News Release

Celebrating Easter with The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Ochestra

Nigerians Join Handel’s Messiah Sing-Along

Communities and Church organizations at different locations in Nigeria joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Choirs to sing Messiah along with Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Orchestra and the invited world-class soloists during the 2018 Easter Period.

 

Since 2014, the Choir and Orchestra have performed Messiah during Easter period every two years at Salt Lake, Utah and live-streamed the concert over the internet to audiences around the world. During the 2018 Messiah performance, audiences in small and large congregations of LDS and non-member choirs joined the Mormon Tabernacle Choir via Messiah Easter Cantata events using the on-demand internet stream available from the Choir’s website for a period of time following the live performance.

In most of these events, the peak of excitement occurred during the viewing of the streamed Mormon Tabernacle choir performance of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah. A popular Comedian, Diego Jonah, who viewed Mormon Tabernacle Choir performance at the Port Harcourt East Stake has this to say; “The Stake did wonderfully well but the Mormon Tabernacle choir presentation was mind blowing”.

Eze Chigoru Wogu, the traditional ruler of rumuokwurusi community in Port Harcourt also remarked “I am so impressed with the choristers, I will accept such invitation next time”. Chima Ogunka a Women leader in the hosting community also said of the Easter Cantata organized by Port Harcourt East Stake; “The program was very good; I am revived”.

This tradition brings to mind a demonstration of modesty, unity and peaceful coexistence, which are entrenched in Easter celebration and expresses the purpose of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

At the Aba LDS Easter Cantata, opinion leaders were given the opportunity to speak to the audience. Reverend Father John Onwukwe Chaplain of the Peace Development Commision Aba gave a talk on the essence of Easter titled Messiah, after which His Royal Highness King Young Noble Onwunata Ajuzieogu the Ode 2 of Ode-Ukwu Autonomous Community gave a refreshing speech. “I am glad to be here, and I really like the wonderful comportment of members” he said.

Over 500 members of LDS Ibadan Nigeria Stake and other Christian denominations joined the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in Ibadan via a local Easter Music Cantata with invited guests from the Oyo State Government and the hosting community.

Dr T.T.Tairu the General Manager Rural water and Sanitation Agency Oyo state government seized the opportunity to express his delight to the church humanitarian services towards the people of Oyo state. He felt the church was too silent about its humanitarian services to the people. He cherished and appreciated the “life-saving mission” of the church. He equally affirms the state government willingness to associate and partner with the church on future events and developmental project.

The Lagos State Easter cantata featured Latter-day Saints Choirs, Orchestra and talented soloists. The fusion of local performances and viewing of the streamed Mormon Tabernacle Choir concert made the event a memorable one. President Sunday Adejuwon remarked; “I have never seen this kind of event since I joined the church, I hope to see more of it.

In related expressions of delight with respect to its local Easter Cantata, members of Abakaliki Stake recommended that such opportunities should continue in the church to foster in oneness, love, unity and boost spirituality.

The representative of the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Mr. Chris Akuchie extended the regrets for not being able to attend and also his hand of friendship to the church; “This is a beautiful event at a beautiful facility” He said.

The congregations stood and sang along, the Hallelujah Chorus as performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, as a Closing business in each of the Easter Cantatas across the country. Some of these can be viewed in the links below.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s first recordings of 1910, which included the “Hallelujah” chorus, was also the first recording of a Messiah piece to use an established choir, as all early recordings were made using temporary choirs comprised of provisional singers.

According to Ron Jarrett, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s president, “This is a wonderful way to celebrate the birth, life, death, and Resurrection of Christ with all Christians of the world.”

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1_zZk3Pz3xJbh42IMHfNxKCJs3Th_P8zs -Clip from Aba Stake Easter Cantata.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1FGg96ypUtbbwJqRHCsZg56owSoFa9tSP – Concluding clip from Lagos Easter Cantata.

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