EVENTS & HOLIDAYS

Performers reflect on Tabernacle Choir’s collaboration with glee clubs ahead of final concert

Sep 10, 2024, 5:43 PM | Updated: 5:45 pm

ATLANTA, GAThe Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square is preparing for its final concert on tour in the southeastern United States.

The Utah-based choir will perform Wednesday evening at State Farm Arena in Atlanta – the final stop of its nearly weeklong swing through Florida and Georgia.

Leaders and singers alike said collaborating with several glee clubs from Morehouse College and Spelman College has added to the experience, creating a sense of unity and hope.

The groups performed together Monday night at the Martin Luther King, Jr. International Center.

“In that auditorium, there was a spirit of not just reconciliation, but of love,” said Michael Leavitt, Tabernacle Choir president, during a news conference Tuesday morning. “Everyone felt it.”

The choir will reunite with Morehouse and Spelman singers for one more concert before heading back to Salt Lake City.

Final preparations for big event

It was a busy hive of activity Tuesday morning at State Farm Arena, as workers moved quickly to transform the home of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks into a venue fit for the Tabernacle Choir.

“It’s amazing that we could fill up a center like this,” Sheila Sconiers, a Tabernacle Choir singer, said.

Standing next to Sconiers was someone she had just met on this trip – Nathaniel Cangé, a student at Morehouse College and member of the school’s glee club.

“I feel like this collaboration is definitely giving us more hope for a world of unity,” Cangé said.

That was on display the night before, as the groups performed together at Morehouse, bringing the audience to their feet multiple times.

Choir members on tour in Georgia note President Nelson’s role in Morehouse, Spelman collaboration

“There’s nothing like music…to unify and bring people together if it’s used in the right way,” said Mack Wilberg, Tabernacle Choir music director.

This collaboration with Morehouse and Spelman aims to do that. It’s part of a push from President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to do more outreach and bridge-building with the African American community.

Elder Ahmad Corbitt, a member of the faith’s Quorum of the Seventy, said it’s working. Beyond the concerts themselves, he said people are gathering at watch parties to listen to the music and be together.

“We’re seeing throughout the south this coming together of the family of God who are seeing each other more deeply as brothers and sisters,” Corbitt said.

A ‘bouquet of goodness’

Kevin Johnson’s personality is infectious.

The director of the Spelman Glee Club said it “never crossed my mind” to collaborate with the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. It started last year when Morehouse and Spelman students visited Utah and performed with the Tabernacle Choir on the broadcast ‘Music and the Spoken Word,’ and it has continued with their joint rehearsals and performances in Georgia.

Johnson said he doesn’t want it to end.

“It’s like a bouquet of goodness,” he said, laughing.

Johnson said while the choirs may be different, this unlikely partnership is creating unity that will last.

“When I’m around you guys and singing ‘What a Wonderful World,’” Johnson said, “I get emotional because I know I’m around good people.”

Before Wednesday evening’s concert, the Tabernacle Choir will also stop by the Georgia State Capitol to perform at a ceremony commemorating 9/11.

KSL 5 TV Live

Events & Holidays

Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley appear in Come See Me in the Good Light by Ryan White, an official s...

Kennedy Camarena

Sundance Film Festival announces winner of the Festival Favorite Award, festival dates for 2026

The Sundance Film Festival began celebrating its 40th anniversary on Jan. 23, wrapping up the 2025 festivities on Sunday and announcing the winner of the Festival Favorite Award.

11 days ago

PUNXSUTAWNEY, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 2: Groundhog handler AJ Dereume holds Punxsutawney Phil after...

Associated Press

Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, handlers say, predicting 6 more weeks of wintry weather

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow Sunday and predicted six more weeks of wintry weather, his top-hatted handlers announced to a raucus, record-sized crowd at Gobbler’s Knob in Pennsylvania.

11 days ago

Sundance Film Festival attendees and locals celebrated with 'Frame by Frame,' a fun event held on F...

Emma Benson

‘Frame by Frame’ event celebrates local artists as Sundance Film Festival wraps

After 10 days, the 2025 Sundance Film Festival is coming to a close.

11 days ago

FILE - The Egyptian Theatre is pictured on the eve of the 2017 Sundance Film Festival on Wednesday,...

Shelby Lofton

Mental health professionals help movie-goers at Sundance Film Festival

A group of professionals from the Huntsman Mental Health Institute are sitting inside Sundance Film Festival screenings, ready to help patrons unpack some of the heavier storylines.

16 days ago

Faye Lincoln said her mother and father survived the Auschwitz concentration camp, pictured Monday,...

Brian Carlson

Utah daughter of Holocaust survivor shares parents’ story of survival

A Jewish Utah woman, whose parents survived one of the worst concentration camps of the war, shared what it was like for them.

16 days ago

FILE - The marquee of the Egyptian Theatre appears during the Sundance Film Festival, Jan. 28, 2020...

Brian Carlson

2025 Sundance Film Festival begins, boosting Utah films and businesses

Hollywood made its return to Utah Thursday for the first day of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. It's expected to bring in thousands of people from all over the world, creating a big payoff for Utahns and businesses.

20 days ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

Performers reflect on Tabernacle Choir’s collaboration with glee clubs ahead of final concert