RELIGION

Man behind Tabernacle Choir for 22 years retires

Jun 23, 2022, 8:21 PM | Updated: 8:29 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — One of the great legends of The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square is retiring.

For 22 years, Barry Anderson handled the logistics of moving 700 people on tours throughout the world, among other feats. It was a job that required an extremely organized brain, a great sense of humor, and a lot of faith.

“You have all your contingencies and backup… and the protection of the Lord over his choir,” Anderson said, who also credits his wife for supporting him during long nights of planning and long trips. “I’ve said many times, I have the perfect wife for what I have done over the last 20 years.”

Music director Mack Wilberg said he never worried about the logistics because he knew Anderson had taken care of even the smallest detail.

“What I’ve always appreciated about Barry is he’s always said the music comes first and then everything will fall in place after that.”

“To see the performance, the people in the audience crying and all those kinds of things, and really feeling the message of the music, that was the best part of my job,” Anderson said.

When planning tours, Anderson said he doesn’t start at the beginning.

“I see everybody arriving home safely and then I work backwards. It’s kind of a weird way I’m wired. I think of all of the places we’re going, and the itinerary is cemented in my head.”

Anderson organized tours for The Tabernacle Choir in some of the world’s finest concert halls and most famous venues in more than 30 countries, rain or shine.

The Tabernacle Choir in Nuremberg, Germany. (The Tabernacle Choir) The Tabernacle Choir in Frankfurt, Germany. (The Tabernacle Choir) The Tabernacle Choir in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. (The Tabernacle Choir) The Tabernacle Choir in front of the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. (The Tabernacle Choir)

“I used to tell people when we would be presenting the choir, they say, ‘What about the weather?’ I don’t worry about the weather. We’ve never been rained out.”

However, one concert required the use of a helicopter to dry the grass after a downpour in Cincinnati.

“It was 20 feet off the ground and it was drying the grass, because at that venue, you sat outside,” Anderson recalled.

Blistering heat, flat tires, and sparse hotel rooms were also no match for Anderson.

“We literally went from hotel to hotel to hotel to grab every room that was available.”

On top of his tour duties, Anderson also handled human resources and managed The Orchestra at Temple Square.

“Barry is one of several behind-the-scenes people who have been the secret to the success of the choir organization for many years. To say we are going to miss him is an understatement,” Wilberg said.

KSL 5 TV Live

Religion

Pope Francis...

Christopher Lamb, CNN

Pope Francis breaks annual Easter tradition

Pope Francis on Thursday has washed the feet of 12 women at a prison in Rome during a ceremony emphasizing humility.

1 hour ago

FILE: candles...

Eliza Pace

Calvary Salt Lake to host non-denominational Easter service at Abravanel Hall

Calvary Salt Lake announced a Resurrection Service would be held at Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City on Sunday for Easter. 

2 days ago

The Kirtland Temple, was dedicated by Joseph Smith in 1836. It reopened for tours on Monday, March ...

Daniel Woodruff

‘Definitely memorable’: Utahns travel to Kirtland for temple reopening

The nearly 200-year-old Kirtland Temple welcomed visitors Monday from Utah and beyond, as the building is now under new ownership.

3 days ago

pulpit in white in a white room...

Daniel Woodruff

Kirtland Temple reopens for public tours after Church acquires property

Monday was the first day of tours at the Kirtland Temple after The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints acquired the Ohio property earlier this month.

3 days ago

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints opened a new exhibit in the Church History Museum o...

Karah Brackin

New exhibit of Missouri artifacts opens in Church History Museum

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints opened a new exhibit in the Church History Museum Monday, which will be open to the public until Oct. 26.

3 days ago

Attendees listen to the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square during the193rd Semiannual General Confer...

Becky Bruce

Music and the Spoken Word has a new voice

The world’s longest-running radio broadcast is getting a new voice.

5 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Man behind Tabernacle Choir for 22 years retires