ChoralNet member Steve Szalaj shares this with the choral community:
Recently, the N
ew York Times ran an article about the Mormon Tabernacle Choir being a part of the first live international satellite broadcast called Operation Telstar on July 23, 1962. The article relates personal stories and the significant cultural/political/social importance of this event against the backdrop of the Cold War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the space race and the societal changes soon to begin.
With the article, there is a video of a portion of this performance, as well as two other performances and an audio file. It also touches on how technology has always been a significant part of MTC’s history.
It was an effort intended to shout to the world “America Can Do It!” and song – choral music – was its heart and voice. With the article are video and audio links of performances by the MTC, including a clip of this first satellite broadcast. As one who lived during this time, this brought back a flood of memories and emotions that probably have a stronger impact on my life today than I am aware of (or perhaps willing to admit…).
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