The Orchestra at Temple Square Celebrates 25 Years of Music

Since its inception in 1999, the Orchestra at Temple Square has been a beacon of musical brilliance, resonating through the historic walls of the Tabernacle and touching hearts worldwide. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Orchestra, a milestone celebrated with commemorative performances on Friday, October 25 and Saturday, October 26, 2024, that highlight the group’s enduring legacy.

Taking a moment during the concert, Tabernacle Choir Music Director Mack Wilberg, who oversees the Orchestra, said, "We express our profound love, admiration and appreciation for all that they have done for the past 25 years."  

Harpist Julie Keyes, one of 32 of the Orchestra’s members who has been there from the beginning concert (October 29, 1999), has treasured every moment.

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“I think the most memorable experiences are with the audience, with the people showing how much they love and appreciate what we’re doing for them,” Keyes said.

Orchestra member Bill Holman agrees. He pointed to recent stops on the Choir and Orchestra’s “Songs of Hope” world tour.

“My favorite experiences are traveling the world and playing in the world’s best concert halls,” said Holman, who was first introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through a “Music and the Spoken Word” broadcast. “Watching the people’s reactions to the music in places like Mexico City and the Philippines has been very special. They were so honored and touched because they had waited so long to hear us live.”

Director Wilberg said its impact on the Choir has been powerful. The orchestra added a new and significant dimension in sound and repertoire to the Choir’s broadcasts, concerts and performances.

“[When] the Orchestra was established in 1999, [it was] hard to imagine at that time how the Orchestra would in some ways reinvent the Choir,” he said. “And since that time, the Choir has been able to do things that we never dreamed possible, even 25 years ago.”

As with the Tabernacle Choir, all 200 Orchestra members are volunteers. Each is a musical missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ.

“I remember when I was thinking about auditioning,” Keyes said. “My dad was really excited about this. [He said] ‘You’ve got to play with this Orchestra.’ And I said, ‘But why would I want to do that? I’m not going to get paid.’ I think that is what has been one of the most rewarding experiences of playing with the Orchestra.”

“They are here because they love music and they love God and they love serving,” added Associate Music Director Ryan Murphy. “It’s just a wonderful, joyous atmosphere to be involved in. And they are just top-notch musicians and top-notch people.”