Last night the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (MTC) and its accompanying Orchestra at Temple Square gave a rousing concert in the Wells Fargo Arena of Des Moines, Iowa. The presentation was part of a tour of the Midwest. About three thousand were in the audience. The music, messages, themes, and spirit were all heavenly, and were such a contrast to the vicissitudes of ordinary life – at least for the Faux family.
The musical direction was provided by Dr. Mack Wilberg and the narrative was provided by Dr. Lloyd Newell. It would have been nice to hear the voice of Wilberg, but he never spoke a word. Even so, his wand was magical.
Our family bought "cheap" seats in advance, but at the door our seating was upgraded closer to the stage. Thank goodness for this "grace," which I hope also symbolizes what will take place in the eternities. (I need all the upgrades I can get).
Upon taking our seats my 15-year old son went into argument mode contending only a small fraction of the Choir had come to Des Moines. But, I counted well over 300 choir members, and the official program stated that the choir consisted of "360 talented, dedicated singers and members of the Orchestra." It was a nearly complete contingent.
The Choir in its full spirit of religious embrace sang the music of Catholics, Protestants, and African-American spirituals. There were hymns of praise, music from the masters, folk hymns, and uplifting music from the American theater. Some specific songs were: "Gloria in Excelsis" from Mozart's Mass in C Minor, "Cum Sancto Spiritu" by Rossini, "Amazing Grace," and "Saints Bound for Heaven."
My favorite performance of the night was "Betelehemu," listed as a Nigerian carol. This was sung with great spirit and animation. A more sedate version is on YouTube posted below:
The Latter-day Saints embrace culture, diversity, and tradition. "Betelehemu" symbolizes that embrace. In fact, I wish the MTC would sing more such songs, and do so with the same kind of vigor given to this song.
Alex Boyé did a superb job handling solos on "I want Jesus to Walk with Me" and "Rock-a-My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham." The LDS community needs more of his kind of talent both on and off the stage (click link associated with his name).
The formal program ended with MTC classics. Lloyd Newell gave some background for "Come, Come Ye Saints," recognizing that 19th century Mormon pioneers sang this song while crossing Iowa. He failed to inform the audience, however, that the song was actually COMPOSED here in Iowa. Just prior to singing the "Battle Hymn of the Republic," Newell asked all active soldiers and vets to stand and be recognized. Hundreds stood. We all clapped. Of course, "Battle Hymn " brought the house down.
The performers received a well-deserved standing ovation. The program ended with "God be with you till we meet again."
There were empty seats, and I could not help but think that the people of central Iowa missed an extraordinary program. The Arena should have been packed without an empty seat. "Mormons" are a greatly misunderstood people in this part of the country. It would be hard to view Mormons as anything other than the mainstream (albeit conservative) after attending this concert. There was nothing to consider as fringe, unaccepting, intolerant, or extreme. Instead, the entire concert was an embrace of God, country, tolerance, and love.
At intermission the electronic banners encircling the arena began to flair. The advertisements seemed out of place, although not much could be done about it. The Des Moines garbage service flashed: "We talk trash." There were ads for future performances of Britney Spears and Keith Urban. Graceland University (sponsored by the Community of Christ) had an ad. We LDS like Graceland, at least here in Iowa.
The Choir does NOT yet represent the cultural diversity of the Church. It needs to. Of course, members of the Choir are required to live within a 100 miles of Salt Lake City, but I would still love to see some kind of outreach program for Choir membership. Latter-day Saints come from a worldwide Church, after all. Nonetheless, the musical standards of the Choir are extremely high and should never be compromised.
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir may give the public the misimpression that all Mormons can sing – even at local congregations. The Des Moines Register prior to the concert published an article about a Des Moines man who moved to the Salt Lake area and quickly became a MTC member. Oh, if it could be just that easy. (I come from a VERY musical family on both sides and cannot sing a note).
We love you Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square. Please return soon to Iowa. We send you back to the "shadow of the everlasting hills." Until we meet again we will try to be content with listening to and watching "Music and the Spoken Word." And, while we wait for that next inspiring future day, "May peace be with you, this day and always."
Post Script: For an excellent Church News article about what the Choir did in Des Moines just before the concert, see: "Touching Hearts in Des Moines" by Gerry Avant.
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10 comments:
Sounds like a real party. The Battle Hymn of the Republic and recognition of veterans was a real treat I am sure.
Re: "The Arena should have been packed without an empty seat. "Mormons" are a greatly misunderstood people in this part of the country."
I sometimes wonder about the future of the church in areas like Iowa. Daniel's prophecy is that the church would fill the earth in the last days, but perhaps some areas will not be so accepting. It's the same sort of story in my home province of British Columbia - everyone has heard about the mormons, and most could care less.
Here are two possible explanations: (1) It is difficult to see rapid growth in just one lifetime. Rapid growth takes generations to materialize - what seems like a long time for mortals is a short time for God. (2) The revelation that the gospel will fill the earth means that the gospel will be found everywhere in the final dispensation, but the gospel will fill the earth in the Millennium.
Anyway, sorry for rambling, but as someone who grew up outside of Utah, I have often pondered this issue as I am sure you have in Iowa.
There is musical talent on both sides in my family, and yet I cannot hold a tune in a jug.
Dave C:
Thanks for responding. The good news is that the Church is growing in Iowa. There are eight Stakes in Iowa (or covering portions of Iowa). The Des Moines area has five Wards and two reasonably large Branches. Nearly all of this growth has been in the last 30 years. Yes, there are plenty of misconceptions about Mormons around here, but we are moving onward and upward!!
It's really fun to see a response from someone with a local perspective, rather than Salt Lake reporting on the Choir as a SLC institution on tour. Great job. It must have been wonderful.
I have tickets for the show in Kansas City on Thursday. I'm hoping it is a good show. I kind of skipped some of the review as I'm not a fan of spoilers :-P
As far as the gospel filling the earth, I often think about that as well. I think it may be that the gospel will be available all over, or that there will at least be stakes or wards everywhere. Not necessarily that there will be a large number of members. But I could be wrong.
It's good to see that people in Iowa have good taste and are uninterested in such provincial entertainment. Their legalization of gay marriage was great too. It's good to see that some people reject racism, sexism, and homophobia.
Hey Faux, I'm so glad you could attend the concert! You've written a great review & article. I love Des Moines - it has a tremendous spirit. Best wishes "Til' we meet again!"
Brian:
De gustibus non disputandum est. You are the first person I have encountered (even in academic circles) who has referred to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir as "provincial." But, you are welcome to your opinion, especially on this site.
As for the direct allusion to "racism, sexism, and homophobia," such attitudes should NOT be associated with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. However, you and I probably would agree that such attitudes, wherever found, are abhorrent.
As a prescription for part of your homework, I would suggest reading my essays under the KEY LABEL: Racism.
I appreciate the report. I've sort of been following news of the choir on this tour, and it was great to read about this stop from someone physically there in the audience.
I can't imagine that there is much discussion of any kind of the Tabernacle Choir in academic circles.
As for institutionalized racism, one need only compare the condemnation of the racial rhetoric in the Book of Mormon by leaders of the Community of Christ with the tepid statements by leaders of the LDS church. Of course, leaders of the Community of Christ also acknowledge the obvious historical and theological problems with the text, given that they often have some theological background and a measure of integrity. I don't think anyone expects those qualities in leaders of the LDS church.
Brian:
I am sorry, but I am NOT going to let you derail the commentary. The topic is the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, NOT racism or your other derogatory accusations.
Your comments are prejudicial, full of hyperbole, and without factual foundation, especially with respect to your characterization of LDS leadership. Do your homework; I gave you a link to give you a start.
Rational and respectful opposition is very much allowed on this blog, but I get the impression that your motivations are otherwise. If so, you are done here.
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