Mormon Tabernacle Choir X Spelman College Club X Morehouse College Club

Introduction
Amongst the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s tour, ‘Song of Hope,’ this beautiful concert was a collective between the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Spelman Glee Club, and Morehouse Glee Club, which occurred on September 11th, 2024. The conductors included Dr. Kevin Johnson, Dr. David Morrow, Ryan Murphy, and Mack Wilberg. This night was beautifully performed with numerous stunning pieces, and through the additional movements and instruments, the performers were able to create many tones, blending harmonies and melodies that truly touched the soul, reaching into the hearts of everyone in the audience and leaving an unforgettable emotional impact.
Description
The first song by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, “ Alleluia/Praise to The Lord, The Almighty”, a beautiful opener. The bells used throughout the beginning of this selection–members in the choir utilized them in the air– added to the beautiful melodies and incorporation of many instruments. Following this selection was, “With Joyful Voices Sing”, and the choir utilized their many tones beautifully encapsulating the great meaning behind the song and enabling its richness. The nature in the background adds to the feeling of peace and serenity. Following this is a short introduction also incorporating how the choir brings so many people together, and how these hosts–Demos, Townsen, Darger and Meliculo–have been looped into it, whether it’s from watching on the sidelines, or generations of choir members.
Continuing with “How Excellent Thy Name,” “Alleluia,” and “Alleluia from Psalm 150,” these pieces were beautiful and calming, emphasizing praise through the repetition of key phrases and the elongation of certain notes, which deepened the melodies. The cultural contributions of “Ah, El Novio No Quere Dinero!,” “Gamelan,” and “Cindy” were the highlight of the concert for me. The vibrant tones and instrumental diversity added richness and energy. Lastly, “Music Everywhere,” “In the Garden,” and “To God Be the Glory” were lighthearted and uplifting, showing how different melodies can communicate unity, love, and faith through music!
Afterward, the Morehouse and Spelman College Glee Clubs were introduced. The host highlighted the connection between the two choirs and praised their remarkable achievements and contributions. The Morehouse Glee Club performed two selections, “Great Glorious” and “I Ain’t Got Weary Yet,” which captivated the audience from the start. These heartfelt pieces not only reflected cultural significance but also harmonized with the overarching theme of the Tabernacle Choir’s performance. The warmth and depth of their voices were palpable, especially in their powerful inclusion of African American spiritual music.
Following the Morehouse performance, the Spelman Glee Club was introduced, with a nod to their legacy as the “oldest collegiate choir of African American women in the nation.” They opened with the moving and soulful rendition of “Wade in the Water,” which was deeply emotional and captivating. The choir’s vocal mastery and the call-and-response with the soloist were outstanding. Their next piece, “Children Go Where I Send Thee,” is an audience favorite. Its lively tempo and engaging movements kept the audience fully immersed in the story being told through song. Finally, “A Choice to Change the World” beautifully underscored Spelman’s mission and served as a perfect conclusion, tying together the overarching theme of the entire concert tour.
After these beautiful selections, the Tabernacle Choir was joined by a surprise guest, Kristin Chenoweth, for a powerful performance of “Angels Among Us.” This song paid tribute to heroes like first responders, especially those involved during 9/11. Chenoweth’s emotional delivery, along with the support of the choir, made the performance incredibly moving. The heartfelt lyrics and her vocal control truly captured the audience. Next, she performed “How Great Thou Art,” which was equally touching, showcasing her ability to evoke deep emotion while maintaining exceptional vocal precision.
The evening culminated with a collaborative debut of “Songs For The People,” featuring all three choirs and a unique four-hand piano arrangement. The emotion in this piece was palpable, and the blend of voices from the choirs was astonishingly beautiful. Following this was “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” another remarkable selection. The host then provided historical context for the iconic song, “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” performed by the Tabernacle Choir. The piece, with its strong marching rhythm, evoked images of unity and resilience, especially in its message of coming together through faith. As the concert neared its conclusion, the choir gave a heartfelt performance of “Georgia On My Mind,” which resonated deeply with the Georgia audience. The evening ended with the choir’s uplifting rendition of, “Til We Meet Again,” providing a perfect, heartfelt conclusion to this magnificent concert.
Personal Reflection
This concert was soothing and exceptionally well-organized. Each piece evoked different emotions, using varied techniques to emphasize the tour’s purpose: celebrating unity, love, and faith through music. The audience’s captivation was evident, and the performers skillfully used these techniques. The informative hosts and smooth transitions, like the shift from American folk music to traditional hymns, kept the audience engaged. Spelman and Morehouse Glee Clubs, renowned for their efforts, beautifully shaped the concert’s music, proving that despite cultural differences, we can unite in praise through music.This was further emphasized by the thoughtful song selections from Spelman and Morehouse, which highlighted both the cultural impact of praise and the historical significance of musical traditions in African American and Negro culture.
Conclusion
Overall, the concert was magical and rewarding. Each voice made a meaningful contribution, with facial expressions and hand movements adding to the overall impact. The wide range of musical forms and instruments captivated the audience throughout.
WATCH HERE:
Song List

Tabernacle:
– Alleluia Fanfare / Praise to the Lord the Almighty
– With Joyful Voices Ringing
– How Excellent Thy Name
– Alleluia
– Alleluia from Psalm 150
– Ah El Novio No Quiero Dinero
– Gamelan
– Music Everywhere
– In the Garden
– To God Be the Glory
Morehouse:
– Great and Glorious
– I Ain’t Got Weary Yet
Spelman:
– Wade in the Water
– Children, Go Where I Send Thee
– A Choice to Change the World
Tabernacle X Spelman X Morehouse:
– Angels Among Us
– How Great Thou Art
– Songs for the People
– Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
– Battle Hymn of the Republic
– Georgia on My Mind