Choir No. 1 Yet Again: Heavensong tops Billboard chart
Choir’s new album, Heavensong, reached No. 1 on
Billboard’s Classical Crossover chart this week.
The album is unlike anything the Choir has recorded before, and includes a choral arrangement of the
hit song, "The Prayer," by Grammy Award winner David Foster. "We particularly enjoyed working with
our friend, David Foster," said Choir Music Director Mack Wilberg. "We're very pleased to see the
music's popularity and hope that many more people will have the chance to enjoy this music."
Click here to read the press release from
Deseret Book.
Heavensong says it all!
Put away the New Year's resolutions and the myriads of plans for the next decade. The way to
begin
2010 is with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's newest release -- Heavensong: Music of
Contemplation
and Light. Recorded live in the Tabernacle in early September 2009 this new CD officially
went
on sale January 5, though some sneaked-a-peek for Christmas.
This is music that promises to calm the soul, speak to the heart and cushion the inevitable bumps
along the way in the months and years ahead. It may be just the antidote to weeks of frazzled
holidays
and cold winter months, not to mention the burdens of staring at a new decade. And this CD is
different
from many well-loved recordings of the Choir. Words like "soft," "soothing yet
engaging
," "sublime," "relaxing," "mellow" and "uplifting"
seem
just right to describe how this new CD sounds - and feels.
Heavensong is the just the right name.
These 15 selections include six Mack Wilberg compositions--two with original text by David
Warner--familiar
melodies from John Rutter and Johann Sebastian Bach, and a new choral arrangement of "The
Prayer"
written by award winning producer and pianist, David Foster in collaboration with Carole Bayer
Sager.
Foster spent a Saturday recording live with the Choir and Orchestra in the Tabernacle, a first for
him.
Of the Choir, he said recently, "It's always been a goal of mine to work with the Mormon
Tabernacle
Choir...They are truly one of the greatest choirs in the world."
Much of the new CD is familiar but titles may not be.
Click here
for
samples of each song.
The titles you'll find are: "The Shepherd;" "Sheep May Safely Graze;"
"Brother James's
Air;" "O Lord Most Holy;" "Be Thou My Vision;" "Pavane;" "O
Light of Life;"
"O Lord God;" "Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring;" "Meditation (from
Thais);"
"The Lord Is My Shepherd;" "I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes;" "The Prayer (from
Quest
for Camelot);" "Alleluia;" and "Benediction."
Choir opens “Boot Camp” for 78 singers
Nearly 400 hopeful singers submitted applications for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in the 2009 call
for new members. Of those who applied, 78 were accepted. The Choir had not auditioned in two
years
so the group applying and those accepted were both large numbers.
Now, these singers enter an intensive 16-week training period. On Tuesday each week they will sing
as members of the Temple Square Chorale which culminates with a concert in April. The Chorale will
also feature members of the Choir who joined in 2007. Ryan Murphy, associate director of the
Mormon
Tabernacle Choir will conduct the Chorale rehearsal sessions and performances. On Thursdays, they
will attend Choir Training School—sort of a graduate course in choral singing. Required attendance
is 100% of the Tuesdays and Thursdays for the 16 weeks.
Cherilyn Wirthin, who is in charge of the Choir Training School, explains it’s “boot camp” with an
intense schedule but short- lived. The purpose is to get people ready to sing in the Choir.
Essentially, the Training School and Chorale provide a “run-up” to full Choir participation and a
final check to insure the singers are a good match for the Choir. The goal is to introduce new
voices to the choir “in a homogenous way.”
“When we send new members up into the loft, we want them to know how to be good choir members,” she
explains. Everything from policies and procedures to music is covered in the three months of
training. As part of the two-evenings a week schedule, vocal coach Rebecca Wilberg will address
pedagogy, issues related to voice, and basic singing techniques and Tabernacle organists Bonnie
Goodliffe and Linda Margetts will cover what is expected in Thursday night practices and Sunday
performances from music theory to music notation. How to sing correctly in the ensembles is
emphasized as are expectations for participation in the ensemble.
“Once we send them up into the loft, we’re counting on them to apply what they’ve learned,” Wirthin
explains. “We hope that once they have had the Choir training, they will sing responsibly, blend,
listen, and read accurately, all in the spirit of becoming part of the team.”
More than 750 volunteers “WOW” the audience
How do you describe ‘The Wondrous Gift of Christmas’ concert presented last week by the Mormon
Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square which delighted the more than 84,000 people in the
LDS Conference Center in Salt Lake City?
Perhaps noted historian Pulitzer Prize winning guest artist David McCullough said it best. At the
conclusion of the Sunday mini-concert, he noted that John Adams toward the end of his life was
having a conversation with young Ralph Waldo Emerson who had been studying at Harvard. President
John Adams looked at the young scholar and said that he would to God that there was more ambition
in
the land. By that, said Adams, I mean ambition of the laudable kind -- the ambition to excel, not
to have more money or power or fame.
“Excel” the more than 750 performers and technicians did. The staging, the music, the energy in
the
Conference Center was, as Natalie Cole said, “Unforgettable.” And she would know.
Clearly this year’s audiences were not only on the edges of their seats, they were on their feet
applauding and cheering from the processional of 85 dancers early in the program to Richard
Elliott’s organ solo of built on the theme of “Good King Wenceslas” to the finale with the Choir
and
Orchestra, bell ringers, a combined children’s choir of 140 singers in what has become the
signature
closing of Choir Christmas concerts: “Angels, from the Realms of Glory.”
Soloist Natalie Cole thrilled the audience with her warmth, her admiration for the voices of her
360
“backup singers” and her presentation of the Biblical account of the birth of Jesus Christ. The
setting was a bit different for David McCullough who is more used to book signings of his fine
historical accounts than on an elaborate stage with enormous baubles suspended from the ceiling and
trees lit behind him. The Choir is “a noble attainment,” he said comparing it to the likes of the
Brooklyn Bridge – his written account of its construction is compelling – and the Marshall Plan. “I
include the Choir as one of the proudest achievements of our country,” he said. “It is an
expression
of the human spirit for all.”
It’s hard to identify a favorite concert in what has become a rich tradition of such spectacular
concerts. Every year has its own personality. Last year’s concert, Ring Christmas Bells,
featuring Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell and actor Edward K. Herrmann will be broadcast on PBS
across the nation in the next two weeks depending upon local scheduling. Click here to check local listings. The 2007
concert Rejoice and Be Merry with the King’s Singer’s was the number one Christmas program
on
PBS in 2008.
Two Exciting New Offerings from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Every year when the Mormon Tabernacle Choir celebrates
the Christmas season it does so in a spectacular fashion
-- on stage -- before a live audience of 20,000 each night
-- with the finest music and the most celebrated artists.
This dramatic music tradition is available now in the
three-CD Christmas Collection which includes The
Wonder of Christmas, Rejoice and Be Merry, and
Spirit of the Season. Newly released, the Collection
is a must for every holiday shopping list and for every home.
And it is a great deal at only $25 for the entire 3 CD
collection!
Another new offering is Magnum Opus: The Building of the
Schoenstein Organ at the Conference Center. This hardcover
book by John Longhurst, retired Senior Tabernacle Organist,
covers the concept, approval, design, and construction of
the magnificent organ seen by millions during General
Conferences of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Contains color pictures and an
audio CD with narrative by the organ builder and music
illustrations by the Tabernacle organists.
Click
here
for more information about Christmas Collection.
When world-famous, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli walked into the Tabernacle on Temple Square on
Saturday, September 12, it was his first visit to the historic structure and his first face-to-face
experience with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. A few weeks ago when the Choir recorded “The Lord’s
Prayer” for his upcoming Christmas album, so taken was Bocelli with the sound of the 360 voices
recorded in the renowned Tabernacle, he determined to film a portion of his upcoming PBS television
special from there as well.
He found what David Hurley of The King’s Singers, veterans of Tabernacle performances, described:
“The Tabernacle seems to have this wonderful sound that contributes to the lovely sound that the
Choir makes. It isn’t just the singers; it’s also the space within which they perform and the
history of the choral singing there over many, many years.”
David Foster, acclaimed Canadian musician, composer and conductor accompanied Bocelli on the
Tabernacle’s legendary pipe organ. Foster is a celebrity in his own right having produced 15 Grammy
Award-winning albums including three for producer of the year.
Bocelli, who has sold more than 60 million albums, began his career “singing for relatives.” He
learned to play the piano at age six and added flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, harp, guitar
and
drums to his repertoire. But it is his voice that distinguishes him. At age 12, a soccer accident
left his already weakened eyes blind. He initially turned to the law for his life’s work but
quickly
shifted to follow his passion – music.
Bocelli and the Choir have much in common in addition to the recording. Both have toured
extensively
around the world and regaled audiences with their incredible musical style. Both have sung for
presidents and world leaders and with such favorites as Bryn Terfel and Frederica von Stade. Both
easily cross over from classical to traditional folk songs to popular favorites. Just this spring
the Choir’s album Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing and Bocelli’s album Incanto were number one
and
two on Billboard magazine’s classical overall music chart. They also share the distinction of
singing at Winter Olympics in their respective countries. The Choir performed at the 2002 Winter
Games in Salt Lake City; Bocelli sang at the closing ceremonies of the 2006 Winter Olympics in
Torino.
Click here to read a blog entry about the event on the LDS Newsroom blog.
Click here to read a story about the event in the LDS Church News.
New! Ring Christmas Bells:
Live
in Concert DVD
Last year more than a quarter of a million people requested tickets for "Ring Christmas Bells," the
Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square’s Christmas extravaganza. No matter how
large
the hall – 20,000 seats times four performances – there wasn’t room enough for everyone. That’s why
a DVD of the "Live in Concert" performance is a "must have" to share with family and friends –
again
and again.
Featuring Broadway star and Tony-award winning Brian Stokes Mitchell and acclaimed actor and
narrator Edward K. Herrmann, this program follows the tradition of previous nationally televised
Choir Christmas concerts which featured such stars as Bryn Terfel, Sissel, Audra McDonald, Roma
Downey and Gladys Knight. Choir president Mac Christensen suggests the Ring Christmas Bells
DVD might be the best one yet.
Music Director Mack Wilberg’s vision of the Christmas concert 2008 was to fill the room with bells.
That translated into bells in the hands of 108 ringers, dancers with choreography mimicking the
ringing of bells, costumes with skirts that moved like bells and bells flying from the rafters.
When
Herrmann saw the size of the hall he marveled, “After 10,000 seats I guess you stop counting.” And
then there was the cast of 700 – more people than he had ever worked with before. "Wow" is not
overstating it, he said.
To plan the program, Wilberg went to New York where he and Mitchell sat down and sifted through
music possibilities. Out of their discussions came a charming and playful “The Friendly Beasts,”
the
stirring "Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring" and old-favorite "Sleigh Ride" with a new twist. Mitchell
said of his experience working with Wilberg, "All Christmas songs have something in common, they
are
written from the heart. That’s why a Christmas concert under the direction of Mack Wilberg carries
a
special spirit; he doesn't write from his pen or his mind, he writes from his heart."
Other selections in the program include a "Processional on 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,'" "New
Words," "Hallelujah" from Messiah and other favorites. Herrmann's thoughtful portrayal of
Longfellow's Christmas and the traditional Biblical reading of the birth of the Christ Child in St.
Luke add that extra touch.
The DVD also includes bonus features of conversations with guest artists and "The Making of a
Christmas Special" – a half-hour feature detailing what it takes to put this show on stage. The
Choir also has released a music CD of Ring Christmas Bells under its own label (click here for information about the CD).
Music and the Spoken Word Marks 80th Year!
Several celebrations marked the 80th anniversary of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's weekly
broadcast, Music and the Spoken Word. On Wednesday, July 15--the exact
day 80 years ago of the first broadcast--the Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square performed a
concert at the Dee Events Center in Ogden, Utah. Dubbed the "8th stop" of their
recently concluded Central States Tour, the concert was also a celebration of the 75th Anniversary
of the Ogden Rodeo Days.
On Friday, July 17, the annual Pioneer Day Commemoration Concert held in honor of the arrival of
the
Mormon pioneers in 1847 honored the pioneering broadcasting efforts of
the Music and the Spoken Word broadcast. The Choir and Orchestra performed music from
their recent tour program plus other songs interspersed with video and
narration about the Music and the Spoken Word broadcast over the years. The concert is
scheduled for several rebroadcasts on television and radio. Click here for the broadcast schedule.
Finally, on Sunday, July 19--the actual conclusion of the 80th year of broadcasting--a special
ceremony was held in the Conference Center following the landmark broadcast. Speakers included
Thomas S. Monson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Bruce T. Reese, CEO
of Bonneville International, distributor of the broadcast; Choir President Mac Christensen and
Music
Director Mack Wilberg. Former Music Directors Jerold Ottley and Craig Jessop, Associate Director
Donald Ripplinger, and former Tabernacle Organists Robert Cundick and John Longhurst were in
attendance. The anniversary concluded as it does each week with the Choir singing "God Be With You
Till We Meet Again."
2009 U. S. Central States Tour a Great Success
Click here for special
tour CD offers!
From June 18-29 the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square
were on the road. Stops included Cincinnati, Ohio; St. Louis, Missouri;
Des Moines, Iowa; Omaha, Nebraska; Kansas City, Missouri; Norman, Oklahoma;
and Denver, Colorado. Check the links below for articles about the tour
written by members of the Choir and Orchestra as well as coverage by the media.
"Take Home the Tour" Winners:
At each concert, new subscribers to the Choir's weekly newsletter were
entered into a drawing for a set of "Take Home the Tour" CD's. The
winners were:
Cincinnati: Deborah Boyd of Springfield, Ohio
St. Louis: Amy Parent of Savoy, Illinois
Des Moines: Renée Montgomery of Ames, Iowa
Omaha: Jim Jorgensen of Blair, Nebraska
Kansas City: Faye Ronk of Raymore, Missouri
Norman: Dennis Marshall of Stillwater, Oklahoma
Denver (Red Rocks): Mathew Jensen of Lakewood, Colorado
Concert and "On the Road" Reports from Members of the Choir and Orchestra:
Historical Roster:
Click here for a
comprehensive list of all who have served in the
Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple
Square.
Check this site often for information about all
the activities of the Choir,
the Chorale and the Orchestra. You'll find
details about performances, rehearsals,
recordings, auditions and tours and much more.
Sign up on our mailing
list to receive earliest notification of
distribution dates for concert tickets and
performance information.
Click here
to
go to the
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Performing Arts Family Internet Resources Site (an internal administrative
website for members of the Choir, Orchestra, and Bells on Temple Square only).
Heavensong says it all!
Choir opens “Boot Camp” for 78 singers
More than 750 volunteers “WOW” the audience
Andrea Bocelli Films with Choir!
Music and the Spoken Word Marks 80th Year!
2009 U. S. Central States Tour a Great Success
