The Tabernacle Choir Blog

A Continuing Tradition: Messiah and The Tabernacle Choir

Performing George Frideric Handel’s Messiah for The Tabernacle Choir is not a new tradition. For nearly 150 years, since the early 1870s, the Choir has frequently performed George Frideric Handel’s beloved Messiah either as individual movements or as the full oratorio. 

On Friday, March 26, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. (mountain), The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square will once again stream Handel’s Messiah oratorio for Easter. Even though live Choir concerts have been postponed since last year, the Choir’s Messiah tradition continues through the benefit of modern technology using a performance originally recorded in 2018. At that time, the Choir and Orchestra were honored to be joined by four world-class soloists—Amanda Woodbury, Tamara Mumford, Tyler Nelson, and Tyler Simpson. Audiences will find this year as in 2018 the majesty of Handel’s Messiah through the artistry of the Choir, the Orchestra, and these featured soloists.

New this year! The 2021 stream has been refreshed with new graphics and updated to include the Choir’s new visual identity. The concert will last 2 hrs. and 30 minutes. 

YOUTUBE PREMIERE and FACEBOOK PREMIERE EVENTS

In keeping with our “digital-first” emphasis, Messiah will be streamed as the Choir’s first YouTube Premiere event which allows the audiences to set viewing reminders, watch the stream together, chat, and leave comments online. Click here for the Messiah YouTube watch page. You’ll see this image where you can click the bell to set a reminder for the event. We encourage you to share the link with friends and family who would enjoy celebrating Easter in this way with you.

Like the YouTube Premiere Event above, the Facebook Premiere Event will also stream the Messiah event with a link that will be available on March 19 from this page. It will also include the ability to set reminders, watch the stream together, chat, and leave comments online.

During the March 26 performance, the online chat on both the YouTube and Facebook Messiah streams will include engaging commentary that will expand and broaden your understanding and appreciation for Messiah and its composer George Frideric Handel. Prepared by Dr. Luke Howard associate professor of music history at Brigham Young University, the delightful commentary is also posted on the Choir’s website.

OTHER STREAMING or BROADCAST OPTIONS

You can find the Messiah airings in these locations:

  • Stream: Messiah stream on Friday, March 26, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. (mountain time) on:

  • Other Airings:

    • BYUtv: Easter Sunday, April 4, 6 a.m. MT and 11 p.m. MT

    • BYUradio: Easter Sunday, April 4 at 4:00 p.m. MDT

    • BYUtv.org and BYUtv app: On-demand starting on Saturday, March 27

    • Classical 89: BYUradio: Easter Sunday, April 4 at 6:00 p.m. MDT

  • On-Demand: Don’t worry if these dates don’t work for you. This updated 2021 Messiah video will be archived for on-demand viewing on the Choir’s website, YouTube channel, Facebook page as well as on BYUtv and KSL digital channels to be available at times convenient for you.

Enjoy these Easter Videos from The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square:

“He Is Risen”

“Christ the Lord Is Risen Today”