MTC Week #82 - Rumors, Speculation & a Surprise Announcement

So last Sunday, the Choir President asked all of us if we would please come to Thursday night's rehearsal 30 minutes early and meet in the Conference Center's Little Theater for a "special presentation." Following that invitation, we all sat there mulling over what he had just said and started formulating what this special presentation could be about. After rehearsal was over and we were free to talk with others, it was like someone had lit a match and threw it into a dry forest! Speculation was the flame that consumed everyone's thoughts and conversation. Was it an award the choir had won? Was someone in the administration leaving? Were we going to hear more about the influence we had had on others through our most recent tour? Or could it be an announcement concerning our next tour?

Of course that last speculative thought about an upcoming tour was the most exciting to everyone. But the timing seemed off. After all, we go on tour every two years, not every year, so 2016 was an offcycle tour year. Given that, why would they be announcing a tour destination so early?

Needless to say, the speculation and conversations continued throughout the week. Choir members talked about it and texted each other about it, and the spouses all chimed in with their two bits. Finally, Thursday arrived and we congregated in the Little Theater. TV cameras were there to film the event and after not too long, President Jarrett got up and was barely able to get out the announcement before the choir went crazy with excitement. We were headed to Europe for our next tour! And not only that, it was going to happen in 2016.

[You can see videos and official announcements HERE, HERE, and HERE.] 

President Thomas S Monson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, had this to say: 

“Our goal is for the choir and its companion Orchestra at Temple Square to be a shining example of the musical arts to all the world. With the announcement of this European tour, I am delighted that these noted ensembles will have the opportunity to touch the hearts of people in multiple nations through their magnificent music,” added President Monson. “This tour will be an important step forward as the choir and orchestra continue to build bridges of friendship and understanding across the globe as ambassadors of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”

To be truthful, I had mixed emotions about the announcement. Certainly, the

thought of going to various European countries to share hope and peace through music, made me smile! At the same time though, I knew how much my wife has been wanting to go to Europe, and I was concerned about the price tag attached to guests being able to come. And, I was concerned about being able

to take that much time off of work (15 working days) without it impacting the vacation days I'd have left to spend with my family. Many other friends in the choir had the same concerns. That said though, and like in all things related to this great work that the choir does, things will work out as they should. 

As you can imagine, (for many obvious and less-obvious reasons) going to rehearsal right after the announcement was made, was a bit difficult. Our minds were preoccupied with the thoughts of visiting Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and France. But the music we rehearsed and performed today was some great music, and I'm sure that those who got to hear us, were influenced for good. 

A baritone sitting next to me today quietly exclaimed, "Isn't it such a privilege to be here?"

"Yes," I thought to myself. "Yes it is."

Until next time, God be with you.