Mormon Tabernacle Choir

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is a large choir of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons). Since July 15, 1929, the choir has performed a weekly radio broadcast called "Music and the Spoken Word." It is the oldest continuous nationwide network broadcast in America. The show has also been televised since the early 1960s and is now broadcast worldwide through some 1,500 radio, television, and cable stations.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is made up of some 325 men and women. There are many husband-wife combinations and many families have participated in the choir for generations.

The choir was founded in August 1847, one month after the Mormon Pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley. The choir is completely self-funded, travelling and producing albums to support their organization. Choir members are not paid for their participation or performances.

The choir was awarded a Grammy for its rendition of The Battle Hymn of the Republic. Since its first recording in 1910, the choir has earned five gold records and one platinum record. The choir continues to produce albums today. For some live performances and albums, the choir joins up with large orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of London.

External Links

• Information on the Mormon Tabernacle Choir at Utah.com
• Music and the Spoken Word web site
• A fan site with news and information, including lists of recordings