The Tabernacle Choir and Elder Cook Celebrate the Church’s Centennial in South America

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square arrived in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Sunday, August 17, 2025, for the next stop on their “Songs of Hope” world tour.

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Mary, are with the Choir during this stop in Buenos Aires.

Their three concerts in Argentina are part of the 100th anniversary of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ being preached in South America. Members of the Choir are excited to help commemorate this milestone.

“We are here to celebrate the growth of the Church, and [we] know that more growth will continue to happen in the coming years,” said Kristi Burgess, a member of The Tabernacle Choir. “And more than anything, we have the opportunity to share our testimonies of Jesus Christ.”

Downloadable SOTs and B-roll

In addition to Elder and Sister Cook, the following Church leaders and their wives are participating in the week’s events: Elders Joaquin E. Costa (Renee), Alan R. Walker (Ines), and Eduardo Gavarrett (Norma) of the South America South Area Presidency; President Michael O. Leavitt (Jacalyn), L. Whitney Clayton (Kathy), and Gary B. Porter (Debbie) of The Tabernacle Choir Presidency; and Gordon and Sharon Smith of Church Hosting.

These Church leaders were all invited to the Senate building in Buenos Aires, where the Church was presented with a diploma of honor by Senator Carolina Losada on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

This recognition commemorated the 100-year anniversary and the Church’s “invaluable service and contribution to Argentine society, promoting values of faith and community service.”

“We are celebrating 100 years of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Argentina — a Church that has been an example of solidarity and of the values we all should uphold: Love for others, regardless of political views, religion or nationality, is what truly matters,” Sen. Losada said. “I thank you for your interest in our country and your commitment to growing your Church in Argentina.”

Elder Cook was grateful for the senator’s honor. It was 100 years ago that Elder Melvin J. Ballard, an Apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ, came to Buenos Aires and offered a prayer asking God to help the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to be accepted in South America.

The Church’s growth was slow at first, as Elder Ballard prophesied, but it has grown steadily and significantly in recent decades. Today there are more than 2 million members of the Church on the continent.

“[South America] is a powerful force in the Church and a powerful force for good,” said Elder Cook.

Senator Losada mentioned during the presentation how members of the Church try to be good neighbors, a comment Elder Cook was pleased to hear.

“She talked about being good neighbors, and for us, accountability to God means that we will try and be good neighbors. It means we will participate in humanitarian efforts. It means that we will work with others for religious freedom. It means that we will be kind and generous with our neighbors,” said Elder Cook.

Gustavo Guillermé, president of the World Congress for Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue, participated in the senate ceremony and attended the Choir’s first performance in the country.

“I want to congratulate you for being part of a Church that continually works to support others, regardless of their faith,” Guillermé said during the senate ceremony. “I’ve seen firsthand the work they do in Utah when hurricanes strike, when there’s famine. The incredible work they’re doing in Africa, and of course, the work they do here in Argentina.”

Guillermé continued, “In 100 years, they’ve grown tremendously — not just in members but in their outreach across the country. And I believe that has a lot to do with one thing: When leaders live what they preach. That’s where the Church’s great growth comes from. They have leaders I truly admire for the work they do.”

The Choir performed their first concert at the Palacio Libertad, a historic venue in Buenos Aires, on Tuesday, August 19.

Guest artist Raúl Lavié performed with the Choir and sang traditional Argentine songs, to the delight of the audience.

“With the inclusion of the great singer Raúl performing songs from our own culture — it was truly spectacular. I’m still moved, trying to find the words. It’s something of a different nature, honestly, just incredible,” said Richard Crespo, a guest at the concert.

“Honestly, after hearing these hymns, you leave the theater with your spirit changed,” said Guillermé.

Brenda Scazzina, a Latter-day Saint in Argentina, went to the airport to greet the Choir during their arrival and watched the first concert.

“I felt my heart beating the whole time,” said Scazzina. “For me, it was a dream come true. They’ve brought me peace, joy, hope and love. And above all, a desire to follow Jesus Christ.”

The Choir performed songs of praise such as “Three Hallelujahs,” traditional songs from the United States such as “My God Is So High” and “What a Wonderful World,” songs from the Argentine culture such as “Golondrinas” and “The Impossible Dream,” and songs of hope like “The Spirit of God” and “I Believe in Christ.”

“It was deeply moving,” Crespo said. “It felt like there were two pillars — one supporting all the structure and perfection behind the Choir’s work, and the other, something spiritual that’s hard to put into words. But in that moment, when the Choir channels the energy of everything happening, a spiritual experience is created that is truly touching.”

The Choir will perform on Friday and Saturday, August 22 and 23, 2025, at Movistar Arena in Buenos Aires. The Saturday concert will be broadcast throughout South America and the Caribbean and will be available to watch here.