FAMILY AND CHURCH HISTORY HEADQUARTERS MISSION: TEMPLE SQUARE MUSIC

Have you ever thought it might be fun to be part of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir?

Or to play the Tabernacle organ?

Or wondered what the Choir members and Orchestra see when they are performing?

12^th January was the first day I woke early enough to attend the Sunday recording session of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. On the way my friend and I were re-directed from the Conference Centre to the Tabernacle by a group of 4, and it eventuated that one of them was about to leave for a mission in Tasmania, Australia. We all thought it was pretty cool for him to run into a Tasmanian, and went on our way.

We enjoyed the performance very much, but at the end were surprised to hear that inspiration for the day’s program had come from the Speaker’s son, who was about to leave for a mission in Australia! I think there could have been as many as 2,000 people in that room, and couldn’t help wondering if it wasn’t more than a coincidence that on that special morning that young man and his family had ‘run into’ perhaps the only Tasmanian in the room. And I don’t think it was just a coincidence that I had woken early, and felt inspired to go to the Tabernacle Choir!

Journal, 21^st January: “Yesterday was a public holiday honouring Martin Luther King, as reflected in the Tabernacle Choir’s Sunday program, consisting of a wonderful message about tolerance and peace, and many Negro Spiritual songs, which I love. I’ve found if you arrive at 8.30 you can hear the full broadcast program in final rehearsal, then a break when special guests are introduced (and you’re s’posed to get all your coughing done!), and the final concert is broadcast at 9.30, so you can hear it all again. Its great. Don't know which Australian stations are among the 2,000 that carry the program, but I’ll be looking for them.”

2^nd March: “Flew out of bed late, and rushed off to Tabernacle Choir. Of the thousands of people there, I ‘happened’ to sit right beside Ian and Inga’s grand-daughter, who I’d never met. She ‘happened’ to be visiting with some of her university mates, and ‘happened’ to identify my accent when I spoke. Then I ‘happened’ to guess her family when she mentioned her grandparents’ Hobart suburb. I thought the whole occurrence to be just one more of what Gerald Lund would call ‘God’s signatures’, and counted it a singular blessing to be able to report the meeting to Inga, who had so recently been bereaved of a beloved sister.”

Apart from the wonderful music, I love the Tabernacle Choir for its power to somehow facilitate small miracles for the comfort and blessing of those who attend. How many times have I sat beside a visitor and felt with them a spiritual moment that has truly touched their hearts, and mine?

Did you know a reason that the Tabernacle building is so acoustically effective is because it’s roof is shaped like the roof of your mouth?

Music is a big part of the activity on Temple Square, with a rehearsal, concert or other performance occurring somewhere almost every day. Bust music is only one of its delights.

Each Sunday after the Choir’s performance, immediately outside the Tabernacle, the young Sister Missionaries offer tours to visitors, in a special presentation, each using their own native language. It is such a delight to see so many sincere and lovely young women who are so truly beautiful, inside and out.

There are many wonderful aspects to Temple Square. Interesting old buildings and carefully tended gardens, as well as the many and varied educational, dramatic and musical events. Many people who visit can feel a special peace and beauty beyond what is obvious to our normal senses.

As well as major events like the weekly broadcasts of ‘Music and the Spoken Word’, or the recent Easter rendition of ‘Handel’s Messiah’, there are many more modest productions. Perhaps tunes on a grand piano to accompany lunch, lectures on faith, or a recital on the Tabernacle organ. Perhaps the work of a woodwind school, or violin group in the Assembly Hall, or a concert from a university choir or visiting soloist. In my experience, all are wonderful, and although of outstanding quality, entirely free of charge.

In its full organization the Tabernacle Choir itself has three parts. ‘Orchestra at Temple Square’ which often accompanies the Choir, the singers themselves, and the newer and more rarely seen but delightful Bells on Temple Square in their charmingly gold-braided black coats.

I felt very privileged to attend this year’s performance of ‘Handel’s Messiah’. My seat was upstairs at the very back of the Tabernacle, on a very hot Good Friday evening, with a packed house. In the break I saw the unusual ventilation ports opened. Surprisingly for me, I remained alert through the entire performance, which I had never seen before. Having the printed libretto allowed me to better appreciate the singing, and to see the beauty and completeness of the sublime story; whose entire text consists of various Biblical quotations. I was pleased to hear the entire performance will soon be released on CD.

Another favourite for me was the Choir’s Mother’s Day program, including many beloved tunes, as well as a performance by The Bells. ‘Ring Out for Joy’ was a total delight of cascading sound; with the unforgettable final note consisting of a most resounding and surprising, complete silence.

And the following Sunday’s celebration of Veterans’ Day, was equally engaging, but all about drums. I have never heard such a varied and eloquent percussion, and I wished my two cadet ‘drummer’ nephews could hear the kind of performance they might one day hope to achieve!

Recently the Choir retired about 30 of its 360 volunteer members because they had either reached the age limit of 65, or the service limit of 20 years. It was fun to be present at their last performance, where their contribution was honoured by the personal attendance of President Monson, the prophet.

It was interesting to see that retiring members had asked their fellow choristers to sign their Hymn book; preferably on the page of their favourite hymn.

And finally, a few more highlights and trivial details from a recent rare opportunity to see behind the scenes of the Tabernacle Choir.

Have you ever wondered how many necklaces are in the wardrobe of each female member, or how it is that everyone is dressed exactly the same way, each time they sing?

Can you imagine how many copies of music are needed for every song, when all 360 members sing their part? How much storage space is needed for the music alone, with all the songs performed over all the years since 1929?