This Christmas the whole world can experience the uplifting 2015 Christmas concert from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir with the release of Hallelujah! The DVD and CD are now available online and in stores. Digital downloads, both in audio and HD video, are also available.

The word “Hallelujah” sums up all the enthusiasm, joy, and hope of Christmas. It’s both an exclamation and exhortation, accompanied by sincere praise through music and song. And it’s the perfect title for the joyous performances in these recordings.

In December 2015, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Orchestra at Temple Square, and Bells on Temple Square joined with Broadway star Laura Osnes, acclaimed British actor Martin Jarvis, and four distinguished soloists from New York’s Metropolitan Opera—Erin Morley, Tamara Mumford, Ben Bliss, and Tyler Simpson—to usher in the Christmas season with praise through music. The concert also included the dramatic retelling of the story behind the composition and first performances of Handel’s celebrated oratorio Messiah. 

“The circumstances behind the creation of Handel's Messiah are fascinating,” said Choir director Mack Wilberg. “Our presentation celebrates freed debtors, rescued children, and charitable giving, all a part of the remarkable story of Messiah.”

The DVD features classic Christmas songs such as “Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Do You Hear What I Hear?” and “Joy to the World.” The guest soloists from the Metropolitan Opera, in 18th-century dress, thrilled audiences with Mack Wilberg’s arrangement of the traditional “Of the Father’s Love Begotten,” while dancers representing various time periods proceeded down the aisles. The concert finishes with a reprise by the entire ensemble of the “Hallelujah” chorus.  The 81-minute DVD also includes bonus interviews with Laura Osnes, Martin Jarvis, and the Metropolitan soloists.  The CD contains all the concert music plus the special Messiah narration.

“This really was an unforgettable concert,” said Ron Jarrett, president of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. “Where else could you find such a depth of talent in all performing disciplines all on one stage? We were truly blessed to have this fabulous ensemble of artists spend the Christmas season with us.”

Audiences of Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas concerts have come to expect a show-stealing solo from Tabernacle organist Richard Elliott. This concert’s arrangement cleverly combined “Joy to the World,” “For unto Us a Child Is Born,” “Hallelujah” and Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” in a spectacular performance featuring Elliott’s unbelievable pedal work.

PBS will air a shortened version of this special during the holiday season, but the DVD is the only opportunity for fans to see the entire performance, including many behind the scenes features.

“This inspiring performance is the perfect way to usher in the Christmas season,” said Jarrett. “It brings the viewer closer to the true meaning of Christmas with a Christ-centered focus along with a thrilling display of talent.” 

Hallelujah! CDs and DVDs are available at Deseret Book, iTunes, Amazon, and other retailers.  Links for purchase and digital downloads can be found at the Mormon Tabernacle Choir website. Purchases and downloads are also available from the LDS online store.