The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square presented their annual Pioneer Day Concert this weekend, with guest artist Sissel joining the program. Sissel was the guest artist for the 2006 Christmas Concert and since then, has been the "most requested" artist to return and perform again. And to Sissel's credit, not only did she agree to return, but she waived her normal performance fee in exchange for the choir and orchestra helping her with some songs she wanted to record. It was completely a win-win!
The days leading up to the concert were a bit long, as we rehearsed Tuesday night, Wednesday night, and Thursday night. Tuesday was pretty much just the choir and orchestra rehearsing their numbers. Wednesday was spent completely in recording three songs for Sissel, and then Thursday was sort of a run-through, but not really--which was interesting. Usually we just go through the concert from start to finish. But this time we stopped often to make adjustments and didn't necessarily go in order, either. The reason I mention this, is usually Thursday is the first time that the choir gets to actually SEE how things come together. I mean, we know what songs will be on the program, but we don't ever know how it will all flow, or what the narrations will be between songs (how things are tied together), etc. So to not get that on Thursday was rather interesting. Of course, that meant that our first glimpse of how it was all going to come together was the night of the first performance! So it goes...
At any rate, the concerts went really well and the audience really loved the smooth, ethereal sounds of Sissel. In addition, the background she shared on the songs and how she tied them into the themes of pioneering, freedom, working hard for something you believe in, dedication to God, etc, were near perfect. My favorite song of the concert was "O Store Gud" (O Great God) -- or rather "How Great Thou Art". I have never been a huge fan of that hymn (I've loved the lyrics, just not the music itself)--but wow...this arrangement we sang was absolutely heavenly. I don't have any other way to describe it. The harmonies and rhythm just completely spoke to my soul in a way this song never had before. One of the stand-out pieces the audience loved was a song called Slow Down, which earned Sissel a standing ovation. I loved that one too--especially its message of needing to slow things down so that we can listen to what God wants to tell us and more fully appreciate the blessings He gives us.
Aside from a music folder mishap I had (I've never experienced such a thing in my five years, but I guess there's a first time for everything!), the concert, for me personally, was a very uplifting, fun, and emotional experience for me, and I'm very grateful I got to be a part of it. I'm also grateful for the journey leading up to the concert. Sometimes the extra rehearsals and outside memorization work is difficult, but it's also rewarding. And being on the journey with good friends who you enjoy and love makes it all the better.
If you were not able to see the concert yet, you can do so via YouTube, HERE.
Until next time, God be with you.
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