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The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square performed in Peru for the first time on February 19, 2025. The concert took place at the Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center and was attended by over 400 interfaith leaders, government officials, and dignitaries.
This performance is part of the "Songs of Hope" world tour, which has previously visited Mexico, the Philippines, and the Southeastern United States. The visit to Peru coincides with the celebration of 100 years of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in South America. Future celebrations are planned in Argentina in August 2025 and Brazil in February 2026.
Brigitte Contreras, a Peruvian Latter-day Saint who welcomed the Choir at Jorge Chávez International Airport, expressed her gratitude: “I know that this is a blessing from the Lord that He’s bringing [the Choir] to our country to get to see them and listen to them in person.”
Choir member Missy Omer commented on their reception: “We just felt this love immediately from them. It is amazing to feel the love from people all the way here in Peru. It was wonderful.”
Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles praised Wednesday's concert: “It was a beautiful experience... I saw how much [the Choir tries] to connect with local culture, bringing local music and local artists to be part of the concert. It was a sweet experience.”
Michael O. Leavitt, President of The Tabernacle Choir, highlighted its significance: “Our primary purpose is to testify of Jesus Christ... There’s no better way to do that than through sacred music.” This event marks not only their first performance in Peru but also their debut performing in a large arena and streaming simultaneously across four countries.
During their visit, they received recognition at Lima's Legislative Palace. Eduardo Salhuana presented Michael O. Leavitt with an award acknowledging their contribution as cultural ambassadors through sacred music.
“In the big picture, the Church has not been [in Peru] that long,” said President Leavitt. “But there are 700,000 members... [this award is] an acknowledgment of the impact."
Elder Soares added: “[We are engaging with] all people who have never had opportunity... The Choir gives us opportunity... develop more meaningful relationships."
Among those attending were former U.S. Senator Mitt Romney along with Elders Jorge T. Becerra, Rafael E. Pino, and Juan Pablo Villar from South America Northwest Area Presidency.
Senator Romney noted: "The Choir coming here... helps those leaders get some perspective on what Church is here." He emphasized building temples requires government support due to nearly 700K church members in Peru.
Before performing again Saturday evening at National Stadiums’ interfaith event held earlier week; Elder Soares reiterated President Nelson’s call for peacemakers stating role promoting peace among faith communities during chapel meeting Limatambo district alongside other religious figures such as Archbishop Javier Del Rio Alba advocating unity under divine creation shared humanity fostering societal good deeds via divine presence community efforts involving humanitarian work partnerships established between churches throughout years past encounters including notable visits Apostolic Quorums like Elder Dale G Renlund back year twenty-sixteen
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