Deseret News | Mack Wilberg is officially named Mormon Tabernacle Choir music director

Reader comments
Mack Wilberg is officially named Mormon Tabernacle Choir music director

Congratulations | 10:18 a.m. March 28, 2008

I think Mack Wilberg will be a fine conductor. Congratulations to him and to his family. Best wishes also to Craig Jessop as he pursues other interests. He did a wonderful job. I love the Mormon Tabernacle Choir!

Robb | 10:19 a.m. March 28, 2008

Fantastic news! We in the Choir are thrilled! Onwards and upwards!

suzyk | 10:41 a.m. March 28, 2008

Brother Wilberg was the perfect choice...I'm sure the choir is happy.

Comments continue below

Anonymous | 11:12 a.m. March 28, 2008

Has anyone learned why Jessop resigned yet?

Anonymous | 11:32 a.m. March 28, 2008

Congratulations, Ed! I'll never forget my A Cappella days!

Lyle | 11:55 a.m. March 28, 2008

Congratulations to a fine man with superb talents and such a kind, humble, unassuming spirit. Very much deserved!

BYU Cougar | 12:14 p.m. March 28, 2008

Mack Wilberg is a brilliant composer, but not quite so great a conductor. Craig Jessop was and is a BRILLIANT conductor. I have faith that Brother Wilberg will lead the choir to amazing heights, but I will miss the incredible sound Brother Jessop could coax out of that choir. Best of luck to them both!

Petey | 12:47 p.m. March 28, 2008

So why did the other guy jump ship?

Hey... | 1:19 p.m. March 28, 2008

Are the suits in that picture from Mr. Mac!!!!

James Morrison | 1:31 p.m. March 28, 2008

I have been listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir since the 1930's. There's no doubt that those broadcasts had a lot to do with my being introduced to the Gospel. My preference would be without the orchestra but it's great either way. I'm sure that Brother Wilberg will lead with great results.

Robert | 2:18 p.m. March 28, 2008

To: Hey

The Choir does not buy their suits from Mr. Mac..

Jason | 2:19 p.m. March 28, 2008

BYU Cougar -

I'm not sure what you base your opinion on that Mack is "not quite so great a conductor." I sang under him in the BYU Men's Chorus for a year and found him nothing short of amazing. We learned and memorized so much music I can hardly believe it, and his attention to detail was astonishing given how much music we learned. Mack uses practices incredibly efficiently. He knows how to manage and get the most out of each second of time. And he has an amazing musical mind and ear. I doubt you'll hear a difference between the Jessop-led choir and the Wilberg-led one.

California Susan | 3:29 p.m. March 28, 2008

Mac's musical prowess and genius have endeared him to many musicians, young and old, around the world. So glad he will continue with the choir in this capacity. Mac's connection to the choir will prompt many from in international arena to ask and learn more about the Plan of Salvaation.

Craig, too, has a new opportunity to influence other music circles for good.

Though it is normal to be inquisitive, it is best to leave private reasons private.

Bjorn | 6:43 p.m. March 28, 2008

I had the honor of singing under Mack Wilberg in the BYU Men's Chorus in the early 90's. It was a thrill to sing under his leadership, and I am sure he will be a wonderful conductor for the Tabernacle Choir. Only wish they would tour Scandinavia soon.

Janie | 6:35 p.m. March 29, 2008

Mack Wilberg is so much more than a fine musician. He is a fine and gentle man. His musical compositions and arrangements transcend the boundaries of organized religion. and gift the world with messages of Christ's love, care and acceptance of ALL His flock. We are all blessed to have Mack Wilberg in our lives.

JRM | 10:48 a.m. April 5, 2008

As I sit hear listening to all the Mac arrangements at conference, I can only hope that the choir will branch out to other composers in the church. There are so many great musicians that it is a shame that the choir is so limited in its repertoire. While Mac is a great conductor, composer and arranged, the "women enter, men enter, all enter, key change" gets a bit predictable.

Myron M. Miller | 5:15 p.m. April 30, 2008

I was a first time visitor to SLC last week, working at the FHL (visiting from Chapel Hill, NC). I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the rehearsal last Thursday. I've sung in choral groups since 1961, including most recently the Brussels Choral Society and the Michigan State University Choral Union. It was a thrill to attend the rehearsal and my reaction was that it would be a joy to sing under Mac because of his conducting style. His remarks to the audience toward the end were ever so welcoming and warm. You are blessed!

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