Mormon Tabernacle Choir director calls it quits
by: Buddy Blankenfeld
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - It came as a shock to members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Music Director, Craig Jessop abruptly resigned Tuesday night after the choir’s rehearsal. Dr. Jessop read a prepared statement announcing his resignation to the body of the choir, a choir he is credited with bringing to a higher level while spreading its music farther in the world than ever before.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released this statement by Jessop: "I now find myself at a major crossroads of life. With long and prayerful consideration I have decided to resign as director of the choir. I look forward to new challenges and opportunities and I intend to keep active in the musical world including teaching—the career that I originally began my musical journey. RaNae and I and our family are looking forward to spending more time together with our children and grandsons."
He has influenced and has been influenced by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. First as a member of the choir for four years during college, then as its associate director for four years before being called as the choir's music director and conductor in 1999. His vision was to bring the music of the choir to everyone in the world, to be a constant and positive influence to the world. He has said his passion has always been the power of music to help people lift their spirits and that he has seen the emotion the choir can generate when touring throughout the world. Dr. Jessop also created a higher standard for choir members, implementing new technical and knowledge requirements. Under his tenure the choir and orchestra at Temple Square launched a private record label releasing ten albums, some making it to number one on Billboard's Classical Music Chart. And the choir has received numerous awards including the national medal of arts from President George W. Bush.
It was at Dr Jessop's request that a song created by President Gordon B. Hinckley was sung by the choir at his funeral. Associate Music Director, Mack Wilberg will serve as interim director for the choir.
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