- The Tabernacle Choir visits Buenos Aires, Argentina, for the first time ever.
- This visit celebrates 100 years of The Church of Jesus Christ in South America.
- Concerts will feature local youth performances with over 500 watch parties planned.
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — History is being made as the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square arrives in Buenos Aires, Argentina, marking its first-ever visit to the country.
The visit is part of the choir's Songs of Hope World Tour and coincides with the 100th anniversary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in South America.
The excitement has been building among Latter-day Saints in Argentina who have been preparing for this momentous celebration for months.
In the days leading up to the concerts, dozens of Latter-day Saint youth rehearsed under the guidance of local choreographers and artistic directors. Their performance will be featured during the choir's two main concerts on Friday and Saturday night.
Joel Villagra and his wife, Flor Battista, both local artistic directors, are leading the youth in a vibrant production that will showcase music, dance, and the spirit of the church's legacy in South America.
"I'm so excited to do this," Villagra said. Battista added, "We are very happy. The people here (are) doing their best. It's amazing to see (the youth) doing this with happiness. They are like, 'This is amazing. We are celebrating this, and it's a huge opportunity.'"
Villagra emphasized the importance of the event. "We need to talk about the story of the church here in this land. It's very meaningful for us," he said.
Buenos Aires, the second-largest city in South America with about 3 million residents, holds historical significance for the church. On Christmas Day in 1925, at a park in Buenos Aires, Apostle Elder Melvin J. Ballard dedicated South America to the preaching of the gospel.
In June, Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles visited Santiago, Chile, where similar centennial celebrations took place. Reflecting on the church's growth, Elder Stevenson said, "Elder Ballard, at the time, described in prophecy that the work here would begin as an acorn, but would grow into a great oak tree. And over 100 years, it's rather spectacular to see the evidence of the fulfillment of his prophecy."
Argentina marks the fifth stop on the choir's world tour, following a recent performance in Lima, Peru. Hundreds of choir members will arrive late Sunday night in Buenos Aires, greeted by enthusiastic Latter-day Saints. A second wave of choir members is expected to arrive hours later.
The choir's first performance will be for dignitaries, community leaders, and business representatives on Tuesday evening. The main concerts will take place on Friday and Saturday nights, with thousands expected to attend. Additionally, over 500 watch parties are planned throughout South America.
For those in Utah and elsewhere, the concerts will be available to stream. You can see the concert by going to: www.thetabernaclechoir.org
