In a press release issued Friday, October 5, the Choir announced that after more than 150 years, it is changing its name to better align with its sponsoring organization, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Choir's announcement follows a statement issued by the Church in August 2018 encouraging use of the full name of the Church.

The new name for the Choir preserves the heritage of the Choir's home in the Tabernacle and its location on Temple Square. Ever since 1867, the Tabernacle has been home to the Choir, which is known worldwide for its one-of-a-kind signature sound shaped in part by the venue from which it emanates. Choir members, 360 volunteers united by their shared love of music and their faith in God, serve as musical ambassadors for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In announcing the new name for the Choir, Ron Jarrett, president of the iconic music organization said, "A new name for The Tabernacle Choir will represent a change after so many years. But we have always been a forward-looking people, and we are focused on what is not changing: the world-class musicianship, the inspiring arrangements and programming, and our weekly Music & the Spoken Word broadcast continuing a tradition begun 90 years ago! The name may change, but everything that people know and love about the Choir will not only be the same but will get better and better."

The Choir's new name will honor the heritage of its home in the Tabernacle and preserve its legacy on Temple Square

From the earliest days, members of the Church used singing as a means of drawing closer to the Lord. In 1847, just three weeks after arriving in the Salt Lake Valley, a small choir was organized to sing for the first conference of the Church in their new settlement. In 1849, John Parry was called to formally organize a choir for conferences. This choir first made its home on Temple Square in an outdoor bowery and then in the small adobe tabernacle that replaced it. On October 6, 1867, the first conference meetings were held in the new larger Tabernacle, with its magnificent organ, and the Tabernacle Choir found its permanent home on Temple Square.

The Choir will continue to be heard by millions worldwide through television, radio, satellite and internet broadcasts, concert tours, and recordings

The Choir's mission continues unchanged: to provide music for listeners of all generations around the world–music that will have power to uplift and inspire.

The Choir's weekly Music & the Spoken Word program will continue its established, unparalleled record of continuous network broadcasting

Heard each week since 1929, the program, now in its 90th year of weekly broadcast, is offered as a public service to broadcasters. The nondenominational program features musical selections by the Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square, accompanied by the magnificent Tabernacle organ, with a short inspirational message each week. Originating from the venerable Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, the broadcast is carried on radio, television, and cable networks across the country and around the world and is available live on the Choir's YouTube channel.

"Among the many reasons why Music & the Spoken Word continues to be relevant worldwide," Mack Wilberg, music director of the Choir, remarked, "is because it conveys hope, joy, and comfort through inspirational music and messages. Each broadcast, the Choir and Orchestra stand on the shoulders of the many who came before them to bring audiences the highest quality of music and inspiration."