The time has finally come! The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square will be going on an international tour for the first time in 18 years as they visit eight European cities over 20 days from Monday, June 27, through Saturday, July 16, 2016. The Choir and Orchestra will kick off the tour with performances in Berlin and Nuremberg, Germany, before heading to Vienna, Austria, and Zurich, Switzerland. They will then head back to Germany for a concert in Frankfurt, followed by concerts in Brussels, Belgium, and Rotterdam, Netherlands, before concluding the tour in Paris, France. Venue and ticket information will be announced at a later date.

The Choir’s president Ron Jarrett said: “Through social media we have been able to reach audiences far and wide. Now with this tour, we are thrilled that for the first time in nearly two decades, international audiences will be able to enjoy the music of the Choir in person.” This tour will mark the sixth time the Choir has traveled to Europe since its first grand European tour in 1955, which lasted a whopping seven weeks.

Thomas S. Monson, leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said: “I am pleased that as President of the Church I have the privilege of being the adviser to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Our goal is for the Choir and its companion Orchestra at Temple Square to be a shining example of the musical arts to all the world. With the announcement of this European tour, I am delighted that these noted ensembles will have the opportunity to touch the hearts of people in multiple nations through their magnificent music. This tour will be an important step forward as the Choir and Orchestra continue to build bridges of friendship and understanding across the globe as ambassadors of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”

Watch the Choir's reaction to the tour announcement:

Watch the interview announcement from the Choir's president and the 2016 tour preview: