The Last Time the Choir was in Virginia—This Happened
The state of Virginia is called the “mother of presidents” because of the many U.S. presidents who have been born in the state. Colonial Williamsburg, which was the state capital from 1699 to 1780, is now a major tourist attraction featuring 18th-century buildings and historical reenactments.
For the reenactments, Colonial Williamsburg employees dress and speak as people did in the colonial era, depicting scenes such as the founding of Williamsburg or visits from period leaders. During a reenactment outside the Raleigh Tavern on the 2011 tour, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir had a surprise waiting up its sleeve.
At a certain point in the program (approximately 3:26 into the video), a few members of the Choir started singing “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” followed by more and more Choir members until all were singing in joyful harmony. A few minutes later (approximately 6:37 into the video), the audience was asked to sing “Yankee Doodle,” which the Choir participated in as well. Near the end of the video (8:40), John Bacon, Senior Vice President of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, said, “I invite you all to give yourselves a hand. You have just participated in a live performance with the world-renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir.”
Watch the awe-inspiring video above.