Mormon Youth Symphony and Chorus
| Company type | Musical ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Founder | Jay E. Welch |
| Defunct | 1999 |
| Fate | Dissolved during restructuring of Tabernacle Choir and establishment of Orchestra at Temple Square |
| Headquarters | Salt Lake City , United States |
Key people | Jay E. Welch (music director, 1969–1974), Robert C. Bowden (music director, 1974–1999) |
| Products | Television productions, recordings, live performances, tours |
The Mormon Youth Symphony and Chorus (MYSC) functioned as a formal musical ensemble affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1969 until 1999, consisting of young adult musicians between the ages of 18 and 33. Throughout its three decades of activity, MYSC delivered a variety of television productions, recordings, live performances, and extensive tours throughout the United States. The ensemble was dissolved in 1999 during the restructuring of the Tabernacle Choir and the establishment of the Orchestra at Temple Square. The choir segment regularly contributed musical selections for the church’s annual and semi-annual general conferences, most often during Saturday morning sessions.
History
MYSC was formed in 1969 under the direction of Jay E. Welch, who served as its inaugural music director. The LDS Church created the group with a mission to foster "greater understanding between all peoples and cultures." Welch remained at the helm until 1974 when he transitioned to become the music director of the Tabernacle Choir.
At its height, MYSC held approximately thirty performances each year, which included concerts in the Salt Lake Tabernacle, appearances at church conferences, nationwide tours, broadcast events, and recording projects. Robert C. Bowden took over as music director in 1974 and introduced a style reminiscent of the Boston Pops. Bowden was responsible for much of the group’s musical arrangements and compositions as they continued touring extensively across the country. A notable highlight was their 1987 performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. during the bicentennial celebration of the U.S. Constitution. Throughout its existence, MYSC collaborated with distinguished classical and popular music performers.
The organization received fourteen national honors for its television specials, including two Emmys, two George Washington Awards from the Freedom Foundation, and the Angel Award from Religion in Media. In addition to producing specials for Norwegian Broadcasting Company, MYSC performed for veterans’ groups and various national organizations. By the time it was disbanded in 1999, MYSC had produced eighteen commercial albums.
During the mid-1990s, the ensemble’s name was altered to Mormon Youth Chorus and Symphony to indicate that the age limits applied solely to the choir portion; consequently, the orchestra was then referred to as the Mormon Symphony.
In June 2010, former members of MYSC reunited for a pair of concerts at the Salt Lake Tabernacle to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Temple Square Concert series.
Music Directors
- Jay Welch (1969–1974)
- Robert C. Bowden (1974–1999)
Albums
MYSC released numerous albums over its active years, including:
- Holiday-themed collections such as A Christmas World, which also became a television special
- Joseph, an oratorio depicting the life story of Prophet Joseph Smith
- Beloved Songs of Faith, featuring vocalist Michael Ballam
- Carnival of the Animals, designed specifically for children in the Church’s Primary program
- Nauvoo Brass Bands, honoring the Pioneers’ Sesquicentennial
- The patriotic album God Bless the U.S.A.
- The Mormon Youth Symphony and Chorus Sing Songs for Young People (Robert C. Bowden, 1977)
- White Christmas