The first installment of a gift that cannot be held in the hand but which, without doubt, will linger long in the heart was presented to the people of Utah April 18 as the Tabernacle Choir launched its Sesquicentennial Tour.

President Thomas S. Monson, first counselor in the First Presidency, welcomed a capacity audience in the Tabernacle on Temple Square to the first in a series of nine performances to be presented throughout Utah "as a gift to Church members and friends" during the sesquicentennial of the pioneers' arrival in Utah. Elder Joe J. Christensen of the Presidency of the Seventy offered the invocation."Latter-day Saints have long been known with regards for their love for sweet sounds. From the human voice, the organ and the musical instruments, we have it all together here this evening," President Monson said in introducing the program."

Jerold Ottley, choir director, and Craig Jessop, associate conductor, directed the 325-member choir. John Longhurst, Richard Elliott and Clay Christiansen accompanied on the Tabernacle Organ. Also providing accompaniment was a specially-formed brass ensemble. Commentary was by Lloyd Newell.

The concert opened with "High on the Mountain Top," arranged by Robert Cundick, and included other LDS musical standards such as "The Morning Breaks," "All People that on Earth Do Dwell," and "Come, Come, Ye Saints."

A medley or "Fantasia on Old LDS Hymn Tunes," arranged by Mack Wilberg, was one of the highlights of the evening. The fantasia included compositions based on a hymn Emma Smith selected for the first LDS hymnal in 1823, "Yes, My Native Land." Also included were "Redeemer of Israel, and "The Glorious Day Is Rolling On."

A musical work reflecting the theme of the sesquicentennial year, "Faith in Every Footstep," composed by Newell Dayley, was another showpiece of the concert.

"Land of Promise," "Climb Every Mountain," "What a Wonderful World," "This Land Is Your Land," and "The Spirit of God" rounded out the program.

To enthusiastic applause, the choir performed two encores, "When the Saints Go Marchin' In," and "Battle Hymn of the Republic."

The Tabernacle Choir's Sesquicentennial Tour of Utah continues as follows:

Friday, May 2, Southern Utah University Centrum, Cedar City; Saturday, May 3, Burns Arena-Dixie Center, St. George; Friday, May 16, Snow College Activities Center, Ephraim; Friday, May 23, Utah State University, Dee Smith Spectrum, Logan; Friday, June 13, College of Eastern Utah Bunnell-Dmitrich Athletic Center, Price; Friday, June 20, Uintah High School Auditorium, Vernal; Sunday, June 29, BYU Marriott Center, Provo; and Saturday, July 12, Weber State University Dee Events Center, Ogden. (Admission is free. Please check with local venues for concert times and ticket requirements.)