Classicalmusic.com (the official website of internationally-known BBC Music Magazine) recently named The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square as “one of the ten best choirs in the world.”

The review notes that the choirs chosen for the list “range dramatically in size, nationality, and longevity” -- and that “what they have in common is they are uncommonly good” as well as the fact that “all of them perform regularly, tour, and record their music.”

Formerly known as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Utah organization of 360 members was formed in the pioneer days of 1847. In more recent years, the Choir was chosen to perform at several U.S. presidential inaugurations including those of Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, and Donald Trump. Since 1929, the Choir has provided the weekly Music & the Spoken Word--one of the longest-running continuous radio network broadcasts in the world.

Former residents of Pocatello currently in the Choir are Darin Underwood and his wife, Kim and Jeremy Hawkes. Members must live within 100 miles of the Tabernacle to qualify for membership.

Auditions are conducted once each year in four phases. Phase 1 consists of submitting a completed electronic application, which includes a digital photo and a digital voice recording. Phase 2 is a two and a half hour musical skills written and aural assessment that measures musical ability and aptitude. Applicants with acceptable test scores (usually 80 percent or better) then advance to the next phase. Phase 3 is an in-person audition before the Choir’s music director and associate music director, which includes solo singing, vocal range testing, and sight reading. Phase 4 consists of participation in Choir School and the Chorale at Temple Square. The 16-week course of training takes place each Tuesday and Thursday night and applicants commit to 100 percent attendance over the four-month period. Following successful completion of a concert by the Chorale at Temple Square and passing the Choir School final exam, participants will become official members of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. Two of the “Tab’s” newest inductees—currently participating in Phase 4—are former Pocatellians Brady Belnap and Robb Hoch.

With their stunning voices and their shared faith in God, the members of the Tabernacle Choir are a significant presence in the world of music, giving service through song. The Choir is dedicated to the universal language of music that has the power to bring joy, peace, and healing to its listeners. It is a unique organization that transcends cultural and generational boundaries and brings together people from around the world through stirring music.

In addition to the Tabernacle Choir, the other nine choirs mentioned in the review (in alphabetical order) are:

Esconlania de Monteserrat, Barcelona Spain (all boys choir of about 50 members)

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir (founded in 1981)

Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, England (traces back to 1441)

Mississippi Mass Choir (one of the two American choirs on the list)

St Paul’s Cathedral Choir, England (performed for the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana in 1981)

The Sixteen, England (known for their mastery of Renaissance repertoire)

Tallis Scholars, England (focuses on study and performance of a Renaissance repertoire)

Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge, England (repertoire ranging from Handel to Howells)

Vox Luminis (Belgian choir which originated in the 16th century)