We bus to the Red Rocks Amphitheatre and the sight literally takes our breath away. What an amazing place for a concert stage!
We just have to pull out our cameras and take pictures. Randy caught the respiratory virus that is infiltrating the group and decided to stay at the hotel, so we are on our own for photos this afternoon.
The sun and heat are just too much. We try to keep our instruments from melting by keeping them in the shade as much as possible.
Mack, realizing the problem, stops the rehearsal and has us put our instruments away.
Elder Craig Christensen (far right) and his wife have accompanied us on our tour. He expresses his thoughts:
“We have enjoyed being with you. We have listened to many of your stories. We’ve taken pictures of you sleeping on buses. We’ve watched you at work rehearsing. I’ve made two observations. First, you’re the hardest working missionaries in the Church; you could put some of those 19 year olds to shame! You really work hard, and we’ve seen that. We’ve never realized how much effort you put in, and you should be congratulated. Second is the power of your message. You can sing what we can’t say. Every night when you take over, the spirit just pours out. We’ve been sitting by people from many walks of life, and we watch them as each one becomes moved by the spirit. You’re wonderful, we appreciate your having us along; we’ll volunteer any time they want someone to come along again.”
The Concert
It's time to leave for the concert and it's raining outside! As we found out earlier today, there is no protection up there from the elements. If it rains, we will not be able to play. The seats are sold out -- that means an audience of 10,000. It's time to pray and do a sun dance or two.
A police escort helps the buses maneuver through traffic.
Randy couldn't miss this last concert. He came with his camera. Thanks, Randy!
The clouds have parted and blue skies take their place. Never underestimate the power of prayer!
There is a short hike to the amphitheater.
The choir lines up for their entrance.
Audrey and I think it is time to have a concert photo together, this being the last tour concert and all.
Audrey and Lauren - adorable, aren't they!
We have a surprise guest tonight. The members in the audience are thrilled to have President Thomas S. Monson attend. They flock to be near him, to talk with him and to shake his hand.
"This is absolutely fantastic. This choir is an example of devotion to one's assignment and a manifestation of the absolute beauty of music.
"There's an old saying, 'Practice makes perfect.' We see an example of that tonight."
-- President Thomas S. Monson
President Monson brings smiles as he pantomimes leading the choir.
Our guest conductor for tonight's encore is Colorado's enthusiastic Governor, Bill Ritter. Please notice that he has picked up the baton from the wrong and very pointed end! The handle bounces back and forth... up and down... then SNAPS! flying straight for a couple of first violinists. (Luckily it didn't hit anyone!)
It is difficult for us to keep our professional demeanor after that! It was just too funny.
My wife, youngest daughter, and I went to the concert last night at Red Rocks. It was a wonderful program and we all three loved it. The choir's powerful delivery combined with their genuine love of others and the Lord as expressed in their music was inspiring. Thanks to everyone involved with and serving in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
-- Kenneth.
How many choir men does it take to move a car?
After the concert, we are anxious to beat the crowds to the road. Bus progress is impeded, however, by one parked car. No owner is in sight, so ten choir men hop off the bus, pick up the car, and move it so the buses can get by. No joke - this really happened!
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