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The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square concluded their concert in Peru on February 22, 2025. The event took place at the National Stadium in Lima, drawing over 33,000 attendees who listened to songs of faith and praise. This performance marked the fourth stop on the Choir's "Songs of Hope" world tour, following previous concerts in Mexico, the Philippines, and the Southeastern United States.
The visit to Peru was part of a larger celebration marking the 100th anniversary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in South America. The Choir plans further performances in Argentina later this year and Brazil in 2026.
Elder Ulisses Soares from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles remarked on the significance of this occasion: “We are all celebrating a special moment of our history when this land was dedicated for the preaching of the gospel.” He added that it would be a unifying celebration across South America.
The concert featured guest artists such as Adassa, Alex Melecio, Mauricio Mesones, and Fonseca. Additionally, three local participants joined through the Global Participant Program: Yanina Murga from Ecuador, Marcelo Maldonado from Bolivia, and Axa Dennise Zárate from Peru. Murga commented on her experience: “The Tabernacle Choir is a choir of the world.”
Attendees included individuals who traveled long distances to witness the performance. Edith Sáenz from Bolivia expressed her privilege at attending: “I feel privileged to be here and see the Choir live.” Oscar Ramirez from Iquitos shared his journey’s significance by comparing it to his first temple trip years ago.
This concert was notable for being held in an arena as large as Peru's National Stadium for the first time. It was also streamed simultaneously to audiences in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Elder Jorge T. Becerra noted that preparations had been underway for months: “Members have been ramping up for months now to get their friends and to create this celebration.” Elder Soares emphasized that their primary purpose is to testify about Jesus Christ through music.
Marie Montoya attended with her family seeking a spiritual experience: “We were just looking for a spiritual experience for our family." Her husband Javier Montoya echoed these sentiments about its impact.
Orchestra violinist Abby Beattie reflected on her experiences during their stay: “It’s been a once-in-a-lifetime experience...to play their music."
Elder Soares described his feelings about this week-long engagement with words like unity and hopefulness; he found it unforgettable both personally meaningful throughout life ahead too!
On February 20th prior meeting occurred between church leaders including Elder Soares alongside former U.S Senator Mitt Romney among others visiting President Dina Boluarte discussing various topics such as religious freedom & humanitarian efforts globally while sharing mutual respect shown towards each other’s work done so far according statements made afterwards regarding same!
In addition receiving award Legislative Palace recognition Friday followed musical interactions involving Mack Wilberg director Tabernacle connecting locally inspired musicians showcasing talents seen via Voces del Sol Youth Choir under guidance Claudia Rheineck performing before them praising accomplishments achieved within community level arts scene today acknowledged internationally renowned figures present thereupon...
Wilberg engaged directly answering questions posed during separate session hosted stadium setting offering insights future aspirations aspiring composers gathered eagerly listening absorbing wisdom imparted thereby enhancing knowledge gained therein forevermore cherished deeply valued memories lasting lifetime ahead surely remain indelibly etched hearts minds everyone involved alike always remembered fondly treasured dearly beyond measure!
