A Christmas Concert Unlike Any Other: An Unforgettable Night with the Tabernacle Choir by Jared Harding Wilson

Today is Tuesday, December 16, and I’m still thinking about last Saturday night, December 13, when my wife and I attended the Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert with two of our best friends — former roommates who feel more like family. From the very beginning, we knew we were in for something special. Sharing an experience like this with people you love adds a depth that makes the music resonate even more.

A Special Invitation: The Lottery and the Audience

One of the first things that makes this concert remarkable is simply getting in. Tickets are free, but they’re only available through a lottery system — you only attend if your name is drawn. When you win, you’re invited to be one of the roughly 21,000 people seated inside the Conference Center in Salt Lake City. Being there that night, surrounded by thousands of others who were just as excited and grateful, made it feel even more special — like we had all won something bigger than a ticket.

A Feast for the Senses: Projections and Performance

As the concert began, I was immediately struck by the new projection technology used throughout the performance. Visuals were projected onto the walls surrounding the stage and even over an enormous sheer curtain placed in front of the choir. Rather than distracting from the music, the imagery immersed the audience more deeply in the story of Christmas. It was a breathtaking addition that made the experience unlike any other live concert I’ve seen.

Musical Highlights That Still Sing in My Mind

Musically, the night was stunning from start to finish. Two elements stood out to me in particular:

🎻 Solo Violin & Bandonéon (Accordion)

This year’s concert featured Leandro Curaba, principal violinist of the Rosario Symphony in Argentina, and Julián Mansilla, an Argentine bandonéonist (accordion player) and arranger from Bahía Blanca, Argentina, both of whom joined the Choir and Orchestra for pieces with rich Latin roots and emotional depth. Curaba and Mansilla have performed together internationally with the Choir and Orchestra on tour, bringing authentic Argentine musical flavors to the stage. 

🎶 Latino Christmas Spirit

The energy and warmth of the Latino Christmas music woven into the concert brought a beautiful joy that lifted the spirit — a perfect contrast to the serenity of more traditional pieces. It was fun for me knowing my wife and I both love the Latino spirit, I having served a 2-year mission in Chile 🇨🇱 and my wife having grown up in Mexico and later served a mission as well in Peru.

The Lead Performers: A First-Ever Husband-and-Wife Broadway Duo

This year was historic: Tony Award–winning Broadway star Stephanie J. Block and her husband, Broadway and television actor Sebastian Arcelus, were the featured guest artists — the first married couple ever to serve in that role for the Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert. Their chemistry onstage was palpable and brought a warmth that enhanced every moment they shared with the choir and orchestra. 

Block is a celebrated Broadway performer with decades of roles under her belt, while Arcelus is known both for his Broadway work and television roles. The two met on tour while performing in Wicked and have since collaborated on numerous projects, including Into the Woods, where they shared the stage again before bringing their talents to this concert. 

They didn’t just perform solo pieces — they sang duets together and brought scenes of the Nativity story to life, adding both dramatic and musical depth to the evening.

From One Musician to Another

As a musician myself — I play trombone, euphonium/baritone, guitar, and ukulele — I can’t help but listen a little differently. Every time I attend this concert, or an orchestra anywhere, I find myself scanning the orchestra to spot the trombone section, listening closely to how they blend, support, and soar with the rest of the ensemble. Basically nerding out. My wife and I also have a good friend who plays violin in the Orchestra at Temple Square, so there’s a personal connection that makes it all the more meaningful.

A Heavy Heart That Left Light

When we arrived that evening, our hearts were a little heavy. Life has a way of doing that sometimes — especially during the holidays. But by the time the final notes rang out and the concert came to a close, something had changed. The music lifted us. It reminded us of hope and helped us leave feeling lighter than when we came. That alone is a testament to the power of music and the spirit it can carry.

Past Performances You Can Watch

Even if you haven’t had the chance to attend a Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert in person, many beloved past performances are easy to watch online via YouTube or PBS— including full concert experiences and memorable highlights. Here are a couple that I especially love:

🎄 John Rhys-Davies as the Ghost of Christmas Present

One classic is from a previous Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert featuring John Rhys-Davies — known for roles like Gimli in The Lord of the Rings and supporting parts in the Indiana Jones films — portraying the Ghost of Christmas Present in A Christmas Carol, telling the story of Charles Dickens. You can find clips and segments on YouTube that showcase his dramatic narration paired with beautiful music.

👉 Watch a highlight here:

⭐ Honorable Mentions

Beyond the unforgettable performance by John Rhys-Davies, a few other past Christmas concert moments stand out. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s “The Christmas Bells,” narrated by Edward K. Herrman (who played Mr. Gilmore from The Gilmore Girls TV show), beautifully captures the journey from sorrow to hope, while Kristin Chenoweth (Wicked and many others) brought her signature Broadway warmth and heartfelt delivery to the music. Another favorite was when David Archuleta sang with the Tabernacle Choir, blending his clear, expressive voice seamlessly with the choir in a truly memorable Christmas performance.

What About You?

I’d love to hear from you! If you’ve ever attended a Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert — or watched one from home — what moments stood out to you?

And if you haven’t yet experienced one, what kinds of Christmas music or traditions help lift your spirits during the season?

Share in the comments below!

Photos by Jared Harding Wilson. All rights reserved.