Beginning April 10, 2020, a performance of Handel’s Messiah by The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square, originally recorded in 2018, will be streamed and available on-demand around the world. The Choir and Orchestra extend an invitation to everyone this Easter to draw closer to Jesus Christ through music by experiencing the world’s most beloved oratorio which tells the story of His birth, life, and resurrection.

“During these uncertain times, we feel music can bring comfort and peace,” said Choir president Ron Jarrett. “We hope members of all faiths join with us by means of this internet stream to celebrate the Savior this Easter with Handel’s classic Messiah. Whether they join in singing with the Choir and Orchestra or just enjoy the music, they can feel united in a worldwide celebration.”

Special YouTube and Facebook Channel Experience Available

During the stream of Messiah on April 10 at 7:00 p.m., the Choir’s YouTube and Facebook Channels will feature noted music historian Dr. Luke Howard responding online to questions and comments from the audience about Messiah. Dr. Howard received his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in 1997 and has been an associate professor of music history at Brigham Young University’s School of Music since 2002. Dr. Howard has been a member of The Tabernacle Choir since 2007. Join in the conversation by watching the stream on the Choir’s YouTube channel or Facebook page.

How To View

• Stream Messiah, April 10, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. (MDT) 
  Starting at 7:00 p.m. (MDT) Messiah will be streamed on a variety of websites and social channels including ChurchofJesusChrist.org and TheTabernacleChoir.org to enable individuals and families to celebrate Easter at home—especially if church services aren’t available due to current conditions. 

• Enjoy Messiah On-Demand, beginning April 10 at approximately 11:00 p.m. (MDT)
  At the end of the stream (approximately 11 p.m. MDT), the full Messiah oratorio will be available to watch whenever convenient at TabChoir.org/messiah and YouTube.com/TheTabernacleChoir. The oratorio lasts approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes including two short 5-minute intermissions. The on-demand archive will be available at these locations indefinitely.

• Watch the BYUtv Messiah Broadcast On Air or On-Demand
  BYUtv, the family cable station, will broadcast the 2018 Messiah performance on Easter Sunday, April 12 at 2 p.m.(mountain) on TV, at byutv.org, and on the BYUtv app. The performance will be available for on-demand viewing on byutv.org for two weeks.

Background Resources Available

The Tabernacle Choir website (tabchoir.org/messiah) contains rich background information sources about Handel, the writing of Messiah, talks about Messiah by leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and more. These resources can be used for lessons with families prior to or after listening to the stream at home, particularly on Easter Sunday. Some of these resources are also available in French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish. 

Live Messiah Tradition Anticipated to Resume in 2021

The live 2020 concert event scheduled in the Salt Lake Tabernacle was cancelled due to the COVID-19 virus. It is anticipated that the biennial tradition of Handel’s Messiah performances by the Choir and Orchestra will resume at Eastertime in 2021.