The choir’s members began to prove they could do that in September, when they restarted rehearsals, at general conference and in live broadcasts, although some choir members later tested positive for COVID-19.
Pull it off, they did.
Leavitt, Hilty, McDonough and Mack Wilberg, the choir’s music director, were all on hand Friday afternoon to discuss the concert with reporters prior to the evening performance.
“It’s not only part of their tradition, but it’s part of the gift we give to the community and the world,” Leavitt said.
“So after general conference, there was a conclusion that we could do this safely — if we were compliant and had the blessings of heaven.
Each night, The Tabernacle Choir, Orchestra, and Bells at Temple Square is performing for a relatively small audience of masked and socially-distanced people, primarily comprised of choir organization members’ families and some leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“Once we had secured our guest artists, we knew where we were headed.
“There is something about standing in this sea of gorgeous voices that are so magnificently trained to sing together in unison.
McDonough, an award-winning actor, has appeared in more than 100 films, including “Captain America” and “Forever Strong.” He portrayed Lt.
McDonough said he is humbled to serve as the concert’s narrator and is impressed with how fast it came together.
“To be able to be the narrator that bridges the Catholic faith and the Mormon faith together and to make us realize that we’re all here as God’s children …
“To understand how much choir members sacrifice,” he said.
“The thing that stands out for me is just a greater appreciation of being able to be together,” he said.