Spring 2023 LDS Conference Guide

CONFERENCE The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Spring 2023 General Conference

Singing with joy, enthusiasm and reverence

G2 General Conference Guide – Spring 2023

CONFERENCE Table of contents

through the years: 4 AHymnbooks legacy of sacred music 10 Music in our worship Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square 18 are ambassadors of music

26

Touring timeline of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

29 Experiencing celestial joy through music

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ON THE COVER PHOTO COURTESY INTELLECTUAL RESERVE

Guest artist and baritone Shea Owens joins The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square for the 2022 summer concert in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City. This photo was taken during a July 14, 2022, dress rehearsal.

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Hymnbooks through the years

SARAH HUNT, DAILY HERALD

A collection of modern and historic hymnbooks rest on a piano at Legacy Retirement Home on March 15.

A legacy of sacred music new hymnbook.

As the new international hymnbook draws Daily Herald closer to completion, members of the church are In June 2018, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latfondly remembering previous editions. ter-day Saints had a request for members around Lois Waterman, a lifelong church member, the world — to submit original sacred music for the

BY SARAH HUNT

G4 General Conference Guide – Spring 2023

remembers first learning to play the piano at 11 years old for her calling as a branch pianist. The role wasn’t her first choice — everyone who could Please see HYMNBOOKS, Page G6

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COURTESY INTELLECTUAL RESERVE

A young woman plays a hymn on the piano from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Spanish hymnbook.

Hymnbooks

just like he said! Every week I practiced like crazy an opening, From G4 closing and sacrament hymn.”

Every hymn she first learned play piano in her branch had came from the 1948 edition moved away, and she had been of the hymnbook. This verselected for the job by her sion came encased in a brown father, the branch president. or navy blue cover, with blue “I told him he knew I cried every time I tried to accompany being the most remembered them in Family Home Evening. I among members. Waterman also played for Primary using a just couldn’t play while people small bluish-green song book sang. He told me they would titled “The Children Sing,” pubset me apart and then with practice he knew I could do it,” lished in 1951.

Waterman recalled. “It worked “When I was 13, we got an G6 General Conference Guide – Spring 2023

organ (for the sacrament hall), and the man who installed it gave me 30 minutes of instruction on how to play it. I was the organist until I was 18,” she said.

When the green hymnbook was released in 1985, she noticed a few changes, including an updated bass clef sign and the addition of a few hymns, including of “How Great Thou Art” and “Our Savior’s Love.”

New music was also paired with lyrics from classic hymns

like “Know This, That Every Soul Is Free” and “If You Could Hie to Kolob.”

The hymn “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” was missing from this version. It was included in the 1841, 1845 and 1948 editions but was rarely known at the time, so it was omitted.

“Many don’t know that ‘Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing’ (by far the most requested hymn for the current revision) is in the current hymn-

book in 10 languages — just not in the English edition. … When Mack Wilberg created a beautiful new choral arrangement of the hymn in 1993, members of our church — and Christians around the world — fell in love with this hymn all over again,” said Steve Schank, music manager for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Arrangements specifically made for choirs were another feature that was left out of the green hymnbook.

“I really loved having choir music right in the (blue) book. Some of those hymns were incorporated for the congregation in the green hymnbook, but many were no longer used,” Waterman said.

Some of the popular hymns of Waterman’s youth are not as well known today, but that hasn’t affected her affinity for “Hail to the Brightness of Zion’s Glad Morning,” “Welcome Welcome Sabbath Morning” and “Thanks for the Sabbath School” to name a few. She is excited to see what the new hymnbook will offer.

“It will be interesting to see new hymns, and nice to have the same ones worldwide. I played for the Spanish ward on our mission. There is a hymn in the current Spanish hymnbook that I love that I hope they will translate and include. It’s on page 190, Hay Un Hogar Eterno,” Waterman said Current foreign hymnbooks frequently contain hymns that incorporate traditions, culture, sayings and meanings that are unique to a specific language or region.

“It is common for all non-English language editions to include unique hymns and songs that are SARAH HUNT, DAILY HERALD Please see HYMNBOOKS, Page G8

A collection of modern and historic hymnbooks rest on a piano at Legacy Retirement Home on March 15.

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Hymnbooks

and Songs: Selected from various authors, for the Primary Associations of From G7 the Children of Zion” by Eliza R. Snow not in the English books. However, the (1880), “The Primary Songbook” (1905) revised collection will offer a unified list which included songs that some older of titles and the same hymn numbering members still remember, “Little Stories in all languages,” Schank said. in Song” (1940), “The Children Sing” There have been eight major editions (1951), “Sing With Me” (1969) and of the hymnbooks throughout church “Children’s Songbook” (1989). history beginning with “A Collection of “Hymns and the Children’s Songbook Sacred Hymns for the Church of the Lat- are being revised (and added to) to unify ter Day Saints” by Emma Smith, which the music used for worship by members was released in 1835. around the world … and better reflect the Some of these major versions were diverse needs of members worldwide. The published church-wide while others new printed collections will … provide the were made for local use, including “A same selection of hymns and children’s Collection of Sacred Hymns for the songs (with the same hymn numbering) in Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day each language,” Schank said.

Saints in Europe” (1840) nicknamed The church received over 20,000 “the Manchester Hymnal” and “Latterhymn and primary song suggestions day Saints’ Psalmody” (1889). Mission to be considered for inclusion in the presidents in the Northern States Misnew hymnbook by members around sion in Chicago compiled and published the world. Almost 200 member review“Songs of Zion” (1908). ers helped narrow down the suggesThere have also been six major tions and pick hymns that had the most children’s songbook editions: “Hymns promise for the new book.

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COURTESY INTELLECTUAL RESERVE

Latter-day Saints sing in a meeting in Manaus, Brazil.

Music in our worship

BY GENELLE PUGMIRE

Latter-day Saints, Emma Smith, wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr., was given the call through revelaIt is said the last song the band on the Titanic tion to “make a selection of sacred hymns” and that played before it sank April 14, 1912, was the hymn it was pleasing to the savior to be had in his church.

“Nearer My God to Thee.” That same hymn was “For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; sung by the crew and passengers of the SS Valencia yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, six years earlier while it was sinking off the Canaand it shall be answered with a blessing upon their dian coast. heads.” (Doctrine and Covenants section 25:12) Music, particularly hymns, invites the spirit, The Doctrine and Covenants is considered modcalms the soul and brings us closer to our deity. ern day revelation and instructions from the Prophet Joseph Smith to the church and individuals, mostly.

In the early days of The Church of Jesus Christ of Daily Herald

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So why do members of the church have such a passion for uplifting music and why are they encouraged to have hymns playing in their homes, on their playlists as well as in church gatherings?

The answer can be found in a comment made

by President Russell M. Nelson during a Brigham Young University devotional on May 8, 2008.

“Remember, music has the power to provide spiritual nourishment. It has healing power. It has the power to facilitate worship. It allows us to Please see WORSHIP, Page G12

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“Remember, music has the power to provide spiritual nourishment. It has healing power.

It has the power to facilitate worship.”

— Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

PHOTOS COURTESY INTELLECTUAL RESERVE

Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, plays the piano at the conclusion of the 2021 Global Youth Music Festival on March 17, 2021. In a message for youth, the senior leader called young church members “the hope of Israel,” referencing the hymn, and talked about the “profound influence” music has had on his life.

Worship From G10

contemplate the Atonement (and) the Restoration of the gospel with its saving principles and exalting ordinances.

Music provides power for us to express prayerful thoughts and bear testimony of sacred truths.”

With the help of W. W. Phelps, one of the great hymn writers of the church, and appointed to assist and arrange for the printing, Emma Smith compiled 90 hymns. The new church hymnbook came together in 1835 and the first edition was published.

Members of The Church of Jesus G12 General Conference Guide – Spring 2023

Christ do not have a corner on the market when it comes to singing praise, praying through music and seeking the Spirit. Music is used globally to unite congregations. While many churches find their praise through joyful and energetic choirs or guitars and drums, others enjoy the cathedral sounds provided by massive pipe organs and yet others a solemn cantor.

Music has been a part of worship and prayer for as long as mankind has had a voice. King David of the Old Testament is well-known for his many psalms of joy and lamentation.

The apostle Luke, in telling the story of the Nativity, noted that heavenly

hosts appeared to the shepherds and praised God saying, “Glory to God in the highest and on Earth, peace, good will toward men.” It has been believed these words were delivered in song.

One of the world’s greatest compilations of hymns, music and praise is George Fredric Handel’s “Messiah.” It tells the story of Jesus Christ from his birth to his resurrection and beyond.

The scriptures contain many affirmations that hymn singing is a glorious way to worship. Before the savior and his apostles left the upper room where they had the experience of the Last Supper, they sang a hymn, according to Matthew in the New Testament.

The apostle Paul advised the Colossians that they should be “teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Col. 3:16) “When the Lord’s Apostles meet in modern times, the singing of hymns is still part of their meetings. The weekly meetings of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the Salt Lake Temple always begin with a hymn,” said President Dallin H. Oaks in the October 1994 semi-annual general conference of the church.

Oaks said they take turns picking the songs and from a record he kept he

A Latter-day Saint from South Africa sings the Zulu hymn “Etendeni Lami,” based on Psalm 91, during the 2021 Global Youth Music Festival that premiered on March 17, 2021.

noted, “The opening song most frequently sung during the decade of my participation has been ‘I Need Thee Every Hour.’” He also noted at the time that then-Elder Nelson played the piano for the singing.

“Picture the spiritual impact of a handful of the Lord’s servants singing that song before praying for his guidance in fulfilling their mighty responsibilities,” Oakes said.

In the First Presidency’s message in the preface to the 1985 hymnbook currently being used, it says, “Some of the greatest sermons are preached by the singing of hymns. Hymns move us to repentance and good works, build testimony and faith, comfort the weary, console the mourning, and inspire us to endure to the end” Throughout the world, Latter-day Saints sing with joy, enthusiasm and reverence. Some congregations are more hesitant.

“I believe some of us in North America are getting Please see WORSHIP, Page G14

Sister missionaries sing hymns on Temple Square in Salt Lake City.

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neglectful in our worship, including the singing of hymns. I have observed that the Saints elsewhere are more diligent in doing this. We in the center stakes of Zion should renew our fervent participation in the singing of our hymns,” Oaks added.

Elder Franklin D. Richards, previously of the Presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy, spoke on worshiping with song. He noted that, “In our Latter-day Saint hymns, we sing praises to the Lord, pray unto the Lord, recite great religious truths — in effect sermons — and our minds and spirits are elevated and spiritually stimulated.”

Conversely some of today’s music can also lead us away from prayer, the Spirit and can affect our psyche, according to President Ezra Taft Benson in a general conference talk in 1971. “‘Satan knows that music hath charms to soothe or stir the savage beast. That music has power to create atmosphere has been known before the beginning of Hollywood. Atmosphere creates environment, and environment influences behavior — the behavior of Babylon or of Enoch,’” Benson said, quoting an unnamed musician.

COURTESY LDS GOSPEL ART

An image of Emma Hale Smith, who was commissioned by revelation to gather hymns for the newly established Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

This does not mean that we should all be strumming our harps and singing hymns only. Benson acknowledged there is great music that is not a hymn.

President Thomas S. Monson loved Broadway musicals and attended many productions. Some of his favorite music was Broadway songs.

It is also important to members of the church to teach their children to enjoy the hymns and other good music.

COURTESY INTELLECTUAL RESERVE

A family in Ghana sings hymns in church.

Elder Jay E. Jensen of the Seventy recalls this story from his youth.

“My testimony and conversion to the restored gospel were strongly influenced by singing the hymns of Zion as a young boy. I grew up in the small town of Mapleton, Utah, and attended meetings in what is known today as the ‘old white church.’ My 95-year-old mother still lives in Mapleton. When I visit her, I drive past the ‘old white church,’ and a flood of sweet memories fills my mind. Among them is the converting power of the hymns we sang in priesthood, Sunday School and sacrament meetings.”

Jensen shared important lessons he learned about making worship more meaningful through hymns.

1. Strive to be more punctual to meetings, sit quietly and listen to the prelude music, and experi-

ence reverence and revelation.

2. Exit meetings more reverently, allowing the postlude music to extend the spirit of the meeting.

3. Sing the hymns. I see some who have access to hymnals but do not sing.

4. Choose hymns appropriate to the meeting and messages.

5. Use hymns to introduce or to emphasize scriptures and gospel truths in lessons and classes.

6. Listen to the hymns more frequently in our homes, inviting the Spirit to prevail.

“Teach your children to love the hymns. Sing them on the Sabbath, in (family) home evening, during scripture study, at prayer time. Sing as you work, as you play and as you travel together. Sing hymns as lullabies to build faith and testimony in your young ones,” Jensen counseled.

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Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square are ambassadors of music

BY GENELLE PUGMIRE

dubbed “America’s Choir.” The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square is a musical They have gold and platinum records, force to be reckoned with. have been awarded Grammys, an Emmy To be in the choir can be arduous. and a Peabody award. They have toured Wishful members go through strenuous throughout the world and have been music theory testing, harmonizing skill Daily Herald

tests and a training choir before they are selected to join the 300-plus voice Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.

Choir members must be members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, be worthy to hold a temple

recommend and are called as missionaries for the church. They may serve for 20 years or until they are 60 years old, whichever comes first.

Please see CHOIR, Page G20

ISAAC HALE, DAILY HERALD FILE PHOTO

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square performs during the morning session of the 188th semiannual general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held Oct. 6, 2018, at the church’s Conference Center in Salt Lake City.

G18 General Conference Guide – Spring 2023

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PHOTOS COURTESY INTELLECTUAL RESERVE

President Michael O. Leavitt, center, stands with his new counselors, L. Whitney Clayton and Gary B. Porter, on Aug. 26, 2021.

Choir From G18

In all, there have been 15 directors for the choir and numerous organists. In more recent times, the directors have included: • Richard P. Condie (1957-’74).

• Jay E. Welch (1974) founded the Mormon Youth Symphony and Orchestra. He directed the choir for six months.

• Jerold Ottley (1974-’99).

• Craig Jessop (1999-2008).

G20 General Conference Guide – Spring 2023

a small choir was organized to provide music for the dedication services.

“The choir of singers were seated in the four corners of the room, in seats prepared for that purpose. ... An excellent choir of singers, led by M. C. Davis, (sang),” according to the “History of the Church” volume II. A choir performed at a special conference on Aug. 22, 1847, just one month after the Saints entered the Salt Lake Valley. A choir was also organized and sang The history for the conference in the first bowery under the direcThe history of the choir stems from the 1836 tion of John Parry. This choir became the Salt Lake dedication of the Kirtland Temple in Ohio. That is when Tabernacle Choir, Swinton said.

• Mack Wilberg (2008-present).

In 1999, the Orchestra at Temple Square was established as a companion ensemble to The Tabernacle Choir. The Orchestra offers an opportunity for instrumental musicians to also serve as goodwill musical ambassadors.

“To have your own orchestra created a new genre of music. You can see the added strength,” said Heidi Swinton, choir historian and biographer.

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Richard Elliott finishes with a flourish, playing at the Tabernacle Choir’s concert in the Milwaukee Theater. Elliott has been a full-time Tabernacle organist since 1991 and the principal organist for the choir since 2007.

They began singing for general conference Oct. 6, 1848.

“The importance of music in church meetings lead to the Salt Lake Valley Choir, the ‘Old’ Tabernacle choir, The Salt Lake Tabernacle choir and then the Mormon Tabernacle Choir,” Swinton said. On Oct. 5, 2018, the choir changed its name to The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.

Music has been an important part of the Restoration, according to Swinton.

The choir and its members have proclaimed the gospel through song since its inception.

The future Now, through modern technology and a new focus on a worldwide audience and participants, the Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square are moving in a new direction.

On Aug. 6, 2021, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints announced the call of Michael O. Leavitt as the eighth president of the choir, succeeding Ron Jarrett, who has served since August 2012. The First Presidency also announced a new structure for choir leadership.

Please see CHOIR, Page G22

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The Tabernacle Choir sings at President Donald Trump’s inauguration in 2017.

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broaden the reach of its music and influence. To that end, the Choir is clarifying From G21 its mission and instituting pilot programs to better reach all of God’s children.”

“I have grown up with the choir but In a meeting with the entire choir didn’t understand the depth of devomembership, President Russell M. tion of the choir,” Leavitt said. “I didn’t appreciate the unique language of music Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints addressed his outlook — it’s universal.” for the choir. He said, “The Church will “I was a musician growing up and continue to grow. It will fill the world. It came to understand more thoroughly the sacredness of music and its peace,” will continue to bless more and more nations, tongues and people. The Lord he added.

In November 2022, the choir put out is hastening his work in the promised global gathering of Israel. You can be the following statement: sure that the Tabernacle Choir, Orches“The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square is making significant changes to tra and Bells at Temple Square will be a

pivotal part of that era.”

The expanded mission statement now reads, “The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square performs music that inspires people throughout the world to draw closer to the divine and feel God’s love for His children.”

The new choir presidency further outlined three pilot projects aimed at fulfilling this more global approach. They include expanding access to “Music & the Spoken Word” throughout the world, increasing the mission impact of choir travel throughout the world and reflecting the worldwide membership of the church in choir performances.

The Tabernacle Choir prepares to sing at President Lyndon B. Johnson’s inauguration in 1965.

Please see CHOIR, Page G24

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COURTESY INTELLECTUAL RESERVE

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As for the music, well that could be changing a bit too. “Sacred music is differFrom G23 ent in different parts of the world,” Leavitt noted. “We are looking at a younger, more “Count on us doing four main things,” Leavitt said. Those include cultivating a choir diverse group.”

To better reflect the global membership that highlights a worldwide nature; helping of the worldwide church, plans are being the church be more visible; increasing the made for qualified Latter-day Saint singers choir’s social media presence; and go on from Mexico, Central America, South Amermore frequent, but shorter tours. ica, West Africa, the Philippines and Asia to “We used to spend a lot of travel time,” audition for opportunities to sing with the Leavitt said. “Now we will work out of one choir during the April general conference. location and use social media. The tours Leavitt explained that this is a pilot aimed will resemble more like (church) Christmas at building a deeper sense of kinship and concerts.” attachment with the church and the choir For instance, when the choir tours to among members and non-members of the Mexico, it will be for two to four days and church in these countries. they will stay in one location but broadcast “It is possible this will be a onetime via social media platforms, in Spanish, to event. Or perhaps it will be something we areas throughout Mexico. will do periodically. The most likely outcome, Not only will tours change, but the however, is that through this pilot project we weekly “Music & the Spoken Word” will be will gradually see new options and possibilireaching out to a more global listenership. ties that will help the choir better represent The first will be in Spanish and Portuguese. the worldwide church,” Leavitt said.

“These are pilot episodes that will be out Leavitt said the choir will move forward in the second quarter of the year,” Leavitt in faith, one step at a time, as it takes steps said. “This will be a collaborative process to “inspire people throughout the world to and we’ll be doing a thing we haven’t done draw closer to the divine and feel God’s love before. We want content in their language for His children.” and culture.”

“The choir is an important symbol of the “The internet carries a message that is church. The choir is a beautiful musical inmore targeted,” he added. “As we get better, strument. I am deeply privileged to be called we will work to expand languages.” to this position,” he said.

Looking for that perfect gift?

Perfect for Birthdays, Holiday’s or Special Occasions.

Utah’s Temple Trail will take you on a journey through all of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints temples located in Utah.

Full of stories and unique photos from every temple, current and under construction.

Salt Lake Valley Temples Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple 11022 S. 4000 West, South Jordan Total floor area: 60,000 square feet Site: 11 acres Ordinance rooms: Four instruction rooms (two-stage progressive), seven sealing rooms, one baptistry Announced: Oct. 1, 2005 Groundbreaking: Dec. 16, 2006 Time to completion: About 2.5 years Dedicated: Aug. 21–23, 2009, by Thomas S. Monson 130th dedicated temple in operation 13th dedicated temple in Utah Distance from Jordan River Utah Temple to Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple: 4.8 miles (13-minute drive) The opening of the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple marked the first time one city became home to two temples.

South Jordan’s first temple, the Jordan River Utah Temple, opened nearly 28 years previously in November of 1981.

This temple was originally called the South Jordan Utah Temple, but its official name was announced as the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple during its groundbreaking ceremony. The change was made to avoid any confusion with the existing Jordan River Utah Temple.

The name comes from the Oquirrh Mountain range, which extends about 30 miles along the west side of the Salt Lake Valley and serves as a backdrop for this temple. The word “oquirrh” is a Goshute word meaning “wooded mountain.”

Lightning struck the temple’s Angel Moroni statue on June 13, 2009, during a rain storm. The strike blackened the statue in several places. The damage occurred during the temple’s open house and just two months before its dedication.

A replacement statue was installed on Aug. 11, 2009, 10 days before its dedication.

Photo by Chad Fournier

Nine dedicatory sessions were held for the temple from Friday, Aug. 21, to Sunday, Aug. 23. 2006. Aug. 21 was President Thomas S. Monson’s 82nd birthday, and attendees sang “Happy Birthday” to him following a brief cornerstone ceremony outside the temple. Church services were canceled for the first time in Utah’s history on Aug. 23, 2006, to allow members to attend the temple’s dedication.

The temple is set on a bluff on the west side of the Salt Lake Valley, making it visible from all around the valley.

It sits on the edge of the Daybreak, a large master-planned community. It is also about a 15-minute drive from Rio Tinto Kennecott Bingham Canyon Mine, one of the largest man-made open-pit excavations in the world. In-person tours are offered; check hours at riotintokennecott. com/visit/.

Photo by Chad Fournier

Photo by Chad Fournier

Information: https://churchofjesuschristtemples.or g/oquirrh-mountain-utah-temple/ https://www.uen.org/utah_history_en cyclopedia/o/OQUIRRH_MOUNTAI NS.shtml

38 | Utah’s Temple Trail

Utah’s Temple Trail | 39

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Spring 2023 G25

Touring timeline of the Taber

BY GENELLE PUGMIRE

Daily Herald

Over the last 150 years, there are few symbols of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as iconic as the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, formerly The Mormon Tabernacle Choir. From humble beginnings, the choir has undergone numerous changes, played for presidents and traveled the globe.

Below are some of the significant dates in the choir’s history, courtesy of Heidi Swinton, choir biographer:

Touring: 1800s July 4, 1873: First public concert of Choir — outside of General Conference — in honor of Independence Day Sept. 28, 1880: The Choir (about 150 singers) takes its first trip away from Salt Lake City, to American Fork.

Aug. 29–Sept. 12, 1893: The Choir’s first major tour is to the Chicago World’s Fair and Eisteddfod contest.

Touring: 1901 - 1920 March 14-24, 1902: Toured California cit- Mormon Tabernacle Choir at St. Basil’s Cathedral in Red Square, Moscow, USSR in 1991. ies giving concerts in San Francisco, Sacramento, Berkley and Palo Alto as part of ganist Edward P. Kimball (1882-1937) and California for concerts at the Hollywood the San Francisco World’s Fair.

Ted Kimball (1910-1985) announced the Bowl in Los Angeles and the San Francisco program on KDYL, predecessor to today’s Opera Association. The choir also sponAug. 21–Sept. 1, 1909: Alaska-Yukon Pa- KSL radio. sored a concert at the San Francisco Civic Auditorium. cific Exposition Tour including stops in LeGrand, Oregon and Seattle, Washington. Sept. 8-19, 1934: Chicago and the Century of Progress — 14 one-hour concerts. Henry April 4-6, 1943: The choir sang at the 50th Oct. 23–Nov. 26, 1911: Embarked on a 5,500- Ford invited the choir to present a series Anniversary Celebration of the Dedication mile tour, performed 50 concerts between of concerts for one week at the Century of of the Salt Lake Temple. The music was the Utah and New York City. They also sang Progress Exposition in Chicago. same as at the dedication. in the East Room of the White House for President William Howard Taft and at the July 18-28, 1935: Choir gave 14 concerts at Aug. 19–Sept. 17, 1955: The choir, with dedication of the Oliver Cowdery monu- the California-Pacific International Expo- 361 voices, tours Europe starting in ment, “Praise to the Man” while on tour. sition at San Diego in the Ford Bowl, now Glasgow, Scotland and traveling through called “Starlight Bowl, at the invitation of Wales, England, The Netherlands, Denthe Ford Motor Co. Touring: 1921 -1940 mark and Germany. Sang at Sporthalle Schoenberg for German saints who could July 15, 1929: First broadcast of what Touring: 1941 to 1960 cross the border and for the refugees became “Music and the Spoken Word.” from the Russian zone. The evening conDirector Anthony Lund (1871-1935), or- Aug. 17, 1941: Choir travels to southern cert was shared in countries behind the G26 General Conference Guide – Spring 2023

COURTESY LDS CHURCH ARCHIVES

Iron Curtain by Radio Free Europe and broadcast over RIAS (Radio in the American Sector) to eastern Germany. While in Bern, Switzerland, they participated in the dedication of the Swiss Temple.

The tour ended at the Palais De Chaillot in Paris, France. The choir gave fourteen concerts in twelve major cities. This was the first trip by the choir outside of the United States.

1958: Grand Eastern American Tour including Kansas, Missouri, Ohio, Washington D.C., Maryland, New York at Carnegie Hall, Constitution Hall in Philadelphia, Boston, Toronto and Illinois.

Nov. 26-29, 1959: A portion of the Choir were at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles when the Tabernacle Choir won a Grammy

nacle Choir at Temple Square for the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

Touring: 1961-1980 Aug. 12-19, 1962: Pacific Northwest tour performing in Portland, Oregon; Vancouver, British Columbia; World’s Fair Arena in Seattle and throughout Washington.

May 23-26, 1963: Concerts in East Bay Interstate Center in Oakland, California.

Cornerstone laying ceremony for the Oakland Temple and the Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles.

July 20–Aug. 1, 1964: New York World’s Fair Tour playing 13 concerts in 12 days, appearing before 70,000 people across 5,400 miles. They visit Houston, New Orleans, the White House, New York (Carnegie Hall), Cleveland, Milwaukee and Minneapolis.

Aug. 21–30, 1967: Expo ’67 Tabernacle Centennial Tour in Nebraska, Montreal, Rhode Island, New York, Michigan and Oklahoma.

COURTESY INTELLECTUAL RESERVE

Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square sing in Toronto concert in 2011.

Jan. 18-20, 1969: Inauguration program of Richard Nixon, Washington, D.C.; preinaugural concert at the Capitol.

Dec. 16, 1970: Choir sang for National Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C. Jan 21, 1973: Choir sang at White House devotional services as part of President Richard Nixon’s inauguration, East Room of the White House.

August 1973: Oberammergau concert on stage of the Passion Playhouse; concert in the Louvre Court in Paris, France; concert at Royal Albert Hall in London, England.

Recording session with Royal Philharmonic in Kingsway Hall.

July 18-19, 1974: Expo ’74 in Spokane, Washington Please see TIMELINE, Page G28

“Sesame Street” character Big Bird gets a lesson on how to be a conductor from Tabernacle Choir conductor Mack Wilberg during the choir’s annual “Christmas Concert” at the LDS Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Dec. 14, 2017.

IAN MAULE, DAILY HERALD FILE PHOTO

Spring 2023 G27

Timeline

Jerusalem Center.

From G27

July 29-30, 1996: San Francisco, Davies Symphony Hall as part of “Festival of History Week.” “Sesquicentennial of the arrival of the Ship Brooklyn bringing Saints to San Francisco.”

Sept. 13, 1974: Washington, D.C. for temple open house and dedication. President Gerald Ford (1913-2006) attended a concert at the Kennedy Center where the choir performed.

April 5, 1997: 150th Anniversary of the June 28, 1976: Eastern States Bicenten- arrival of the pioneers into the Salt Lake nial Tour ending with the dedication of Valley. Toured Utah. the Visitors Center at the Washington Temple.

Touring: 2001 - Present July 4, 1976: Choir participates in the U.S. Jan. 18-21, 2001: Inauguration of PresiBicentennial tours in Utah, Philadelphia, dent George W. Bush.

Boston, New York and Washington, D.C. June 15–24, 2001: Southern States Tour — Sept 8–13, 1979: The choir gives 13 con- Eight concerts in five state covering about certs in Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka 2,025 miles. and Kyoto, Japan, and then Seoul, South Korea.

June 26-30, 2002: Choir sings at the dedication of the newly rebuilt Nauvoo Touring: 1981 - 2000 Temple.

COURTESY INTELLECTUAL RESERVE

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, in 1955.

Jan. 20, 1981: Inauguration of Presi- June 19, 2003: Utah Gov. Michael G. dent Ronald Reagan who calls the group Leavitt proclaims it “Mormon Taberna“America’s Choir.” cle Choir” Day for 75 years of broadcasting, and in preparation for Northeastern June 5–22, 1982: Choir toured England, United States and Canada Tour.

Scandinavia and Europe.

June 17 – July 3, 2005: Pacific Northwest June 22 –July 1, 1984: Toronto and Ot- Tour — Performed nine concerts in five tawa, Canada, and Detroit, Chicago, Kan- states. sas City, and the Red Rocks in Colorado.

June 21-July 3, 2007: Canada-Midwest Aug. 15-28, 1985: Choir tours Japan.

Tour – Performed nine concerts in five states.

June 14–July 6, 1988: Expo ’88 Pacific Tour in Hawaii, New Zealand and Aus- June 20-27, 2011: Centennial tour of Cantralia ada and Eastern United States celebrating 100 years of multi-city tours.

Jan. 18–22, 1988: Inauguration of President George H. W. Bush June 12–20, 2013: Choir tours the midwestern United States.

June 8–29, 1991: Choir tours Eastern Europe including Germany, France, Switzer- June 24–July 7, 2015: Choir tours the eastland, Austria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, ern United States.

Poland and Russia.

June 27–July 16, 2016: Choir Tours Western July 19–Aug. 1, 1992: Summer tour com- Europe, Brussels, Berlin, Frankfurt, Nuremmemorating Columbus’ 500th Anniversary berg, Rotterdam, Vienna, and Zurich. from Richmond, Virginia, ends at the RLDS (Community of Christ) Auditorium Con- Jan. 20, 2017: Inauguration of President ference Center, in Independence, Missouri Donald Trump.

Dec. 26, 1992–Jan. 6, 1993: Tours Israel June 18–July 3, 2018: West Coast Choir and performs with the Jerusalem Sym- Tour in California, Washington and Vanphony Orchestra. Concert at the BYU couver, Canada.

G28 General Conference Guide – Spring 2023

Experiencing celestial joy through music Brandon Stewart, founder, CEO, composer-in-residence and musical director Daily Herald Music has been known throughout the of Millennial Choirs and Orchestras. “It feeds the spirit, unites the human family, world as a means for expression and uniPHOTOS COURTESY STEVE PORTER and elevates us to heaven.” fication. “It is not happenstance that we Brett and Brandon Stewart, who both have the title of founder, CEO, composer-in-residence, call music the ‘universal language,’” said Please see CELESTIAL, Page G30 and musical director for Millennial Choirs & Orchestras, lead a performance.

BY SARAH HUNT

Millennial Choirs & Orchestras performing at The Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland.

Spring 2023 G29

Celestial From G29

Brandon and his brother, Brett Stewart, created the organization as a way to encourage volunteer singers and musicians to cultivate their skills in sacred music to the highest level possible. Auditions are held only for adults. People age 18 and under can join without previous training.

“My old college voice professor used to say to me, ‘Singing is not just for the chosen.’ The longer I do this, the more I am convinced this is true,” Brandon said. “With great inspiration, teaching, devotion and guidance, anyone can learn to create music.”

For many, connection to deity and feeling joy are one inseparable thing. Brandon says he sees this kind of joy every week from choir members during practices and performances.

The younger members, starting at age 4, can sometimes be seen mimicking the conducting, shaking with excitement and passionately singing sacred songs with all their might — all while grinning from ear to ear.

“I’ve had multiple people approach me following a concert and say, ‘That is the closest thing to heaven I’ve ever felt,’” Brandon said. “The burdens and darkness of the world melt away.

Light, joy, hope and truth take over. That is the power of good, relatable, wholesome spiritual music.”

Brandon and Brett grew up in southern California in a home that was consistently filled with sacred and uplifting music. They were inspired to gain an education in music when their older sister began singing in choirs and learning how to play the piano.

COURTESY STEVE PORTER

Brandon Stewart, founder, CEO, composer-in-residence and musical director of Millennial Choirs & Orchestras conducts a performance.

Brett earned his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University in piano performance, his masters from California State University, Long Beach in choral conducting and doctorates from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music in choral conducting with cognate studies in composition.

Brandon received his undergraduate degree from BYU, double majoring in vocal and piano performance, and his graduate degree from the Juilliard School.

While studying to become a college music professor, Brett had a dream where the duo’s

G30 General Conference Guide – Spring 2023

high school choral mentor, Ted Reid, assured him that he already knew his path in life.

The making of the Orange County (now California) chapter of MCO unfolded before Brett and he awoke with a mission to bring the choir to life. He called Brandon to ask if he would be a co-founder, and just like that, the Millennial Choir and Orchestras was born.

Neither brother expected the program to grow into what it is today — seven locales across five states, with a new eighth location being determined through an Instagram contest.

Melissa Tyler, who has been

with MCO since 2012 as a singer and managing director, grew up singing with her family and in school, but put vocal performance on pause after getting married.

She began singing in their Grand Chorus as an alto section one member, which stretched her abilities as an accustomed soprano. For her, music brings more than just joy.

“It also renews my spirit when I sing in the Grand Chorus. It fills my well with love, grace, compassion, and spiritual insight like nothing else can, (because music) is the language of the gods,” Tyler said. “It calms

me, consoles me, revives me, and helps me commune with my Savior.”

Debra Bonner, a vocal performer that is well-known in the Church and sings with her husband Harry and eight children as The Bonner Family, seconded this sentiment.

“We have testimonials from people who say they have felt the Spirit like they hadn’t felt it before,” Debra Bonner told LDS Living. “Gospel music is powerful. And that’s because it speaks of the Savior. It speaks of His love for us and His atoning sacrifice, that we love Him, that we praise Him — that He lifts us.”

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