Tabernacle Choir’s Historic Concert in Peru Marks Cultural Milestone
The Tabernacle Choir’s first concert in Peru took place on February 19, 2025, featuring over 400 attendees, including interfaith leaders and dignitaries. This event is part of their “Songs of Hope” world tour, celebrating 100 years of the Church in South America. Highlights include the acceptance of an honor for their contribution to sacred music and meaningful dialogues about community and faith.
The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square held their inaugural concert in Peru on February 19, 2025, at the Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center, attended by over 400 interfaith leaders and dignitaries. This performance marks the fourth stop on their “Songs of Hope” world tour, following concerts in Mexico, the Philippines, and the Southeastern United States.
The concert is part of a celebration honoring 100 years of the Church in South America, with upcoming events planned for Argentina in August 2025 and Brazil in February 2026. Brigitte Contreras, a Peruvian member of the church, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I know that this is a blessing from the Lord that He’s bringing [the Choir] to our country to get to see them and listen to them in person.”
Choir member Missy Omer noted the immediate love felt from the Peruvian audience. Elder Ulisses Soares from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles described the concert as “a beautiful experience,” highlighting the Choir’s effort to engage with local culture through music and artists. Choir President Michael O. Leavitt emphasized their mission to testify of Jesus Christ through sacred music, stating, “There’s no better way to do that than through sacred music.”
During their visit, the Choir received an award at the Legislative Palace in Lima, recognizing their contributions to sacred music and cultural representation. President Leavitt pointed out the significance of this acknowledgment, noting the 700,000 Latino members in Peru and the Church’s growing impact. Elder Soares remarked on the Choir’s role in opening doors to deeper connections with the community.
Senator Mitt Romney highlighted the importance of the Choir’s visit in enhancing government relationships and public understanding of the Church’s beneficial role in Peru. The event also featured an interfaith gathering that reinforced the call for peacemaking within communities.
Conversations centered around family values, with Senate discussions emphasizing strong marriages as blessings for children and society. The Archbishop of Arequipa, Monseñor Javier Del Rio Alba, reiterated the Church’s humanitarian efforts and the shared spirituality connecting everyone. The Choir and Orchestra are scheduled to perform again at the National Stadium on Saturday evening, further extending their outreach and cultural engagement in the region.
The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra’s debut performance in Peru emphasizes their commitment to music, culture, and community engagement. Their concert is part of a significant celebration of the Church’s centennial in South America. Attending dignitaries and local leaders acknowledged the Choir’s role in fostering relationships and promoting peace, while the upcoming performances aim to deepen this impact further. Overall, their mission of testifying of Jesus Christ through sacred music aligns closely with the local spiritual and cultural narratives, drawing strong attendance and forming meaningful connections.
Original Source: newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org
