Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square
Name	Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square
Caption	The choir performing in the Salt Lake Tabernacle.
Background	classical_ensemble
Origin	Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.
Genre	Classical, sacred music, patriotic music
Years active	1847–present
Associated acts	The Orchestra at Temple Square, Bells on Temple Square
Website	thetabernaclechoir.org

Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square is a renowned American choir, based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), it is one of the oldest and largest choirs in the world. The ensemble is celebrated for its extensive repertoire of sacred music, hymns, classical works, and patriotic pieces, performing regularly from its home in the historic Salt Lake Tabernacle on Temple Square.

History

The choir's origins trace to the arrival of Latter-day Saint pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847, with an initial choir organized by John Parry. It was formally established in August 1847 under the direction of John Parry and has performed continuously since. The ensemble became closely associated with the Salt Lake Tabernacle following its completion in 1867, a building renowned for its unique Tabernacle organ and exceptional acoustics. A pivotal moment in its history was the commencement of its weekly Music & the Spoken Word broadcast in 1929, which became the longest-running continuous network broadcast in the world. The choir has performed for significant national events, including the dedication of the Salt Lake Temple in 1893 and the 2002 Winter Olympics opening ceremony.

Organization and membership

The choir operates under the auspices of the Presiding Bishopric of the LDS Church. Membership is entirely volunteer, with approximately 360 singers who must be members of the Church in good standing. Members are selected through a rigorous audition process that tests musical skills, sight-reading ability, and vocal quality. Choir members commit to weekly rehearsals, frequent performances, and extensive domestic and international touring schedules. The choir is supported by the Orchestra at Temple Square and the Bells on Temple Square, which are also composed of volunteer musicians.

Performances and recordings

The choir maintains an active performance schedule, including its weekly broadcast and annual Christmas concerts featuring prominent guest artists like Sissel Kyrkjebø, Angela Lansbury, and Kristin Chenoweth. It has undertaken numerous international tours, performing in prestigious venues such as Royal Albert Hall, Sydney Opera House, and Carnegie Hall. Its extensive discography includes over 150 albums, spanning Christmas music, oratorios like Messiah, and collaborative projects with the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Tabernacle Organ. Notable recordings include the Grammy Award-winning album "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" and the platinum-certified "Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir."

Broadcasting

The choir's flagship program, "Music & the Spoken Word," began broadcasting on KSL radio in 1929 and is now syndicated globally on television, radio, and digital platforms. The broadcast features the choir and orchestra performing a mix of sacred and inspirational music, accompanied by a short spoken message. This program holds the world record for the longest-running continuous network broadcast. The choir's major concerts and tours are also frequently televised by BYUtv and other broadcasters, expanding its reach to a worldwide audience.

Directors and notable personnel

Leadership has been provided by a series of influential music directors and organists. Notable directors include Anthony C. Lund, who served for 25 years and expanded the choir's repertoire; J. Spencer Cornwall, who led the choir during the rise of its national broadcast fame; and Richard P. Condie, under whom the choir won a Grammy Award. More recent directors include Jerold Ottley, who oversaw international touring and major recordings, and Mack Wilberg, the current music director known for his prolific arrangements. The current associate director is Ryan Murphy. The principal organists have included legendary figures such as Alexander Schreiner and Clay Christiansen.

Awards and recognition

The choir has received numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award (1959), a Peabody Award (1962), and two Emmy Awards for its television specials. It was inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2004 for "Music & the Spoken Word." The choir has also been honored with the National Medal of Arts, presented by President George W. Bush in 2003. Its recordings have earned several gold and platinum certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America.

Category:American choirs Category:Musical groups from Salt Lake City Category:1847 establishments in Utah