Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square Featured in ‘America’s Soundtrack’

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square is part of “America’s Soundtrack,” a national music collection created to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

The project’s initial release includes a choral rendition of “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” one of the Choir’s most recognized and frequently performed works. The performance is featured alongside “America,” by Gloria and Emilio Estefan, now widely available for the first time, and “American Promise,” a newly commissioned orchestral work by composer Karen LeFrak.

The collection is being organized by America250, the national nonpartisan organization charged by Congress with leading the celebration and commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

“Music unifies us in a way few things can,” said America250 Chair Rosie Rios. “As we engage all 350 million Americans in the 250th anniversary of the United States, ‘America’s Soundtrack’ will give us a powerful way to connect through a shared cultural language — music.”

All three tracks on “America’s Soundtrack” are now streaming on YouTube at youtube.com/america250. More songs from various artists will be added in the coming days.

The Choir has a storied history with “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” In 1959, their performance of the classic hymn earned a Grammy award in the “Best Performance by a Vocal Group or Chorus” category. And the Choir performed the song during its “Songs of Hope” World Tour in venues across the United States and around the world — the southeastern U.S., Mexico, the Philippines and Brazil.

“The music of the Tabernacle Choir inspires feelings of hope and peace,” said Tabernacle Choir President and former Utah Governor Michael O. Leavitt. “Our mission is to help people feel a connection with the divine.”

In addition to this contribution of music, the Church is participating in America250 in other important ways. For example, the faith is donating truckloads of food to 250 food banks across all 50 states in collaboration with JustServe.org — a community service movement, web and app platform, and resource hub.

Also, the Church-sponsored FamilySearch launched FamilySearch America250, a new web page that helps show that every family has contributed to the American story. The resource includes links and invitations to explore the FamilySearch Family Tree, record a story, nominate an American Hero, get help at a FamilySearch center, and find answers to frequently asked questions.