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SALT LAKE CITY — The Mormon Tabernacle Choir departed from Salt Lake City International Airport early Monday morning for an eight-day tour of the eastern U.S. and Canada.
Departure time was 4 a.m., so choir members and spouses started arriving at Salt Lake International around 2:00. But they were excited.
"To be able to sing at wonderful venues, and the music ... I don't know. My first year being in the choir has just been wonderful," said choir member Sherry Christensen.
The 2011 choir and orchestra tour begins in Norfolk, Va.; and continues on to Washington, D.C., and the Chautauqua Music Festival in upstate New Your; then wraps up in Toronto, Canada.
"There's 581 people on the tour. They are going out on three flights, three waves, about a half an hour apart, (on) three chartered aircraft," explained Barry Anderson, administrative manager of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Besides the three chartered planes, they will use 11 buses to travel to and from concert venues and hotels. Four semi trucks will carry more luggage, and another four trucks will transport equipment, risers, the organ and performance wardrobe.
"The best part about being on tour is just having the new audience each performance, and to see the reaction," choir member Nathan Wright said. "That part really doesn't ever get old."
The choir's staff has been working for over two years to prepare for the trip. "I don't think we have ever been prepared like we are now for this tour," Choir president Mac Christensen said. "It will be magnificent. Hearts will be touched."
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir usually goes on tour every other year. In 2009, the choir performed in Cincinnati, Ohio; St. Louis, Missouri; Des Moines, Iowa; Omaha, Nebraska; Kansas City, Missouri; Norman, Oklahoma and Denver, Colorado.
Email: cmikita@ksl.com
