Yes, you read that headline correctly. A long list of artists are coming together with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for their album The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Friends, out on May 12 via the choir’s own label.
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir was formed in 1847 by Mormon pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley and have been performing ever since with an all-volunteer membership now coming in at 360 members. They made their first recording in 1910 and have since recorded hundreds of albums and have two Platinum and five Gold Records from the RIAA.
The tracks on the new album have been recorded over a number of years with some sourced from special events such as Sting and Yo-Yo Ma’s version of the song Fragile which was from the Opening Ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. Many were recorded at the 20,000 seat Conference Center on Temple Square and four of the tracks, featuring Amy Grant, Santino Fontana, Renée Fleming, and The King’s Singers, are newly recorded for this set.
Mark Wilberg, music director for the Choir, said “Special care went into choosing each of the songs for this new album. We have enjoyed the privilege of collaborating with some of the finest musical talents that are known the world over —not only in the sacred choral repertory for which the Choir is renowned – but in a diverse range of styles and genres, from rock and roll, pop, and Broadway, to classical vocal and instrumental. This album highlights some of the most unforgettable musical moments in the recent history of the Choir, featuring guest artists that are considered dear friends, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the final outcome.”
The track list:
Fragile – Sting & Yo-Yo Ma
The Prayer – David Foster
Thy Word – Amy Grant
That Lonesome Road – James Taylor
He Lives in You – Santino Fontana
How Can I Keep From Singing? – Renee Fleming
Through Heaven’s Eyes – Brian Stokes Mitchell
Vitae Lux – Sissel
Homeword Bound – Bryn Terfel
Beauty and the Beast – Angela Lansbury
I’m Runnin’ On – The King’s Singers
