Tabernacle Choir Records Tapes

Adding to its long list of honors and services, the Tabernacle Choir has been asked to make a video and an audio tape for two special occasions.

A television program featuring the Choir was broadcast in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, and Panama December 9, commemorating the 150th anniversary of their national independence. The Choir has also been asked to tape “I Love America” by Jean Boyce for the annual Boy Scouts of America Congressional Breakfast to be held February 26.

For the first program the Choir sang “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “Estralita” (in Spanish), and the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s “Messiah.” Utah Governor Calvin L. Rampton, chairman of the National Board of Governors, also delivered a message expressing Utah’s unity with the South American people.

“We in Utah have much in common with you people of the six nations celebrating that great milestone in the history of freedom,” he said, citing the struggles of early Utah pioneers. The South American nations declared independence when Simon Bolivar and his army won their major battle in 1824.

“Through this Choir, we speak with our hearts to you people on your special day. We rejoice with you in your victories for liberty in the past. We extend to you the hand of brotherhood in our wish for your continued growth and prosperity,” he continued.

The recording for the Congressional breakfast includes a short introduction by Spencer J. Kinard, and copies of the recording were given to each state for use in their Report to Governors programs.