As 2021 begins, The Tabernacle Choir, Orchestra at Temple Square, and Bells at Temple Square look forward with hope to a wonderful year and echo the words of British poet Alfred Lord Tennyson, “Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come.” The year 2021 does bring with it hope, even though pandemic restrictions are still being observed for new live performances and recordings. 

This past year of 2020 was very different, although the Choir organization was able to accomplish many things (as Choir Notes subscribers read last week) because of its vast archive of digital recordings. 

Describing this past year to each other, members of the Choir organization have used a musical term: “Our time apart due to COVID-19 feels very much like a musical ‘fermata’—an intentional pause.” 

What does an intentional pause mean? In music terminology, a “fermata” or “grand pause” in a musical performance is where, as writer Ann Moul expressed, “the musician is to rest indefinitely. Everything stops, and the choir stands frozen, waiting for that pivotal moment when the conductor’s arms come down and his or her face lights up and we are released to sing again. The music always comes back after a Grand Pause, no matter how long it lasts.” 

Some may say there hasn’t been anything “grand” about the pandemic pause. However, the Choir organization is waiting with hopeful anticipation for that pivotal moment when it can return to live performances in 2021. Until that time, the Choir continues to use its large library of uplifting, encouraging, and heartfelt music to bless audiences around the world and help them feel closer to the divine.

No matter how long the “pandemic pause” continues, here is a partial list of what you can expect during 2021: 

• Weekly Music & the Spoken Word “encore” broadcasts are available worldwide through the internet and social media. Since December, new Spoken Word messages have been added to these broadcasts—each written for the unique experiences we are facing together in the world. Check here for the most recent broadcast information. 

• The Choir will continue the weekly publication of the Choir Notes newsletter with information for readers about the Choir, Orchestra, and Bells. When the Choir and Orchestra do resume their performance schedule, newsletter content will include announcements for tickets, performances, etc. Check here to be the first to know.  

• On March 26, 2021, Handel’s beloved oratorio Messiah will be streamed for Easter celebrations. Watch and sing along from your own home with The Tabernacle Choir, Orchestra at Temple Square and renowned guest soloists as originally performed in 2018. The performance will be enhanced with additional background information and features. More information about the stream will be coming shortly. Check tabchoir.org/messiah for details.

• In April and October, whether through digital recordings or live performances, The Tabernacle Choir will provide music for the general conference sessions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Sunday, April 4 session takes place on Easter Sunday.

• The annual summer concerts, Music for a Summer Evening (Pioneer Day) will be performed on Friday, July 22, and Saturday, July 23, 2021, subject to the end of pandemic restrictions. The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square present this concert each year in conjunction with annual Pioneer Day celebrations.  More details will be available closer to the concert. 

Work has already begun for the 2021 special Christmas broadcasts on PBS and BYUtv! Audiences will be amazed by what’s in store for them. Inside information will be available here in Choir Notes!