Tabernacle Choir Cancels 2020 Christmas Concert
Aug 21, 2020, 9:42 AM
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square announced it is canceling its 2020 Christmas Concert and auditions amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The choir made the announcement Friday.
The cancelation is consistent with an earlier direction from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to postpone large gatherings in areas that have been affected by COVID-19.
The Orchestra at Temple Square’s fall concert and the Bells at Temple Square in November have also been canceled. In addition, the remainder of the choir’s 2020 audition cycle will be postponed until next year.
“This is disappointing for all of us, but we have found a silver lining in these unique times by discovering innovative ways to share our vast repository of music with more people globally than ever before through the blessing of modern technology,” Choir President Ron Jarrett said in a statement. “As such, we are exploring ways to continue the Choir’s annual traditions of TV specials and recordings next year even in the absence of a live Christmas concert in 2020.”
Choir Music Director Mack Wilberg said it’s more important now than ever for “experiences that elevate, uplift and bring people closer to the divine.”
“For over 150 years, both in good times and in bad, The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square has endeavored to bring joy, peace and healing to its listeners through music,” he said. “Together with the Orchestra and the Bells, and through the use of our archives and technology, we have been and will continue to be active in providing that musical uplift through this pandemic and beyond.”
The weekly “Music & the Spoke Word” will continue to be broadcast on radio, TV and the internet, and organists will continue to livestream the new series of concerts, “Piping Up! Organ Concerts at Temple Square.“