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SALT LAKE CITY — At 85 years old and still going strong, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Sunday marked a milestone. The singers are beginning their 85th year of "Music and the Spoken Word." To help celebrate, they welcomed a couple of guest conductors who are no strangers to the group.
One of them was former music director Jerold Ottley.
"I have not been in positions where I have been making much music since I retired and (started) doing other things," he said. "This was really fun to realize you can come back and ride a bicycle after so many years."
Also invited was Craig Jessop. He believes the group is "America's choir," recognizing many cultures and faiths.
"To have been a little part of it for a time was just one of the greatest honors of a lifetime. I'm very humbled and very grateful to be invited back," he said.
In the summer of 1929, the first broadcast hit the airwaves from the historic Tabernacle on Temple Square. Technology has come a long way from a microphone dangling from the ceiling, but the choir has not missed a beat. Former members loved the reunion.
"The statement the choir makes is to the entire world, and you feel that when you're presenting it as a member of the choir, and certainly the directors know how to give it out," said former member Rick Steadman. "It's an amazing experience."
There are also other exciting guests coming to visit the choir. Concerts with five-time Grammy award winner, James Taylor and the Utah Symphony are planned for Sept. 6 and 7.
