THE 2019 CONCERT – FEATURING KRISTIN CHENOWETH

In December 2019, “Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir” returned to the small screen Christmas celebrations with Emmy® and Tony® Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth. The concert was recorded over three nights in December 2018 in Salt Lake City’s Conference Center at Temple Square. Over 63,000 people attended in-person.

Chenoweth brought her characteristic charm, style, faith and artistic prowess to Salt Lake City for an unforgettable night of Christmas celebration over a decade in the making. She joined the iconic Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, Orchestra at Temple Square and Bells on Temple Square in an eclectic program that she closely curated in collaboration with the Choir’s musical director, Mack Wilberg. It included classic Christmas carols and hits from across a number of favorite genres: Broadway, pop, country, classical and Christian/gospel.

And Chenoweth put her mark on the program in a number of other ways, from her playful banter with Wilberg and members of the cast and audience to the designer gowns Christian Siriano lent her for the production to performing the same version of “O Holy Night” that Sandi Patty did with the Choir in 2006 as an homage to her favorite singer. She also spoke openly of her faith and family.

Another highlight, included Richard Elliott, the Choir’s principal organist, delighting the crowd with “Carol of the Bells” – the year’s annual featured organ piece with the assistance of Bells on Temple Square and a cameo from Kristin – which he performed on the 7,708-pipe instrument that is the focal point of the room.

Angelic celebrations imbue the entire concert program with a sense of awe and reverence, from the opening trumpet flourishes of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” to the sublime summit of the Choir’s traditional finale, “Angels from the Realms of Glory.” And throughout the concert, Ms. Chenoweth and the Choir offer repeated reminders of the true, lasting gifts of Christmas, as well as the kind that can be wrapped with ribbons and put under a tree. They are all part of the delight of a genuine, meaningful Christmas celebration.

With holiday songs, choruses, dancing, bell-ringing, and seasonal orchestral favorites, this inspiring concert reminds us that we can all give the gifts of Christmas throughout the year, and be angels of service to those in need.