The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square held a live rehearsal Tuesday for the first time in 19 months.
“It's been a long time since you've been next to those voices it will be interesting to see how hard it is to adjust to that and get back into it,” said baritone choir member Anthony Kirkham.
Kirkham has been with the choir for five years.
He admitted he’s probably a little rusty, but couldn't wait to see everyone’s individual part come together in harmony once again.
“When you bring all of that together it's a different feeling that you just can't describe, and I look forward to that feeling that I missed for a long time,” Kirkham said.
The 19-month gap in performances was the longest in the choir's 174-year history.
New choir president and former Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt said he wanted to make sure their returning to the stage is done right.
“We need to demonstrate to ourselves and to our audiences that we can sing and do it safely,” Leavitt said before Tuesday evening’s rehearsal.
Under Leavitt’s multi-layer plan, all performers must be vaccinated, they will be tested before each rehearsal and performance, and they must self-report a sickness or exposure.
The plan also calls for mask wearing unless performing, and those who do not want to follow these rules or have a health condition that precludes them from abiding will be given a special leave of absence.
Leavitt said most of the members have chosen to sing, adding, “we gave everyone a choice, and told them this is what it's going to take for the choir to sing safely.”
The first live performance is at the upcoming General Conference the first weekend of October.
Live performances will be limited to the Conference Center because of better ventilation.
President Leavitt said he reserves the right to reevaluate the plan.
For members like Kirkham, he is ready to put the politics of safety protocols during a health pandemic aside and get back singing.
“That's the great part about being in the choir. You get to help people experience something they don't see every day and when you see that happiness and joy it's a great opportunity,” Kirkham said.