- The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square visits São Paulo for the sixth stop on its tour.
- Brazil has one of the highest populations of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with approximately 1.5 million Latter-day Saints and 37 missions across the country.
- Brazilian members express excitement; concerts emphasize hope and faith in Jesus Christ.
SÃO PAULO, Brazil — The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square is traveling thousands of miles away from Salt Lake for the sixth stop on its world tour.
The choir is heading to the largest city in South America, São Paulo, Brazil. Hundreds of choir members, support staff and production teams are making the journey on Monday.
Nearly 12 million people live within the city limits of São Paulo, and nearly 23 million live in the metro area.
Brazil is known for its vibrant culture and colorful landscape. It is also a country with one of the highest populations of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with approximately 1.5 million Latter-day Saints and 37 missions across the country.
São Paulo is home to the church's first temple in South America, dedicated in 1978.
Today, Brazil has 24 temples either operating, under construction or announced.
In Brazil, the choir was scheduled to perform at four concerts. KSL spoke to two choir members from Brazil about their excitement to go to their home country to sing.
"Brazilians are big fans of the choir," said choir member Alvaro Martins.
Alan Silva, another Brazilian choir member, added, "Dreams can come true."
For Silva, performing in his home country carries special meaning.
"Singing our language, it's showing that God loves them. They are important for the church. They're important for the kingdom to grow," Silva said.
Martins said the choir's music deeply resonates in Brazil.
"Because Brazilians are such musical people, they love to express themselves with music, with dance," he said.
São Paulo marks the sixth stop on the choir's "Songs of Hope" world tour. The last time the choir performed in São Paulo was 45 years ago, in 1981.
"This will be historic," said Gary Porter, second counselor in the choir Presidency. "We are focusing on a message of hope, on faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and on the happiness that comes to a people when they follow the Savior."
It's a message Brazilian choir members believe their country is ready to hear.
"I don't think I have words right now to describe what's going to happen," Silva said. "But it's going to be beautiful, that I know. Awesome."
The first concert — for government, religious and political leaders — will take place on Wednesday at the Sala Sao Paul, a renovated old train station that's now turned into a stunning concert hall.
The three remaining concerts will be held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Ginásio do Ibirapuera arena — the same arena the choir performed in back in 1981.
