Tabernacle Choir's Broadcast Reaches Millions Across Africa
On Sunday, April 19, 2026, the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square made history by extending their beloved weekly show, 'Music and the Spoken Word', to millions of viewers in 25 countries across Africa. This significant broadcast was live aired through various network television stations, allowing audiences to engage with sacred music and inspirational messages like never before. Choir President Michael O. Leavitt expressed his enthusiasm, stating, 'For nearly 100 years, this program has aired weekly from here in the Tabernacle to the world. Today's broadcast will be seen live in prime time in 25 countries in Africa.'
The live event attracted senior leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including President D. Todd Christofferson and other dignitaries who gathered at the Salt Lake Tabernacle in Utah for this inaugural broadcast to Africa. The historical significance of this date was highlighted by Derrick Porter, the program's executive producer and presenter, who recalled that it was precisely 173 years ago, on April 19, 1853, that the first missionaries of the church landed in Cape Town, South Africa.
Elder Edward Dube of the Presidency of the Seventy emphasized the church’s growth within Africa, noting, 'The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is growing rapidly in Africa because it connects people with Jesus Christ and focuses on eternal families through temple ordinances and covenants.' Currently, approximately one million members of the Latter-day Saints call the African continent home.
Reflecting the cultural importance of music in African tradition, Elder Dube conveyed, 'Music is a way of worship. It is the song of the heart. He loves us. We are His children.' This sentiment resonated throughout the gathering as members of the St. Mary Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and the Parkley's Creek Branch provided musical offerings before and after the special broadcast.
Titled 'The Joy We Share', the special episode aired on various television networks throughout Africa, further affirming the church's commitment to bring joy through Jesus Christ. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in the choir's mission to spread their uplifting message globally. The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, comprising a 360-member all-volunteer choir, is renowned for its long-running broadcast, which has delivered over 5,000 episodes since its inception nearly 97 years ago. Similarly, the Orchestra at Temple Square, a 200-member all-volunteer symphony orchestra, was formed to support the choir's performances.
As the broadcast reached millions of viewers across African nations, it not only conveyed music and faith but also solidified the connection between different cultures through shared messages of hope, love, and eternal families. The vibrant exchange of music and spirituality transcends geographic boundaries, uniting individuals from various backgrounds under a common belief in God’s love.
This historic event underscores the impact of faith-based initiatives in fostering global connections and highlights the potential of music as a bridge between diverse communities. The Tabernacle Choir continues to demonstrate that music, a universal language, resonates deeply within the hearts of people everywhere, creating a shared experience that inspires and uplifts. The broadcast on April 19 serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing mission to connect souls through song, reinforcing the church's commitment to spiritual outreach and community engagement on a global scale.
The live event attracted senior leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including President D. Todd Christofferson and other dignitaries who gathered at the Salt Lake Tabernacle in Utah for this inaugural broadcast to Africa. The historical significance of this date was highlighted by Derrick Porter, the program's executive producer and presenter, who recalled that it was precisely 173 years ago, on April 19, 1853, that the first missionaries of the church landed in Cape Town, South Africa.
Elder Edward Dube of the Presidency of the Seventy emphasized the church’s growth within Africa, noting, 'The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is growing rapidly in Africa because it connects people with Jesus Christ and focuses on eternal families through temple ordinances and covenants.' Currently, approximately one million members of the Latter-day Saints call the African continent home.
Reflecting the cultural importance of music in African tradition, Elder Dube conveyed, 'Music is a way of worship. It is the song of the heart. He loves us. We are His children.' This sentiment resonated throughout the gathering as members of the St. Mary Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and the Parkley's Creek Branch provided musical offerings before and after the special broadcast.
Titled 'The Joy We Share', the special episode aired on various television networks throughout Africa, further affirming the church's commitment to bring joy through Jesus Christ. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in the choir's mission to spread their uplifting message globally. The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, comprising a 360-member all-volunteer choir, is renowned for its long-running broadcast, which has delivered over 5,000 episodes since its inception nearly 97 years ago. Similarly, the Orchestra at Temple Square, a 200-member all-volunteer symphony orchestra, was formed to support the choir's performances.
As the broadcast reached millions of viewers across African nations, it not only conveyed music and faith but also solidified the connection between different cultures through shared messages of hope, love, and eternal families. The vibrant exchange of music and spirituality transcends geographic boundaries, uniting individuals from various backgrounds under a common belief in God’s love.
This historic event underscores the impact of faith-based initiatives in fostering global connections and highlights the potential of music as a bridge between diverse communities. The Tabernacle Choir continues to demonstrate that music, a universal language, resonates deeply within the hearts of people everywhere, creating a shared experience that inspires and uplifts. The broadcast on April 19 serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing mission to connect souls through song, reinforcing the church's commitment to spiritual outreach and community engagement on a global scale.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
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