It's a matter of.....The Mormon Tabernacle Christmas Concert

It all begins with a ticket! Our family was fortunate enough to be selected from the random selection process that is in place to get tickets. We went last evening, but have attended these events during Christmas' past. Until they began this new random process, we were fortunate enough to see this world-class performance for several years in a row. However, since we have not had the opportunity for several years, it was very sweet to return again.

There was a packed house! Everyone was anticipating a wonderful concert.



We were all assisted to our seats by wonderful volunteers who made several trips up and down the stairs....even after the concert began.

The program was beautifully done and listed a great deal about the guest performers, but sadly, there were many other performers (choir included) who were not credited in the program. There were talented children and adult performers, and the Bell Choir was also featured.

The stage was beautifully decorated and the lighting was well done. When Lloyd Newell opened the program, he informed the audience that this not only was a "Dress rehearsal", but also that the program was being recorded. So, when it comes out next year....maybe I can get out my magnifying glass and see myself!

Finally, the concert began, and Natalie Cole and David McCullough were wonderful. The Choir was unmatched as always, and the music was spectacular. Just a little teaser, we were also treated to a fabulous Organ solo that was very.....let's say....unexpected, but clearly a crowd favorite. The music offered essentially gave notice that the Christmas season has officially been ushered in.

Christmas Gift!

Register to Get Tickets for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert...

If you are thinking "Christmas...already?", I'm sure you are not alone. It is just after midnight, and I just registered for tickets for the "The Wondrous Gift of Christmas" event presented by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square. Registration for tickets began just a few minutes ago, and thus....here I am. It was easy, but the system was slow. I guess many other people had the same idea I did and were registering for the random drawing at the earliest possible moment.

This is so different from a few years ago. I recall one year all of my colleagues at work were all dialing from their office phones, and several of us were also doing the same thing with cell phones at the same time attempting to get tickets. One of us was fortunate enough to get through and we passed the phone around allowing everyone to register for tickets.

Well, there is such a demand, that a random selection process is now used......which makes sense as this free concert is performed by a world-class choir and orchestra. I am hopeful that we can get the tickets. Having been at these performances before......they were well worth the trip and the few complaints about having to wear church clothes on a weekday (made by my lovely children). If you would like to try for tickets, please see the information taken from http://www.lds.org/events/info/0,8197,726-1-740,00.html (Look in the upper right hand corner and clinic on the icon to register for tickets)

Celebrate the holiday season with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square in The Wondrous Gift of Christmas, conducted by Mack Wilberg. The concert will feature Grammy Award winner Natalie Cole and author David McCullough.

Dates and Location Preview Performance,
Thursday, December 10, 2009, 8:00 p.m. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Concert, Friday, December 11, 2009, 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.Concert, Saturday, December 12, 2009, 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.Music and the Spoken Word, Sunday, December 13, 2009, 9:30 a.m. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. Conference Center
Auditorium

Tickets

Free tickets for the concerts and the Music and the Spoken Word broadcast are required. Due to the very high demand for tickets to these events in past years, tickets will now be distributed through a random selection process. Patrons may register on the Internet at ww.lds.org/events for the opportunity to receive tickets. The registration period will be from Saturday, October 17, 2009, at 12:01 .m. through Monday, October 26, 2009, at 11:59 p.m. Those without Internet access can register over the phone at (801) 570-0080 or outside Salt Lake City at 1-866-LDS-TIKS during regular business hours (M-F, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 .m.). All registrations received during the registration period will have equal chances at receiving tickets in the random selection process. Not all registrations will be selected to receive tickets.

Only one registration per household can be accepted. The maximum number of tickets requested per household is limited to four (4). Patrons not selected to receive tickets will be notified by e-mail. Patrons who are selected will receive their tickets in the mail.