SALT LAKE CITY — Vocalist and actress Angela Lansbury, renowned star of film,
television and stage, joins the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in its annual public
Christmas concerts beginning tonight in the Conference Center near Temple
Square. The program features 20 numbers including traditional Christmas hymns
and classical compositions by Handel and Bach, plus contemporary songs written
by John Rutter and Victor Herbert.
Ms. Lansbury adds her own flair with numbers from her stage repertoire such
as "We Need a Little Christmas" from Mame, and the title song
from Beauty and the Beast. Ms. Lansbury is most recently known for her
12-year role as Jessica Fletcher in the TV series Murder, She Wrote. She
is the winner of 12 Emmy Awards and four Tony Awards, and was nominated three
times for an Academy Award.
Ms. Lansbury says working with the Tabernacle Choir as a "backup"
to her solo numbers made her a little nervous. "I felt I was working with a
group of people who are so wonderfully integrated among themselves to produce
wonderful sound, music, and singing — their voices are so pure, so pure."
The Orchestra at Temple Square joins the choir and Ms. Lansbury. All three
conductors of the choir, Craig Jessop, Mack Wilberg and Barlow Bradford share
directing responsibilities. John Longhurst and Clay Christiansen take turns at
the organ. Ms. Lansbury’s accompanist is Todd Schroeder.
While reserved tickets for the free performances were all distributed some
weeks ago, most people waiting in standby lines at the Conference Center are
expected to be admitted. The 7:30 p.m. concert will be repeated tomorrow
evening. Ms. Lansbury will also appear with the choir on the weekly Music and
the Spoken Word broadcast at 9:30 a.m., followed by a brief concert with
additional selections.
