The first airing of “Music and the Spoken Word” on July 15, 1929, was makeshift at best. 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.” Music director Mack Wilberg said the program’s audience continues to grow: “Among the many reasons ‘Music and the Spoken Word’ continues to be relevant worldwide is it conveys hope, joy, and comfort through inspirational music and messages. The nondenominational program features musical selections by the choir and Orchestra at Temple Square, accompanied by the Tabernacle organ, with a short inspirational message.
Launched in 1929, the landmark “Music and the Spoken Word” program is now in its 90th year of weekly broadcasts, making it the longest-running continuous network broadcast in history. In fact, the Tabernacle building is still used as a recording studio for the choir today. The historic Tabernacle was built during a time with no amplifiers or electronics and was designed so all attendees could hear the speaker’s voice from any seat in the hall. Since 1867, choir members have sung in the Tabernacle, a building known for its one-of-a-kind signature sound. The Tabernacle Choir’s new name preserves the heritage of its home in the historic Tabernacle at Temple Square in Salt Lake City. The choir can also be found on Twitter at said, “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 and the Spoken Word’ broadcast, continuing a tradition begun 90 years ago.” To coincide with the choir’s new name, its website address will be changed to and its Facebook and YouTube pages can now be found at /thetabernaclechoir and /TheTabernacleChoiratTempleSquare.
“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.” “A new name for the Tabernacle Choir will represent a change after so many years,” said Ron Jarrett, president of the choir.