenly says, I'm going to teach. I am going home. It is reasonable to wonder why.
Do all leaders contain themselves within their own jurisdiction? No, not always.
Will a leader who can't carry a tune in two buckets tell Mozart to play chopsticks? Yes, at times.

Some men would rather wish to be home than to be there.

Relocated Southerner | 12:10 p.m. March 7, 2008

Brother Jessop was a paid EMPLOYEE of the Church and, as such, for the Church to release any information as to why he resigned would be a gross violation of employer-employee labor laws. If Brother Jessop chooses to elaborate in the future, that is his prerogative. But please don't berate the Church for not releasing more. If you left your job, for whatever reason, and your employer suddenly released all the reasons for your departure, you would be angry and have the right to sue, no matter what the reason. It's a confidentiality issue, and the Church has no right to release any information about this PRIVATE employer-employee matter without the written consent of the (former) employee.

I wish Brother Jessop the best. He is a fine and talented individual, and I pray for the well-being of his family since he seems to be under the microscope now for his decision to leave, whatever the reason may be.

A possible reason | 12:11 p.m. March 7, 2008

For all of the praise that is given to the Tabernacle Choir, in comparison with past choirs, they no longer seem to be able to enunciate clearly when they sing. It is almost impossible to understand the words that they are singing because they are so highly professional and their voices blend so well. Maybe it was just time for a change in direction. Maybe the new director can get them to e-nu-n-ci-ate.

Beth Elmer | 12:31 p.m. March 7, 2008

I am so grateful for the privilege of serving in the Tabernacle Choir. I am especially grateful for the time spent serving under Craig and Mack. Those have been priceless moments. I know of the sacrifice that those two men have given..and I feel it is completely wrong to speculate as to why Craig left. He told us why in the letter he wrote...and I have NEVER known him to lie. He has left to pursue other musical opportunities, and to spend time with his family. Any further speculation would, in my mind, be terribly disrespectful to one of the finest men I have ever known. And Mack is like unto him...the Choir will go on just wonderfully, in spite of the inevitable changes which come.

A musician's perspective | 12:56 p.m. March 7, 2008

Br. Jessop is one of the best choir conductors alive. One of his earlier jobs was directing "The Singing Sergents" - the top Armed Forces choir in Washington D.C. He also studied in London with John Rutter. He is truly world Class.

There's also no doubt that the Tabernacle Choir is special. It's "America's Choir," but outside Utah, it's not as big a deal.

But from a musician's point of view, passing up a career as a world famous conductor to direct a church choir, even an amazingly great church choir is a non-decision.

Br. Jessop is world class musician and the world should be his stage.

BigFeet | 1:16 p.m. March 7, 2008

any speculation is disrespectful, disloyal, underhanded...blah blah blah

the church may hire,fire, and retire whomever it wants to.

Craig may go out to pasture or the grandkids' monkeybars

People can think and say what they wish

Voice of Reason | 1:26 p.m. March 7, 2008

Craig Jessop certainly took the Choir in a new direction in many respects, most of them inspirational. I am just a music listener but would like to see the Choir get away from singing with the orchestra so much. The orchestra seems to drown out the beauty of the singing voice occasionally. On the other hand, the Choir with the organ accompanyment is one of the most inspiring sounds in the world. As a Navy Full Admiral told me in the '70's, "They take the ministry of music to the world better than anyone else." I think Craig is humble enough that he would not want to be the subject of a cult of personality among choir members but he was obviously loved.

He is a good man! | 3:14 p.m. March 7, 2008

Good men follow their heart's and convictions. He is a good man. Enough said!

FarewellTotheOtherShoreIgo | 3:54 p.m. March 7, 2008

Whatever we loved, whatever we admired in Craig Jessop, survives, and will survive in the hearts of men, in the succession of the ages, in the fame that waits on noble deeds. Over many indeed, of those who have gone before, as over the inglorious and ignoble, the waves of oblivion will roll; Craig Jessop, made known to posterity by history and tradition, will live for ever.

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