"Discover the Power of Sacred Music at the Church Music Festival"

Global Performances and Testimonies

Hundreds of performers filled the Tabernacle on Temple Square, with many featured musicians not in Salt Lake City. The festival showcased a diverse range of songs and performances in different languages, including Spanish, French, Swedish, Korean, Chinese, Danish, German, Portuguese, and English.

For example, Miguel Rodriguez from Puerto Rico shared how hymns brought him peace during difficult times. He sang with the choir during the October 2023 general conference and always felt the Spirit by his side. Esther Petion from France introduced the theme of "Come, Lord Jesus" and its significance in the music.

Theme Carried Throughout Performances

The theme of "Come, Lord Jesus" was evident in the performances, starting with "He is Risen" by youth from the Pacific Area and ending with "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" by a choir of Institute of Religion students. Marshall McDonald, the music coordinator, emphasized the role of the Savior as the fount of every blessing.

Doctrine and Covenants 45:71 was reflected upon as music played a role in the gathering of Israel. As evenings like this festival fulfill prophecy, it gives a glimpse of the power of music in preparing for the Savior's return.

New Hymns and Missionary Choirs

Chemain Evans directed a choir of missionaries singing "I Will Walk with Jesus," one of the new hymns added to the hymnbook. Seventeen-year-old Monroe Vata Rigby sang "He Is Born, the Divine Christ Child" in French and shared how it connected her to God.

Other highlights included a Filipino choir singing "I Stand All Amazed" in three languages, a BYU–Hawaii Choir singing "A Kou Aloha No/I Am a Child of God" in Hawaiian and English, and Joseph Peeples on the organ playing various pieces.

Personal Testimonies and Inspirations

Jinhyoung Park from South Korea spoke about a difficult time during college when he found peace through hymns. Alyssa Bradshaw played the cello while Monroe Vata sang, and Monroe's testimony grew as she performed.

One of the festival's highlights was the performances of "Gethsemane" and "Holding Hands Around the World" by a choir of children from northern Utah. These performances added to the global nature of the festival.

The full 90-minute broadcast of the festival is available on various platforms, allowing people to enjoy the sacred music from anywhere.