The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square has many national recognitions over the years, but now the choir is being recognized on a global scale.
England's Classical-Music.com, or BBC Music Magazine, listed the choir of 360 members in its "Best 10 Choirs in the World."
Director Mack Wilberg said that the choir's goal is to share music world wide, so this honor shows their success in reaching that milestone, Deseret News reported.
He said, "It's a completely unexpected and enormous honor to be names to this prestigious list. I say that for two reasons. The BBC Music Magazine and their accompanying website is one of the most highly regarded periodicals on classical music, certainly in the English-speaking world. So that, in and of itself, is significant. Then also the stellar reputation of the other nine choral ensembles that are listed, including some choirs I've been listening to for my entire life. Let's just say that we are in stellar company."
The director says that the honor speaks "highly of the abilities and talents of our singers, who are volunteers who perform 300-400 pieces a year with not a lot of rehearsal time."
BBC Music Magazine said, "Choirs come in all shapes and sizes, and at around 360-strong The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square is one of the largest. It is also one of the most famous. Formerly known at the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, it was founded in salt Lake City in 1847 and has become a cornerstone of U.S. choral tradition, performing at several U.S. presidential inaugurations including those of Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and Donald Trump."
Photo: Getty Images
Source: Deseret News