A Christmas Gloria with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Canadian Brass

The celebrated Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the five-piece Canadian Brass Ensemble perform Christmas favorites in A Christmas Gloria with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Canadian Brass, a music special set amid pine boughs, poinsettias and the twinkling lights of historic Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Actress Roma Downey, of "Touched by an Angel," narrates. The program was created by KUED Senior Producer John Howe.

Included in the concert, taped in the Mormon Tabernacle in December 1997, are performances of "Joy to the World," "We Three Kings," "Gloria," "Ding Dong Merrily on High," "A Canadian Brass Christmas Card," "Little Fantasy on 'The 12 Days of Christmas,'" "Sweet Songs of Christmas," "Silent Night," "Sing Choirs of Angels," and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

The renowned classical ensemble, the Canadian Brass, includes two trumpets, a French horn, a trombone and a tuba. In its 27th season, the group has toured throughout the world, appeared as guest artists with many leading American orchestras, performed at numerous summer music festivals and on national television, including several public television specials. Ensemble members include Jens Lindeman and Ronald Romm, trumpets; David Ohanian, French horn; Eugene Watts, trombone; and Charles Daellenbach, tuba.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, made its first phonograph recording in 1910. Since then, some 120 recordings of choral masterpieces and religious, folk, patriotic and holiday songs have been released to critical acclaim. Jerold Ottley directs the 325-voice choir. The associate director is Craig Jessop.

A Christmas Gloria with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Canadian Brass is part of the PBS tradition of presenting the best in holiday programming, suitable for the whole family.

The program is made possible by the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation and Bonneville Worldwide Entertainent.

"A Christmas Gloria with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Canadian Brass" sponsors: