List of Mormon Tabernacle Choir Music Directors - Directors

Directors

Name Years Notes
Parry, JohnJohn Parry 1849–1854 Converted Welsh Baptist priest; organized the choir at the request of Brigham Young.
Goddard, StephenStephen Goddard 1854–1856
Smithies, JamesJames Smithies 1856–1862
Thomas, Charles JohnCharles John Thomas 1862–1865 First director to lead the choir in the current Salt Lake Tabernacle building in regular performances
Sands, RobertRobert Sands 1865–1869 Directed the choir for the first performance in the Salt Lake Tabernacle, 1867.
Careless, GeorgeGeorge Careless 1869–1880 Had previously directed the Salt Lake Theatre Orchestra
Beesley, EbenezerEbenezer Beesley 1880–1889 Composed 11 hymns, which are still included in the current LDS hymnal
Stephens, EvanEvan Stephens 1890–1916 Directed the choir for its first recording, and was the first employed full-time.
Lund, Anthony C.Anthony C. Lund 1916–1935 Directed the choir for its first national performance of Music and the Spoken Word on July 15, 1929.
Cornwall, J. SpencerJ. Spencer Cornwall 1935–1957 Directed the choir in the film This is Cinerama, and for its first performance abroad in 1955.
Condie, Richard P.Richard P. Condie 1957–1974 1959 Grammy Award for Best Performance by a Vocal Group or Chorus for "The Battle Hymn of the Republic".
Welch, Jay E.Jay E. Welch 1974 Served from July to December before retiring for personal reasons
Ottley, JeroldJerold Ottley 1974–1999 Directed the choir for numerous commercial recordings, including one with The United States Air Force Band that required special legislation in Congress to permit the Band to be published.
Jessop, CraigCraig Jessop 1999–2008 Along with the choir, was a 2003 recipient of the National Medal of Arts
Wilberg, MackMack Wilberg 2008–present A published composer who directed choirs at Brigham Young University.

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