Your First Visit to Hear the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square - What to Expect
Experience the inspiring Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square—featured on our Salt Lake City bus and choir tours for visitors seeking the best of Utah culture, history, and music.
Your First Visit to the Tabernacle Choir: What to Expect
Experience Utah's Most Famous Musical Tradition
Located in downtown Salt Lake City, the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square stands as an enduring icon of Utah’s heritage, music, and inspiration. With a legacy spanning more than 175 years and nearly 5,000 weekly broadcasts, this renowned choir transforms every Sunday into an unforgettable celebration of harmony and hope. No matter your background, a visit to hear the Tabernacle Choir is a must for any Salt Lake City itinerary.
The best way to experience this musical event is on a guided Salt Lake City Bus Tour—your ticket to priority seating and exclusive local insights.
The Storied History of the Tabernacle Choir
The Tabernacle Choir began humbly in 1847, weeks after pioneer settlers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley. Their first performance took place at an outdoor church meeting, with just a few voices and simple accompaniment. Over the decades, the choir grew to become “America’s Choir,” uplifting presidents, dignitaries, and global audiences.
Key milestones include:
- The choir’s first radio broadcast, July 15, 1929—an unbroken tradition known as Music and the Spoken Word that continues today.
- Their first recording in 1910, with more than 130 albums released since.
- Performances for U.S. Presidents, World’s Fairs, the American Bicentennial, and the 2002 Olympic Games.
- A 360-member ensemble who are all volunteers, between ages 25-60.
Our Guided Tabernacle Choir Bus Tour brings you closer to this living legend with guaranteed priority seating and expert local narration.
Fun Facts & Historic Moments
- Holds the Guinness World Record for longest-running network broadcast via Music and the Spoken Word.
- Won a Grammy Award for “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
- Performed in 28 countries, 13 World’s Fairs, and 10 presidential inaugurations.
- Their video performance of “Come, Thou Fount” surpassed 10 million views on YouTube.
- Every member is an LDS Church member living within 100 miles of Salt Lake City and passing a rigorous audition.
- Regularly collaborates with renowned soloists and orchestras; commissions new arrangements each year.
- Annual Christmas shows in the Conference Center seat over 21,000 guests per night.
- Choir membership retires at age 60 or after 20 years for fresh opportunities.
Did you know? Children under 8 years are seated in a separate, soundproof viewing room—allowing families and all guests a distraction-free concert experience.
Our guided Tabernacle Choir tour explains all visitor policies and ensures that every guest enjoys the magic of Temple Square.
The Salt Lake Tabernacle: Utah’s Acoustic Wonder
Completed in 1867, the Salt Lake Tabernacle is famed for its oval domed roof, superb acoustics, and massive pipe organ. Built using local timber and pioneer ingenuity, the Tabernacle became the heart of Salt Lake’s religious and cultural gatherings.
Highlights:
- Seating for over 3,500 guests, with comfort upgrades in 2007.
- Home to the enormous Tabernacle Organ with 11,623 pipes.
- Host to historic meetings and concerts since 1867, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Known for “pin drop” acoustics—try it for yourself on our bus tour!
The Conference Center: Utah’s Modern Gathering Space
Completed in 2000, the Conference Center seats over 21,000—with unobstructed views and flawless acoustics. Its rooftop gardens and waterfall offer stunning city views, and the auditorium hosts world-renowned Tabernacle Choir concerts, major cultural events, and global conferences.
Want to see both venues? Our Tabernacle Choir guided bus tour covers every highlight—making sure you won’t miss a thing.
Visitor Tips & Guidelines
- No formal dress code—come as you are. Attire ranges from business casual to everyday wear.
- Admission is free for weekly broadcasts and rehearsals. Arrive early for seating and enjoy the tranquil Temple Square surroundings.
- Friendly volunteers greet guests and help families find the soundproof children’s room.
- Photography is permitted before and after concerts and during Thursday rehearsals, although not during the live Sunday broadcast.
- Book your guided tour for priority seating and access! Reserve directly at SaltLakeCityTours.org.
Want to Join the Choir?
Applicants must be LDS Church members—aged 25-60, living within 100 miles—who pass musical assessments and interviews. Members dedicate themselves to weekly rehearsals, Sunday performances, and special projects. Wardrobe is managed by a dedicated team, keeping costumes unified and visually stunning.
Discover the dedication, tradition, and artistry up close—our guided tour is the perfect way to appreciate the choir’s history and local legacy.
Book Your Tabernacle Choir & Guided Bus Tour Now
Or visit our homepage: SaltLakeCityTours.org
Contact & Tour Info
- Website: www.saltlakecitytours.org
- Email: info@saltlakecitytours.org
- Phone: 801-364-3333