The Tabernacle Choir
General Conference Research Guide
When was The Tabernacle Choir formed?
A choir was organized to sing at a special conference in the bowery on the temple block on Sunday, August 22, 1847, shortly after the Saints arrived in the Salt Lake Valley. This is considered the official date the Choir was formed, although some believe that the origin of the Choir goes back as far as March 27, 1836, during the dedicatory service of the Kirtland Temple. By 1869 the Choir became known as the Salt Lake Tabernacle Choir. By July 15, 1929, the Choir was known as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. In October 2018 its name was changed to The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.
When did The Tabernacle Choir first perform “Battle Hymn of the Republic” (“Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory of the Coming of the Lord”) in general conference?
On Sunday, April 6, 1958, the Choir performed “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory of the Coming of the Lord” (or “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” Hymns, no. 60) in the morning session of general conference.
Have there been any special musical performances in general conference?
In addition to The Tabernacle Choir, guest choirs from local stakes and Relief Societies and from Church universities routinely provide music for conference sessions. Occasionally members of The Tabernacle Choir have sung solo parts or songs in small ensembles during conference, and the Choir has been accompanied by instrumentals provided by members of the Orchestra at Temple Square. During the priesthood session in April 1961, President David O. McKay introduced Dennis Clancy from Scotland, who sang a solo of “I Know That My Redeemer Lives.”1 In April 2004, on invitation from President Gordon B. Hinckley, Liriel Domiciano sang “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” as a soloist with the Choir.2
[1] See Conference Report, Apr. 1961, 90.
[2] See Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Dawning of a Brighter Day,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2004, 81.