Deseret News | Osmonds, Tabernacle Choir unite in song

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Osmonds, Tabernacle Choir unite in song

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Lisa from Anaheim, Ca. | 10:05 p.m. July 26, 2008

WOW,What a great show,I also watched it but on BYU TV, I have direct tv and boy am I glad I do. What a great show, Wonderful, what else can I say. WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL WONDERFUL...!!!!!!

Debbie | 10:13 p.m. July 26, 2008

We got to attend last night & it was amazing! You could feel the spirit of the music & the MTC & Osmonds are true professionals! To those of you like Cosmopolitan Not if you can't say something nice, don't say it at all! There are plenty of other place you can make your negative comments, you don't need to ruin it for everyone else. I have been an Osmond fan for 38 years & they never fail to please. Their dedication to their profession is obvious & they are still going strong after 50 YEARS! That says something! Family is important & they represent family very well. The Osmonds make life very enjoyable - love to listen to them, their music is timeless & worth listening too, compared to alot of the crap that they call music now days. To the Osmonds - Thank You for sharing your lives with us! To the MTC - thank you for the awesome music you performed! It was well worth the trip from Idaho, for the memories will last forever!

Anonymous | 11:12 p.m. July 26, 2008

I watched the concert on KBYU tonight and absolutely loved it! Found myself tearing up often. We need a lot more of this type of entertainment. Bravo to Mack Wilberg and the choir and to the Osmonds!

Comments continue below

Leonard | 12:52 a.m. July 27, 2008

I came back tonight from my stake center (Papeari) here in tahiti. there were @ least 50 people there but I did really enjoy the concert. I've never heard of the Osmonds before but I can tell you that they're really talented. I really like the song one sung when he told a story about a call he got from his son while he was serving a mission. I cried especially when pictures of their family were shown. I was touched when I saw pictures of their mother. I realized how important is to feel close to your mother. thanks a lot for sharing your testimony through your performance.

Trixie | 12:55 a.m. July 27, 2008

I missed seeing the concert and can't wait to see it online. I do hope that it will be on a dvd.
As for the ones retiring I know Alan has MS and that this was the first time he's performed in years. I have heard that Merrill has also talked about slowing down some, though with the concerts he has planned both solo and with his brothers it doesn't appear that will happen anythime soon.
I have also heard Donny & Jimmy say that with all their different schedules and other commitments its hard to find the time to all tour together. Though it would be nice if they would do some touring in the states.

Music Lover | 1:40 a.m. July 27, 2008

Re: useless comments by RangerGordon

First, I was in attendance at this event in the Conf. Center on Saturday.

Second, I have played and performed music for many years.

Third: I have attended concerts and performances of all types (jazz festivals, symphonies, rock, ballets and operas, etc.) in some of America and Europe's famous halls.

In short, I have heard and know musical talent.

From my persepctive, your assertion that Utah lacks talent and that you would have slept reveals either your hatred for LDS culture or your lack of refinement. Either way, it has no place on a concert review you didn't even see. Do you think anyone anywhere cares what you imagine it might have been like?

Your comments have no place here other than trying to be a negative influence on an otherwise uplifting piece about an historic, extremely touching, beautifully performed and musically interesting program, even if the Osmonds are not your "thing."

What exactly was your purpose in trashing this concert? Please take your negativity elsewhere.

To the Osmonds: Thank you for sharing your talent with the world! Bless you for sharing the gospel as you have! To Dr. Wilberg and the choir: Bravo!

awesomeron | 3:31 a.m. July 27, 2008

The Osmondï¿½s are Real Talent. The Test of time determines Talent. Notice the Osmondï¿½s are still standing and the House still full, and on its feet. A standing Ovation for the Osmondï¿½s. For this Preference and the Whole Body of Work. They Beyond Rock. If you want stuff like L.A. and S.F. then go there.

cris | 5:31 a.m. July 27, 2008

I sat here last night on my computer watching the Osmonds perform. I was truly moved by both the Osmonds as well as the choir. I also was a memeber of the church but did so due to the example the osmonds set for me 35 years ago. I was going through a rough period as a teenager. I stll carry the beliefs in my heart. The Osmonds are truly a great family. I have followed them through the years. God bless all of you!!

Robert Oh | 7:51 a.m. July 27, 2008

We miss you Craig!

Incredible | 8:15 a.m. July 27, 2008

The entire concert was absolutely incredible. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Osmonds blended amazingly well. They each had their different moments to shine as well as their moments together. The lighting and sound was great. It was really great to be in attendance. (They have changed the way tickets are obtained now - everyone, incl Church employees, has to register online for a chance at tickets.) After the Osmonds sang "Through the Years" not only was there a standing ovation that went forever but many were in tears, including several of the Osmonds. Wow, what a show!

Anonymous | 9:32 a.m. July 27, 2008

I wasn't able to get tickets to the concert but my son and his fiancee were able to attend... All they could do is rave about the Osmonds. My son just remembers Donny from Doing Joseph and Donny and Marie from their talk show.. But he has a great admiration for the whole family...Just loves them. What a great concert it was and to top it off. They shook President Monson's hand.. I have loved the Osmonds for 40 years...It's tough getting old..They have aged gracefully..

PJRob | 10:33 a.m. July 27, 2008

I stand with Robert Oh! I miss Craig Jessup! His musicianship,smiles and encouragement could help anyone put forth his/her best effort...AND WE DID!! His contributions to building the choir should not be ignored OR forgotten. Utah State wins! Best wishes!

Latter-day Saint Senior | 10:55 a.m. July 27, 2008

I think David O. Mackay would turn over in his grave if he saw this program.
I think this was one of the worst performances of the Tabernacle Choir. To mix them with the Osmonds was a poor choice. Can you mix oil and water?
Osmonds need to get over that they have been though rough times. Welcome to the real world. Why do they have to repeat this to the whole world every time they appear?
Osmonds are probably nice people but I see all their warts when they are on stage.
Their performance last night was dragging.
I would have enjoyed listening to the TC with the organ and have them singing spiritual music.
I hope President Monson agrees with us.

pauline d reece | 12:07 p.m. July 27, 2008

I stayed up last night till 2.30 in the morning to see this concert It did not disapoint It was great I loved every minute of it THANK YOU so much for the years of enjoyment you have brought to me Thankyou for your example it was because of you all that I joined the church married in the temple over 31 years ago This has been an exeptional year for your family Thankyou for allowing us to be part of it I will be watching again tonight and the other repeats Once again Thankyou and God Bless you in your endeavors"God be with you till we meet again"

Eastern Observer | 12:10 p.m. July 27, 2008

I'm a little confused about why this will billed as a "Pioneer Commemoration." I do love the Osmonds overall, and I'm not cracking on them. It was cool to see the old Andy Williams clips. I was expecting it to be more pioneer-oriented, though, based on how it was promoted. What I saw on my computer last night was pretty much the Choir's latest CD that we play in our van every Sunday and the Osmonds most recent public tv special rolled into one show... I missed the beginning, though... Was there any reference to pioneers apart from the couple of pioneerish show tunes and Come, Come Ye Saints at the end?

Okie | 12:33 p.m. July 27, 2008

We are back here in the center of the country. We watched the show on our BYU channel. It was just WONDERFUL.
I have watched the Osmonds since they started singing on Andy Williams show. We have been to Branson many times to hear the Brothers and family sing. They put on wonderful shows over there. I wish they were still there. I always felt so wonderful when they would sing our Church Hymns and have big pictures of the Book of Mormon and etc. We took non member friends over there too and they would always say the Osmonds were the best show in Branson. But time does go by and things change. It was good to see Alan there last night playing the key board and also sing with the others on stage. They certainly have been so special all these years. We visited with the Brothers in Branson when there and they are always so friendly and nice to everyone. We so enjoyed the program last night on our BYU channel. So happy to see them all together!!!!! I will watch again on Monday night on BYU channel.

to LDS Senior | 1:45 p.m. July 27, 2008

You must think that the Choir and Orchestra are only there for your entertainment. They are not. The Choir and Orchestra members are set apart as musical missionaries. There is all kinds of music, and what touches one person might not make another feel the Spirit. Therefore, the Choir and Orchestra perform all kinds of musical styles to reach all kinds of people. One way that their music reaches all kinds of people is by featuring all kinds of Guest Artists, even in a Pioneer Commemoration Concert. Walter Cronkite and Claire Bloom, as Guest Artists, won't appear in the same way the Five Browns or Gladys Knight will.
The Choir and Orchestra give 75-80 performances a year. Singing only hymns from the hymnbook with organ is a small minority of those.
How do presume to know what Pres. McKay would have thought? And do you really think that if Pres. Monson agreed with you, the concert would have been preformed as it was?
Please continue to watch the Choir at General Conference, that music obviously touches you, and let the Choir and Orchestra members do their callings as musical missionaries.

Eva from Canada | 3:00 p.m. July 27, 2008

I wasn't able to be at the concert in person, but I watched as much as I could of it live via the Internet. Right along side me, all over the world, were thousands of others who, like myself, have held the Osmond family in high esteem for decades. Whether we are LDS or not, it is the true spirituality of this wonderful family that keeps us coming back for more. I will miss their amazing 7-part harmony. I have yet to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform in person and seeing this concert has only whetted my appetite to make sure that I have an opportunity to do so in the future at this venue or another one of equal quality.

Lyn and Martha | 3:55 p.m. July 27, 2008

I watched the program with a grateful heart and a tear of graditude for this wonderful family. Though their missionary work spreading the gospel in song and by example I and my mother are members. My life is full of happiness and though many I have learn from it was my first missionaries (the Osmonds) that taught us the love of GOD. Thank you Osmonds and the Mormon Tab for a wonderful night of sweet voices.

Pam | 4:39 p.m. July 27, 2008

I have been an Osmond supporter from the beginning, however I am very disappointed that they did not do any 50th Anniversary concerts here in the United States with the exception of Las Vegas. It would have been a memorable experience for us to have seen them as well just like all the overseas folks. did. Please consider doing just a few more dates before some of you decide to retire.We have not hung in here all these years not to ever see you live again. A DVD tape just doesn't cut it for me. I still Love you and may our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ be with all of you always.

georgiaonmymind | 5:54 p.m. July 27, 2008

Just finished watching the concert and LOVED it! What a great show! We appreciated the fact that it was something different, something new, we enjoyed it very much. I feel the Osmonds and the MTC were giving there all at this show. Great job all the way around!

Indiana | 6:47 p.m. July 27, 2008

I just watched this and boy, I was impressed. I loved the brothers signing with the song "I Believe". It was really good.

To the individual who asked about people being converted as a result of the Osmonds: Yes, as I served as a missionary, we were told about a young 18 year old who had been investigating the church on her own since she was 13 or 14. It was so fun to teach her. NO challenge though. She knew everything! I mean everything! It was wonderful teaching her. She had just been studying and reading and was just waiting to turn 18 so that she could be baptized. It was a great experience getting to know her, teaching her and watching the light in her eyes and on her whole face. wow! oh, yeah, she had read the Book of Mormon severa times by that time. It was pretty amazing to me to learn there are people out there like her and I am sure she is not the only one!

Re-Broadcast | 6:51 p.m. July 27, 2008

BYU-TV will re-play Saturday night's Concert of the
Osmonds with the Tabernacle Choir on Monday night.

Happens at 9:30 PM Utah time. It follows a tribute
to LaVell Edwards, the legendary BYU football
coach.

Good Stuff for Family Night!!

lynn in TN | 8:08 p.m. July 27, 2008

Thank you to all. Clean, good stuff.

Cookie from Utah | 10:10 p.m. July 27, 2008

I sat in a nursing home with my mother and watched the program. It was so wonderful. It was the first time my mom held her head up in an upright position since she had a stroke one month ago. I know the music touched her soul and mine. Thank you so much for sharing such incredible talent with us now and through the years.You are a wonderful family.

Drew | 11:01 p.m. July 27, 2008

Sorry to disagree with most of the posters here, I love the Choir, I am a huge fan. The Choir has a CD, I buy it. However, this concert got two huge thumbs down.

Most people under the age of 50 would not have appreciated this concert at all. I think the Osmonds are great, and great for their audience, but not Pioneer Day appropriate. Pioneer Day focuses on the sacrifice of and celebrates the Pioneers. That heritage is for everyone in the Church. This concert was to a targeted audience. And targeted audiences are not appropriate for Pioneer Day.

Let's put it this way. How many people in this forum would appreciate hearing the Choir sing, on Pioneer Day, with Hootie and the Blowfish? Or the cast of High School Musical? Or *NSYNC? You would not, because you would be excluded from that target market. But teens, tweens, and Generation Xers and Yers would love it (based on the performers).

This concert would have been much more appropriate in September or March or whenever, but let Pioneer Day be more than just about old fans of the Osmonds.

The Choir and the Church deserve more than that.

JanSan | 11:20 p.m. July 27, 2008

I was camping at a family reunion and was unable to see the concert but am glad that it went so well. Maybe I will catch it if it comes out on DVD. I am also VERY thankful that so far there were no Mormon Bashers... It was so plesant to be able to read this without all the hatred that usually accompied in these articles.... Thank you for your kindness.
Being a grandma in the older generation I also have many fond memories of the Osmonds and the Beautiful Mormon Tabernacle Choir...

georgiaonmymind | 5:34 a.m. July 28, 2008

re Drew: Not even close! Hootie and the Blowfish? Not! Good, clean fun all the way around! I knew I could sit with my children and watch this because the Osmonds have the same standards I do. If I were to watch say Hootie or NSYNC they may curse in a song or have "dancers" inappropriatley dressed and I can go on and on. Not once did I have to feel embarassed or feel the need to change the channel because something was inappropriate. Loved it! Loved it! Loved it!

Susan in Florida | 8:13 a.m. July 28, 2008

My husband and I loved the concert. We watched it on BYU-TV both Saturday and Sunday nights. We felt the spirit and the love; we rejoiced in the remarkable talent of the Osmonds, and we celebrated in our Pioneer heritage. The Osmonds gave a truly beautiful and loving presentation that put a smile on our face and tears in our eyes. I feel sadness for anyone who posts a negative comment about this wonderful family and beautiful concert because it was magnificent!

Drew | 8:43 a.m. July 28, 2008

Georgia, you seemed to have missed the point.

Did your children turn to you and say, "This is awesome, I love this! This music is intergenerational, just like the choir!"?

I am pretty sure they didn't. Because you are part of the Osmond target generation audience and they are not.

Your posting also reveals what little you know about Hootie and the Blowfish.

And anyone who missed the broadcast can go to BYU-TV and choose July 26 and the 7:00 pm show. The broadcast starts a half hour later.

Ross in Alabama | 9:12 a.m. July 28, 2008

This concert was incredible, it was a real joy to view it on BYUTV. the Osmonds have been great role models to the world of standing for truth in the glare of the entertainment business pride, allure and wickedness. The Tabernacle Choir has performed with many guests and it is wonderful that some of our own, The Osmonds finally got a chance to be on stage with our great choir and orchestra. I thought about President Hinckleys vision for the conference center and how this type of entertainment was part of what he envisioned. Hadn't heard the great Osmond sound in a long time and it brought back lots of memories. Thanks to everyone who performed and to those who made this great concert possible. The Osmonds are pioneers in their own right, This concert will be remembered fondly for a long time. Will probably watch some of the upcoming rebroadcasts on BYUTV as well. Thanks again.

To AWB | 9:28 a.m. July 28, 2008

Don't go back....you obviously had your reasons for leaving in the first place. Music has nothing to do with "truth and testimony".

GrandmaK | 10:09 a.m. July 28, 2008

It was wonderful. I am so glad that I got the chance to see it on BYUTV Sunday evening. The Osmond family has been blessed with great talent. May they always be blessed for what they have contributed to our families. As always, the Tabernacle Choir is pure inspiration! Both the choir and the Osmond's are so refreshing. You can listen to them and not be offended by trash and sleaze. Wonderful! Thanks so much.

georgiaonmymind | 10:43 a.m. July 28, 2008

re Drew: You were not at my house last night and my children did enjoy it! They know who the Osmonds are they have been around their music. So yeah they did like it. My daughter would not stop dancing and no I am not a Hootie and the Blowfish fan. I appreciate your opinion and I guess we will have to just agree to disagree!

Oh Please | 12:12 p.m. July 28, 2008

Bleah.

Just a mom | 12:34 p.m. July 28, 2008

I was able to attend Friday night's concert and took two of my sons, aged 8 & 10. This was their first official concert experience.
It was an incredible concert in a lot of ways. That was the first time I'd seen the MoTab in person too.
I had very fond memories of seeing Donny & Marie from their variety show (was too young for the "original boy band's" cartoon). I even had Donny & Marie action figures, but that's another story.
Drew, you posted earlier that the concert wasn't for the under 50 set. You're wrong. I'm under 50 & was surrounded by many the same. The sound of applause, the multiple standing ovations & cheers would beg to differ.
Now, my 8 year old was rather bored when the choir sang, but he really enjoyed anytime the Osmonds sang.
In fact, when the concert was replayed last night, they both stopped playing, came & sat on the couch. They loved it both times!
My 10 year old even remarked on Marie wearing a different outfit from the Friday night performance.
The Osmonds are for all ages.
The MoTab & Symphony were great too!
Loved it.

South Carolina Enjoyed it | 12:46 p.m. July 28, 2008

I live here in South Carolina and my family really enjoyed the concert. I thought the choir was terrific as usual and the Osmond Family great as ever. I thought it was very appropriate honoring the family as "Pioneers" because they are. They have been a great example to the world in general. Thanks for the memories. Best of luck to all of the familly.

Disconcerting | 1:00 p.m. July 28, 2008

Am I the only one who found it difficult to witness the combination of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Osmonds at the same time & place?

Each, in their own venue, are wonderful. But mixing them together was ... uncomfortable. To me, at least.

Me | 1:04 p.m. July 28, 2008

After 50 years, aren't y'all just a little tired of the Osmonds??

Loved It | 1:44 p.m. July 28, 2008

I loved that concert!!!! If anyone knows how to party it is Utahans!!!!! I felt like I was 80 again!!!

wwwwhw | 1:53 p.m. July 28, 2008

Seemed too "Contemporary worship" with the Osmonds, where you go to church in shorts and a t-shirt. I loved the Tabernacle Choir. They are always at the top of their game. It didnt seem appropriate for Pioneer Day, it seemed to be all about the Osmonds when they were performing and not about the heroic folks that crossed the plains. Then to have them back for Music and the Spoken Word was too much, especially with some goofy Yanni type conducting the orchestra.

glad2c | 2:24 p.m. July 28, 2008

It was a great experience to witness. The music & entertainment was touching. I'm sorry for those who missed it. It was awesome to watch the two oldest Osmonds perform with the rest of the family doing the song in 'sign language'.
The crowd control "volunteers" at the conference center were great getting us to our seats. Thank you everyone that was involved in coordinating this great event.

Anon | 2:40 p.m. July 28, 2008

All you negative posters r cottonheadedninnymuggins ha ha ha Sheesh people chill out it was a great night and if you didn't like it so what! No matter what anyone does you can not make everyone happy!

Surprised | 4:06 p.m. July 28, 2008

I live on the East Coast and we actually saw the concert on Sunday evening. We were told in announcements that it was a Pioneer Commemoration so I was actually looking forward to talks about pioneers and music which would lead me to reflect on all the pioneers have done for us. It seemed everyone in our ward building were surprised at the Pop-Rock feel of the event. The younger kids were lost in who the performers were and I was surprised by the back and forth nature of the concert from a Donnie and Marie hit to a hymn. I think if we would of gone on a Friday evening like those who went in Utah we may have had a different feeling. I went with the mindset of going to a spiritual church like event and ended up seeing a pop concert.

Carole Frisbie | 4:10 p.m. July 28, 2008

The entire program was awesome. Will there be a DVD of the program that can be purchased?

MO Member | 4:33 p.m. July 28, 2008

I, too, was off-put having the Osmonds and MoTab in the same venue. I was expecting something much different from a Pioneer Day Commemoration. I was alternately inspired (by the Choir) and underwhelmed (by the Osmonds), but I did endure it in its entirety hoping it would finally "come together" at the end. I'm sure I would have felt differently if I was an Osmond fan, but alas, I'm not. To each his own.

janiece | 4:34 p.m. July 28, 2008

I cried through the song Donny wrote for his son, and along with Marie as she sang with all her brothers.
To perform with the Mormon Tabernacle Chior must have been wonderful in its self.
Thank you for an inspiring concert.

From San Diego | 4:47 p.m. July 28, 2008

I was lucky enough to be in Salt Lake over the weekend and attended this amazing event. Wow, being in the Conference Center was such a amazing experience and being able to see the Choir and the Osmonds perform was pretty cool. I appreciate being apart of something so special.

Bill | 5:36 p.m. July 28, 2008

Someone mentioned only people over 50 would enjoy this concert. I attended on Saturday night with my wife (under 40), son, age 10 and daughter, age 7. There were many more families, in fact the majority of families were similar to ours at the concert. Our kids loved the show. We drove 7 hours each way from Las Vegas to attend the concert. Our 3 year old watched the show on TV and danced along with the music at Grandma's home. We recorded it on our DVR and our kids couldn't wait to see it again when we got home. Our kids had never seen or heard the Osmonds before and now they are hooked. Yes this was the annual Pioneer Day concert and the press releases prior to the show stated that the Osmonds were a pioneering Mormon family in the entertainment business. The MTC didn't feel out of place. I've attended their concerts outside of Utah before and some of you would be surprised at their performances outside of Music and The Spoken Word and Conference sessions. They've shown that they can have a good time too.

Lois | 5:46 p.m. July 28, 2008

I thought the concert was spectacular!!!!!Marie had me crying when she broke down. I have watched the Osmonds for years and just love the family.My mother attended and just loved it. I also have a uncle and aunt and a cousin who are ushers at temple square and were was so jealous that they got to usher and see the concert.

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11 photos

Tom Smart, Deseret News

The Osmond family performs as special guests with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square at the Pioneer Day Commemoration Concert in Salt Lake City Friday.

Gallery (11 photos)