Here's how you can request concert music from the Tabernacle and Temple Square organists

What happened when the COVID pandemic suspended daily organ performances on Temple Square—a tradition going back to 1908? The five talented Tabernacle and Temple Square organists started a new tradition for this unique time using the technology available today to stream organ concerts from Temple Square. The result: Piping Up! Organ Concerts at Temple Square is now available each and every Wednesday at noon mountain time!

Starting now, the organists are also bringing back a tradition from the early 1900s. In those days, audience members could submit specific organ repertoire requests to be considered for performance in a future organ concert.

View this excerpt from a 1913 organ recital program for Tabernacle organist Joseph J. McClellan which included a request for music submissions to be mailed to McClellan:

To submit your request, just click Submit Your Request and enter the title and composer of the organ piece. As the 1913 program suggests “only good standard music will be considered.” The requested pieces will be reviewed by the organists for future periodic performances. When a requested piece is performed, the online program will be marked to indicate it was a “fan request.” (You can also enter your request on the Piping Up! web page at TabChoir.org/pipingup)

► You may also like: Bring the Temple Square organists into your home through streamed recitals

The Tabernacle organ was first played during the October 1867 general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For over 150 years since then, it has served as the iconic backdrop for meetings and events broadcast throughout the world. This famed instrument has influenced the music, culture, and worship of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout its history.

Learn more about the iconic Tabernacle Organ from the Church History Museum’s exhibit “The Salt Lake Tabernacle Organ: Celebrating 150-Years.”

• 150-Year Celebration of the Tabernacle Organ
• “Celebrating 150 Years” Timeline
• Watch Tabernacle Organ 101 with Richard Elliott

Press release from the Tabernacle Choir Blog

Lead image: Scott G Winterton, Deseret News