Mormons Celebrate Easter with World's First Virtual "Hallelujah" Chorus

This Easter season, 2,500 voices from around the world joined the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in singing the world's first virtual "Hallelujah" chorus."

The Choir solicited submissions from musicians, singers, choirs, and others around the globe before virtually compiling them with the Choir's recording of the "Hallelujah" chorus from Handel's Messiah. Submissions came from far and wide, from Romania to Honduras, Russia to Germany, and England to the pacific island Kiribati.

Our goal for this virtual choir was to bring together voices from all over the world and demonstrate the power music has to cross cultural and generational boundaries," said Scott Barrick, general manager for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Although the "Hallelujah" chorus is often associated with Christmas, it actually celebrates Christ's resurrection.

"The 'Hallelujah' chorus is iconic," said Barrick, "and we are elated that so many people wanted to join us for this amazing experience to rejoice in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ."

For those who did not have the opportunity to participate in the virtual chorus, there is still an opportunity to join in song with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square. On Good Friday, March 25, the Choir and Orchestra will live stream their performance of Handel's beloved Messiah oratorio from Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Whether joining from the comfort of their own homes or at organized community events, people can enjoy the concert at mormontabernaclechoir.org/messiah.

The virtual choir and Messiah sing are both part of a greater Easter movement called #Hallelujah, which focuses on the joy that comes through the love, life and resurrection of the Savior Jesus Christ. Learn more at easter.mormon.org.