The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square have launched their annual Christmas concerts in Salt Lake City, Utah, this December. This year’s special guests are Broadway stars Stephanie J. Block and her husband Sebastian Arcelus.
On December 11, nearly 19,000 people turned out for the first performance at the Conference Center. The festive atmosphere continues with more shows scheduled for December 12 and 13.
During a press conference, Block and Arcelus expressed their excitement about performing with the iconic Choir at this meaningful time of year. Block noted, “It’s a bit different from other concerts we’ve done, focusing more on Jesus Christ.”
The concert, under the direction of Mack Wilberg, opens with cheerful Christmas songs like “Joy to the World” and features performances by the Bells at Temple Square and the Gabriel Trumpet Ensemble. Block performed beloved carols, including “What Child is This?” and a medley of classics like “My Favorite Things.” She and Arcelus jointly sang “Merry Christmas, Darling,” showcasing their chemistry.
Arcelus brought a Latin flair to the evening, singing several songs in Spanish, such as “Vamos, ya Pastores.” He was joined by South American musicians Julian Mansilla and Leandro Curaba, who have recently appeared with the Choir during a tour in Argentina.
As the evening progressed, the audience enjoyed favorites like “Silent Night.” Richard Elliott offered an arrangement of “Far, Far Away on Judea’s Plains,” adding depth to the program. To further engage the audience, the couple read the Christmas story from the New Testament, and the concert concluded with “Angels from the Realms of Glory,” a highlight over Wilberg’s 25 years with the holiday concert.
Block’s career has seen her shine in roles such as Kate in “Kiss Me, Kate” and the Baker’s Wife in “Into the Woods.” She won the Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in 2019 for her performance in “The Cher Show.” Arcelus, known for his work in “Madam Secretary” and “House of Cards,” has a strong presence both on stage and screen.
While all complimentary tickets for the weekend shows have been distributed, attendees can join a standby line 90 minutes before the shows. Tickets are not necessary for the “Music & the Spoken Word” broadcast on December 14.
Interestingly, according to recent surveys, holiday concerts like this one contribute significantly to community bonding, with many people saying attending creates cherished memories. In an age dominated by digital experiences, such live events remind us of the joy of togetherness.
The Tabernacle Choir, an award-winning ensemble of 360 members, strives to inspire and uplift audiences through its music, deepening connections to spirituality and joy.
For more details, visit the Tabernacle Choir’s official website.
