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Tony Award-winning actress Ruthie Ann Miles and actor Dennis Haysbert are the featured artists for The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square’s 2024 Christmas concert. The performances are taking place at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, with Haysbert narrating this year’s program.
The first public performance occurred on Thursday, December 19, 2024. Additional shows were scheduled for Friday, December 20, and Saturday, December 21.
"This performance is the Christmas spirit on a monumental scale," said Choir President Michael O. Leavitt.
Miles expressed her excitement about performing with the choir: "I have listened to the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra for a very long time. I could never have imagined that one day I might be on the stage and performing with them."
Haysbert shared his thoughts on the venue: "As vast as this place is, it is so intimate. It kind of hugs you."
Under the direction of Mack Wilberg and Ryan Murphy, Miles and Haysbert celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with a live audience during this annual event. The Conference Center will host up to 21,000 people each night.
The Orchestra and Bells at Temple Square also accompany the Choir. The concert opens with two French carols: “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and “Twas Midnight in the Stable.” Miles joins in singing traditional carols such as “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” along with songs from "The Polar Express."
Organist Richard Elliott performs an arrangement of “When You Hear the Pipe and Drum,” while Haysbert tells Dr. Charles Mulli's story from Kenya. He also narrates Luke 2's Christmas story from the New Testament.
The concluding song is “Angels from the Realms of Glory,” arranged by Mack Wilberg. "It’s truly a gift to the community and then a gift to the world when it’s then broadcast throughout the world," he said.
Tickets for these free performances have been distributed; however, standby lines form before concert time at 8 p.m. No tickets are needed for Sunday’s “Music and the Spoken Word” broadcast featuring Miles and Haysbert.
Ruthie Ann Miles is known for her Broadway roles including Margaret Johnson in “The Light in the Piazza.” Dennis Haysbert gained fame through his role as President David Palmer on television series “24.”
The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square consists of volunteers who create their signature sound alongside The Orchestra and Bells at Temple Square.
For more information, visit their website.
