Thousands gather for the 2024 Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert

Tony Award-winning actress and singer Ruthie Ann Miles and actor Dennis Haysbert are the Tabernacle Choir’s featured artists at the 2024 Christmas Concert at Temple Square. Performances take place at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Haysbert is moderating this year’s program.

The first public performance took place on Thursday, December 19, 2024. Additional performances will take place on Friday, December 20th and Saturday, December 21st.

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“This performance exudes Christmas spirit on a monumental scale,” said choir president Michael O. Leavitt.

“I have listened to the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra for a long time. “I never imagined that one day I would be able to stand on stage and perform with them,” Miles said.

“As huge as this place is, it is also intimate. It kind of hugs you,” Haysbert said.

Led by Mack Wilberg, Music Director, and Ryan Murphy, Associate Music Director, Miles and Haysbert ring in the Christmas spirit with a live audience at this annual event celebrating the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ. The conference center will be filled to its capacity of 21,000 people each evening.

“As huge as this place is, it is also intimate. It kind of hugs you,” Haysbert said.

The Orchestra and Bells at Temple Square also join the choir.

Guest artists meet journalists

Choir directors and guest artists met with the media at the conference center on Friday morning, December 20th.

The concert begins with two French Christmas carols, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and “Twas Midnight in the Stable.” Miles joins the choir to sing traditional Christmas carols, including “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem”. .”

She also entertains the audience with “Spirit of the Season” and “Believe” from the film “The Polar Express”.

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Organist Richard Elliott plays an arrangement of “When You Hear the Pipe and Drum,” a traditional French Christmas carol.

Haysbert tells the true story of Dr. Charles Mulli from Kenya, who helped thousands of children in need.

“It’s a really hard story to get to, but I love the feeling that comes over me when I tell it,” Haysbert said.

He also tells the Christmas story from Luke 2 in the New Testament.

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The final song is “Angels from the Realms of Glory,” a choir favorite, arranged by Mack Wilberg.

“It’s really a gift to the community and then a gift to the world when it’s broadcast around the world,” he said.

How to take part

Tickets for the free performances have already been distributed, but a line will form at the Tabernacle on Temple Square 90 minutes before the concert begins at 8 p.m

Tickets are not required for the 30-minute “Music and the Spoken Word” broadcast on Sunday, December 22 at 9:30 a.m. Miles will appear on the show.

About the artists

Ruthie Ann Miles is a Tony Award-winning actress and singer known for her work on Broadway and television. She can be seen in “McNeal” on Broadway and is currently playing at the Lincoln Center Theater. Her notable roles include Margaret Johnson in “The Light in the Piazza” and the beggar in “Sweeney Todd,” for which she received a 2023 Tony nomination.

Dennis Haysbert is an American actor best known for his commanding presence and deep, distinctive voice. He gained fame through his work on television and film. Haysbert’s career breakthrough came with his role as President David Palmer in the hit television series “24,” which earned him Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations.

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square is a Grammy Award-winning, multiple Emmy Award-winning, all-volunteer choral ensemble. It consists of 360 men and women who combine their talents to create their signature, instantly recognizable sound. The choir, orchestra and bells at Temple Square provide inspiring music to help people feel closer to the divine and celebrate God’s love for all his children.

For more information, visit the Tabernacle Choir website.