It was like stepping back in time—history came to life as the buses pulled into Vienna—the City of Music, as it is known. Musikverein, also known as the “Great Hall,” is one of the first-rate concert halls in the world. At 161 feet long and 62 feet wide, it is smaller than the Salt Lake Tabernacle but similar in having a long design and natural acoustics. Musikverein was inaugurated on January 6, 1870, and has been the home of famous conductors, including Johannes Brahms and Gustav Mahler.  

Vienna was the third stop on a 20-day European tour—the first European tour in almost 20 years. It was the first time since 1991 that the Choir has been to Vienna. The large 360-member Choir couldn’t all fit on the stage, causing the need to have some of the Choir stand in front of a portion of the organ, while others were situated on the balcony. The end result of the concert was nothing short of beautiful, and the audience agreed, standing in applause to recognize the hard work of their favorite American Choir and Orchestra.

Vienna concert soundcheck

Considering the concert fell on a Sunday, proceeds were donated to charity. Toward the end of the concert, announcer Lloyd Newell said, “All of the proceeds from this evening’s concert, along with a generous donation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ humanitarian fund, are being donated to Caritas Austria. This is for Caritas projects for local citizens as well as for refugee projects.” After he added, “Tonight’s donation is an example of how musicians and patrons of the arts can join together in worthy causes to help those in need,” the audience applauded gratefully.

Watch a tour favorite, “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.”