The mormon Tabernacle Choir performed with the Spelman and Morehouse glee clubs as part of their Hope World Tour. On September 11 the three choirs performed at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. The tabernacle choir was conducted by Mack Wilberg, the Morehouse choir was conducted by David Morrow and the Spelman choir was conducted by Kevin Johnson. Each choir performed an arrangement of songs on their own and then joined together at the and to perform as a cohesive enable.The singers where accompanied by an orchestra including string, wind and percussion interments.
The set list was compiled of twenty songs. The first nine were performed by the mormon tabernacle choir, followed by three songs performed by the Morehouse choir and then three songs performed by the Spelman choir. A special guest appearance from Kristin Chenoweth soloing in two songs. The performance was closed by four songs sung by all three choir and conducted by Mack Wilberg.
Tabernacle Chior
The women were all dressed in lavender gowns with a string of matching pearls. The men were in black suits with lavender ties. The choir was split down the middle by gender with the orchestra in the front. Conducted by Mack Wilberg.
- Alleluia fanfare/praise to the lord, the all mighty.
- Arranged by Mack Wilberg
- Soft opening set against a sunset backdrop
- With Joyful Voices Ringing
- Arranged by Mack Wilberg
- This song had a tone of reverence
- How Excellent Thy Name & Alleluia
- Arranged by George Frideric Handel
- A backdrop of a pink and purple night sky set the tone for this piece
- Alleluia from Psalm 150
- Arranged by Alberto Ginastera
- This was a personal favorite of mine the tune pulled the audience in a captivated your attention from start to finish
- There was a heavy incorporation of percussion instruments (drums, xialaphone, glockenspiel)
- Ah, El Novia No Quiero Dinero
- This was a Saphardic wedding song sung in Spanish
- The melody was upbeat and put me in the mood to dance and celebrate
- It had a lilting rhythmic tune with prominent drumming and clapping
- The pronunciation of the Spanish words could have been clearer, as a Spanish speaker it was hard to understand
- Gamelan
- Arranged by R. Murray Schafer
- This was a percussion heavy piece with Indonesian influence
- Majority of the piece was nonverbal ton nations and synchronized clapping
- The choir seemed personally proud when the song came to an end
- Music Everywhere
- In the Garden
- To God be the Glory
- These three songs where southern church hymn in honor of performing in the south
- Enthusiastic appreciation from the audience
All Three Choirs Together
There was a special guest an appearance from Kristen Chenoweth. She used her moment to sing two song honoring those lost in 9/11 and the bravery of the first responders working at the time and currently.
- Angels Among Us
- Music by Becky Hobbs and Don Goodman
- Arranged by Sam Cardon
- Soloed by Kristin Chenoweth
- How Great Thou Art
- Arranged by David T. Clydesdale
- Songs for the People
- Arranged by Mack Wilberg
The crowed seemed to loved Kristin Chenoweth’s solos giving her a standing ovation at the end of the third song.
- Come Thou Art of Every Blessing
- Arranged by Mack Wilberg
- The sound of all three choirs together on this song was encapsulating.
- The vocals paired with the instrumental impacted the audience three fold.
- Battle Hymn of the Republic
- The mormon Tabernacle won a grammy for performing this song.
- It had a upbeat marching rhythm with emphasis on the wind, brass and snare.
- Georgia on my Mind
- Closing with this song the choirs were joined by all conductors and the MCs on stage to song.
- The screens played visuals of landmarks in Georgia.
- The Tabernacle choir carried the song through to the end with gusto.
Spelman Glee Club
They were all dressed in Black gowns, matching pearl earrings and necklaces and red lips. They were arranged in hight order. Conducted by Kevin Johnson.
- Wade in the Water
- Opened with a solo from Krista Cambell, she had a beautiful voice with incredible range. Her use of vibrato tied the whole song together.
- The conductor accompanied them on the piano, it was apparent that he was fully enthralled by the music.
- Children go Where I send Thee
- Arranged by Kevin Johnson, Rap section arranged by Ayana Davis
- There was a strong incorporation of drums, piano clapping and stomping
- The choir members also used movements (hands and shoulders) to bring the music to life.
- The whole body was used in performing the song beautifully tied the lyrics and instruments together through movement.
- A Choice to Change the World
- Arranged by Sarah Stephens
- There were three soloists (names unknown)
- The choir members performed with a tangible since f pride and joy.
- the emotion in the piece lessened the coordination of the clapping and dancing but did not take away from the piece.
Morehouse Glee Club
They were suited in all black with a white shirt and black bowtie. Conducted by David Morrow.
- Great and Glorious
- Arranged by Frans Joseph Hydn
- I Ain’t Got Weary Yet
- Opened with a solo by Jordan Stewart, his vocals carried the song.
- The vocal layering with the deep tones gave the feeling of a dirge.
Although I am not personally a religious practitioner, I have always had a soft spot for music sang in worship. From the being to the end in different ways I was help captive by the sound and emotion displayed by the performers. The hymns sang by the Tabernacle choir were beautifully presented and the energy coming from the choir pulled you in. Each member sang with joy and enthusiasm. Personally I was more struck by the pieces chosen by the Morehouse and Spelman choirs, Spelman in particular (personal bias aside) when the ladies of Spelman College were signing I was breathless and fully engulfed in the music, my skin alive with goosebumps I was almost brought to tears by the emotion being poured into every note. In part this was due to the way these ladies sang with their whole bodies and the matched energy from their conductor. Another part may have been that spirituals always carry more soul and history and the weight of that in tangible through the music.
The venue was set up to resemble that of the inside of a church with projections of stained glass. This imagery tied the music and the spirit of God together. Between songs the MC was able to share some of the history of the Tabernacle choir. Its relationship nationally with over 30 countries and the diverse range of voiced and ethnicities represented.
I enjoyed the majority of the performance. With enough of it resonating and holding my attention for the moments that did not pull me to the edge of my seat, passed quickly and with little notice.
In conclusion I felt as if this was a beautifully curated performance reached a diverse audience, and was accessible to many. Be that music consume or someone like me who just enjoys hearing live music. The venue was fitting and easily accessible for natives to Atlanta and provided a fun experience for visitors. Using this event to commemorate those lost in 9/11 and show appreciation to the first responders shed light and joy on such a painful and triggering memory. The incorporation of the Spelman and Morehouse Glee Clubs represented a key part of Atlanta and the continuous impact that HBCUs carry.
