Filed under music …

His Love: Especially For Youth

His Love: Especially For Youth

Each year the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in conjunction with Brigham Young University, offers a week-long summer program for teens ages 14-18 called “Especially For Youth” (“EFY” for short). The first EFY program was held in 1976 in Provo, Utah.

Love Changes Everything

Love Changes Everything

While driving to work, I had a favorite CD playing in my car – a collection of Andrew Lloyd Webber songs. I was preoccupied with the traffic, so the music mainly provided a soothing background. At one point, the lyrics of a particular song caught my attention.  I felt moved by the sentiment of the words: Love, … Continue reading »

Video: Help Haiti – Do Good!

On January 22, 2010 The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued an official statement on Haiti, urging its members to Help. This video features the text of that statement, combined with images from Haiti, and set to the LDS Hymn “Have I Done Any Good?” Continue reading »

The Prayer: A Song To Heaven

When Grammy-award winning songwriter and producer David Foster collaborated with Grammy-award winner Carole Bayer Sager to write “The Prayer”, it was a match made in heaven……..As our hearts are aching for the people of Haiti, and many other sorrows throughout the world, both public and private, I cannot think of a better time to offer up this musical prayer for peace, love, safety and comfort…. Continue reading »

Anthem For A New Year

On January 4, 2008, after four years of extensive renovation, the Utah State Capitol building held a formal Re-dedication ceremony. The ceremony’s 2008 program was based on the program used during the original dedication in 1916.

Included among the many performances was a new musical commission entitled “Anthem for a New Year: Into Light”.

The lyrics were a new poem written by Utah’s Poet Laureate Katharine Coles, PhD, and set to music by Utah composer Kurt Bestor. The premeire was conducted by Craig Jessop, and the extensive cast of local performers included The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Utah Symphony Orchestra, The Bells on Temple Square, the 23rd Army Band, the International Children’s Choir, and the Cathedral of the Madeleine Choir School.

The poem compares the cold dark winter dawning slowly into spring as an allegory for our personal opportunities to change with the season, reach for new possibilities, and become beings of light.

Watch A Video Of This Musical Premiere Continue reading »

The Last Letter Home: A Soldier’s Song

On May 1, 2003 husband, father, son and friend, US Army Pfc. Jesse Givens died in Iraq in the service of his country. He was 34 years old. Givens was parked in an M-1 main battle tank alongside the bank of the Euphrates River in Al Habbaniyah, Iraq. The riverbank gave way, resulting in the tank falling into the river. His comrades tried desperately and unsuccessfully to free him. Ironically, Pfc. Jesse A. Givens drowned in the desert…

Hear the story, and watch the musical performance of his last Letter Home. Continue reading »

O Holy Night – Cantique de Noël

O Holy Night – Cantique de Noël

On Christmas Eve 1906, a 33-year-old university professor, and former chief chemist for Thomas Edison, named Reginald Fessenden did something long thought impossible. Using a new type of generator, Fessenden spoke into a microphone and, for the first time in history, a man’s voice was broadcast over the airwaves…

LEARN THE fascinating history of the beloved Christmas Carol “Cantique de Noël” [O Holy Night]. This post includes a video clip of The Mormon Tabernacle Choir performing Mack Wilberg’s arrangement. Continue reading »

The Shepherd’s Story

The Shepherd’s Story

On the 25th Day of December, MoSop wishes you a Merry Christmas! … as we pause to Celebrate, Rejoice, and Remember.

The night of Jesus’ birth shepherds near Bethlehem were tending their sheep. … This post remembers the shepherds important role, and includes a new MoSop Movie illustrating the song “While Shepherds Lately Knelt” Continue reading »

Messiah: Handel’s Musical Prophecy

“On The 21st Day of Christmas Countdown we contemplate the vision of Handel’s musical gift…combined with Isaiah, a timeless prophesy to uplift!”

Learn more about the Oratorio “Messiah”, and explore the similarities between the Prophet Isaiah, and the Composer Joseph Frideric Handel …
Includes Music Videos: “For Unto Us A Child Is Born” and “Hallelujiah Chorus”. Continue reading »

You Would Have Loved This

On the 16th Day it isn’t always enough … to smile and grin and try to be tough… A post on coping with Grief and Loss at Christmas time.
Today, my message of hope and praise is just a little different from the norm. I wish to acknowledge the suffering that often accompanies this time of year when empty chairs and broken hearts seem especially out of place.

This Post includes an interview with singer-songwriter Cori Connors, and a NEW MoSop Movie Premeire “You Would Have Loved This”, from Cori’s Christmas CD: “Sleepy Little Town”. [watch in HD!] Continue reading »

Heavenly Peace

“On The 11st Day of Christmas, as MoSop’s Countdown posts increase”…

…It’s time for some Heavenly Peace”

[post includes a sing-a-long with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir]
Continue reading »

LDS Christmas Devotional 2009

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holds a Christmas Devotional on the first Sunday of each December. The December 6, 2009 Christmas Devotional is now available … This post provides direct links to view. Enjoy! Continue reading »

A Russian Christmas Miracle

I beleive that when music is performed with the spirit of God, it is the most powerful tool He has on earth in preparing a soul, softening a mind, and touching a heart. This story is a perfect example of how the power of spiritual music made a difference one cold December night in Moscow. Continue reading »

New Words

“On The 6th Day of Christmas, MoSop shares a music treat”…
…The Song “NEW WORDS” performed by Brian Stokes Mitchell (so sweet!) Today’s gift is a new MoSop Movie, featuring one of the songs “Stokes” performed during last year’s Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert in SLC. I feel this particular song captures the true essense of Christmas, and offers . Enjoy!

Continue reading »

Sunshine In My Soul Today

Recently I have been taking nature walks during my lunch hour. Not only has this been refreshing to my mind and body, but also to my soul. I started carrying my camera with me on these afternoon adventures, and ended up with quite a collection of photos! Looking at them has filled me with gratitude for … Continue reading »

More Holiness, More Freedom

This past weekend I was archiving files on my computer, and I discovered some photos I took in July 2008. One image in particular has captured my attention. If a “picture is worth a thousand words” then this one certainly tells a beautiful story… Continue reading »

Gracie’s Theme has Cardall’s Healing Touch

Mormon musician Paul Cardall was born in 1973 with a severe congenital heart defect. He has undergone countless surgeries, and is currently wait-listed for a heart transplant. This is his last hope. He dreams of living long enough to raise his little girl Eden alongside his beautiful wife Lynette.  Ironically, Paul possesses an exceptional art for healing others. Despite his failing … Continue reading »

You’re Not Alone

There are times in our life when we are going to feel completely and utterly alone. I have endured these. Some have only lasted a moment, or a day. Other experiences have lasted over a long extended period of time. These feelings are painful, frightening, and often seem overwhelming. If ever you are feeling lonliness, hopelessness, or fear, I want … Continue reading »