Music

For nearly two weeks, June 21 through July 3, 2007, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square once more went “on the road” for a spectacular concert tour.

Beginning in Toronto, Canada – where a pair of concerts were performed – the travelers made stops in Chautauqua, New York (two concerts); Cleveland, Ohio; Chicago, Illinois; Cincinnati, Ohio (where the Choir performed with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra); Nashville, Tennessee; and, finally, our first performance ever in Memphis, Tennessee.

As noted above, in Cincinnati the Orchestra at Temple Square had a night off while the Choir performed with the Cincinnati Pops. Although it was wonderful to perform with a professional orchestra, the experience did generate some mixed feelings.

A member of the Orchestra who attended the concert was overheard to say, “It was like watching another guy kiss your girlfriend – and he’s better looking than you are!” Better looking or not, nothing beats our beloved Orchestra at Temple Square and we were very glad to be reunited with them at the next concert in Nashville!

“Filling the World with Love.” Choir members sang with heart and soul, spreading love and joy wherever they went.

Given that the purpose of a tour is to generate goodwill for, and interest in, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, each time we venture from Salt Lake City a missionary theme is selected. The theme this year was “Fill the World with Love” – the title of a song from Goodbye Mr. Chips. This song is on our latest CD, “Showtime! Music of Broadway and Hollywood“. It was a perfect selection, for its intent played out fully in practice as the singers and instrumentalists witnessed happy faces, thunderous applause, and cheers from every audience.

All of the concert reviews were generous; what few criticisms there were seemed minor.

The Orchestra at Temple Square onstage in Toronto. The Choir and Orchestra have become inseparable. Though it was an honor to perform with the Cincinnati Pops, we were glad to be back with our “soul mates” in Nashville.

From the Toronto Star :

“It’s certainly impressive to hear [the Choir] at full throttle singing “Praise to the Lord,” which opened the evening, or “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” which ended it. What’s even more astonishing, however, is to hear 360 voices singing pianissimo. That’s a haunting sound that no one who hears it will readily forget.”

From The Cleveland Plain Dealer :

“Hearing the choir from Salt Lake City in person is something of a startling experience. The volunteer members sing with remarkable unity, tonal solidity and careful voicing. When they let their larynxes out at full cry, the results come at you with the force of a friendly hurricane. But the singers also take delight in dulcet textures. ”

The Choir and Orchestra perform in Cleveland, Ohio.

From the Chicago Sun-Times :

“A sonic wave washed over the Ravinia Festival Wednesday night, and it had nothing to do with the torrential downpours of the last few days.”

“. The Nigerian carol “Betelehemu” exploded with drums and crashing cymbals as choir members swayed back and forth to the beat. The tone came very close to the round, rich blended sound of African choirs, and the dynamic performance included rhythmic clapping and even calling out as if the song had arisen spontaneously from a crowd.”

“Particularly moving was the “Call of the Champions,” written by Oscar-winning composer John Williams for the choir to sing at the 2002 Winter Olympics. The Latin words “Citius, Altius, Fortius,” which mean “faster, higher, strong,” could well be applied to the choir itself, as it sent out a blast of harmony into the summer night. ”

From the Cincinnati Enquirer :

“The Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s sound is known to millions for its television specials, recordings and weekly radio broadcasts. But nothing prepares you for the pinpoint precision and expressive power of the choir heard live, as thousands of fans experienced Friday night at Riverbend Music Center.”

“Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops made history as they performed their first concert with the famed choir, which is touring the Midwest. The spectacle alone was impressive: 300 singers, all members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the choir swells to 360 at home in Salt Lake City), with the ladies dressed in red gowns and pearls, spanning Riverbend’s stage.”

Outdoor amphitheaters and lawns were filled with thousands of enthusiastic listeners. Five of the nine concerts were held at outdoor venues.

It was indeed wonderful to feel such a great sense of appreciation from Eric Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops. After the morning rehearsal, Kunzel joked that we should all go out and purchase a home so that we could become a permanent fixture in Cincinnati.

Another highlight was Cleveland, with a visit to nearby Kirtland and an opportunity to sing in the Kirtland Temple. But you can read more on that elsewhere. Allow me to explain: for our past three tours I have written first person accounts of each concert for Meridian’s readers. This time, however, I felt that I needed a break. To write an article on each city has meant late nights and constant typing – be it on bus rides or backstage.

The stop in Kirtland was eagerly anticipated by missionaries and visitors to Kirtland, Here, members of the Choir sing for residents and visitors.

Since this was to be my second to last tour, I wanted to enjoy a more leisurely pace. I did write a piece about Cleveland, but for all of the other cities, writing duties were taken up by other members of the Choir and the accounts posted on the Choir’s website.

All of the articles are delightful and I wanted to make sure Meridian’s readers have an opportunity to read these “Voices from the Choir.” Below are links to each article on the Choir and Orchestra’s website. Just click on each writer’s name and experience the tour through their eyes!

Carol Salmon of the second alto section, who is a native of Canada, was the perfect person to write the article on Toronto.

Andrew Schow of the second basses wrote about Chautauqua.

I (Robb Cundick) represented the second tenors in writing about Cleveland.

Bonita Cross of the first alto section stepped up to the plate for Chicago.

Beth Breinholt, also of the first altos covered Cincinnati.

Dick Beeson, husband of Gaye Beeson of the second alto section provided a Choir spouse’s perspective on Nashville.