The Mormon Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, formerly known as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, is one of the most recognizable symbols of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or Mormonism. With its polished performances and repertoire spanning hymns, patriotic songs, and classical pieces, the Choir has played a pivotal role in shaping the Church’s public image for over a century.

For many members, the Choir represents a source of pride and spiritual connection—a reflection of the Church’s ideals of harmony and reverence. But for those who have stepped away, like me, it’s a more complicated symbol. While its music is recognizably skilled, it also represents the Church’s constant efforts to curate its image both for its members and for the outside world.

Membership and Music

Becoming a member of the Tabernacle Choir is no small feat. Prospective singers must not only have strong vocal abilities but also be active members of the Church in good standing. This means they must adhere to all of the Church’s guidelines and maintain a spotless reputation within their congregations. The audition process is rigorous, testing everything from pitch accuracy to sight-reading skills. Once accepted, Choir members commit to a demanding schedule of rehearsals and performances, all on a volunteer basis.

The Choir’s music reflects the duality of its mission. On one hand, it performs traditional LDS hymns that resonate with its spiritual roots. On the other, it incorporates patriotic, classical, and even secular pieces to reach a wider audience. Events like its annual Christmas concerts, broadcast on PBS, showcase the Choir’s versatility and its role as a cultural ambassador.

Growing up in the Church, music was never just entertainment—it was a moral choice. For the Strength of Youth taught us to categorize music as either uplifting, neutral, or harmful to our spirituality. Secular music, while not forbidden, wasn’t seen as the “best” choice for keeping the Spirit around. Choir music, by contrast, was held up as the epitome of what was godly and pure. To love the Choir’s music felt like an extension of faith—a sign that you were on the right path.

A History of Influence: From Isolation to Shaping Perception

The story of the Tabernacle Choir mirrors the Church’s journey from isolation to integration. In the 19th century, Mormons were largely seen as outsiders—defined by their polygamous practices and clashes with U.S. laws. After officially ending polygamy in 1890 to avoid losing their assets, the Church began a slow rebranding process, using the Choir as one of its tools.

In 1893, the Choir gained national recognition at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago, where it took second place in the prestigious Eisteddfod competition. This marked a turning point in how Mormons were perceived, showing the world a refined and cultured side of the faith.

Since then, the Choir has been a cornerstone of the Church’s public relations efforts. It has performed at venues like Red Square in Moscow and the Sydney Opera House and has sung at numerous U.S. presidential inaugurations. Its weekly radio program, Music and the Spoken Word, launched in 1929, is the longest-running continuous broadcast in history.

Under President Russell M. Nelson, the Church has worked to align itself more closely with mainstream Christianity, even rebranding the Choir in 2018 to drop the term “Mormon.” For some, this shift represents progress, reflecting a modernized and streamlined Church identity. For others, it serves as a reminder of how meticulously the Church crafts its image, moving away from what once made it distinct in order to appeal to a broader audience.

But the Choir’s role hasn’t been without controversy. Its decision to perform at Donald Trump’s 2017 inauguration sparked significant backlash, with over 25,000 people signing a petition opposing the appearance. Critics argued that the performance could be seen as an endorsement of Trump’s divisive policies, and one Choir member resigned in protest.

The Church defended the decision as a demonstration of “freedom, civility, and the peaceful transition of power,” but for many, it underscored the tension between the Choir’s cultural prominence and its inextricable connection to the Church’s political and social stances.

Ex-Mormon Reflections

For me, the Tabernacle Choir evokes a mix of nostalgia and unease. Growing up, the Choir was held up as the ultimate example of “good” music—reverent, inspiring, and holy. Listening to and loving their music felt like part of being a faithful Mormon. Secular music, while not forbidden, wasn’t seen as the “best” choice for keeping the Spirit around.

After leaving the Church, I began to question whether I even liked choral music or if I’d simply convinced myself I should. The artistry and skill of the Choir are recognizable, but their music was never something I genuinely loved or chose to listen to in my free time. Loving “MoTab,” as we often called it, was just another way I tried to fit into the mold of what a “perfect” Mormon looked like. Now, the Choir feels more like a symbol of the subtle pressures to conform—pressures that shaped not only my faith but even my personal preferences.

Conclusion

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square stands at the intersection of faith, culture, and public relations. From its early days as a pioneer choir to its role as a global cultural ambassador, it reflects the Church’s evolution from isolation to integration.

For some, the Choir remains a cherished connection to spiritual roots. For others, it serves as a reminder of the Church’s carefully managed image and the quiet pressures to conform that many members experienced. Whether admired for its artistry or critiqued for its symbolism, the Choir continues to be one of the most enduring and influential representations of Mormonism in the modern world.