In its 150-year history, the Tabernacle Choir has sung to thousands upon thousands of people, touching hearts and lifting spirits. With its 325 singers, the choir makes an impression on audiences, and sometimes audiences make an impression on the choir.

Such was the case on June 15, when a group of 40 singers from the choir made a monumental impression on a select audience at the U.S. Embassy. Alan John Blinken, U.S. ambassador to Belgium, and his wife, Melinda, hosted some of Belgium's highest-ranking officials, expatriate businessmen and others at a private concert that is bound to be one of those "I'll-never-forget-this" experiences.Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, president of the Europe West Area, and Elder Charles Didier, president of the Europe East Area, attended the concert. They are members of the Seventy. Also present were Elder Uchtdorf's counselors Elders Gene R. Cook and F. Burton Howard, also of the Seventy. Each was accompanied by his wife: Sisters Lucie Didier, Harriett Uchtdorf, Janelle Cook and Caroline Howard. Elder Didier is a native of Belgium; Sister Didier is a former member of the Tabernacle Choir. Also attending were Belgium Brussels Mission Pres. Ray Hart and his wife, Joanne.

Led by the choir's associate conductor, Craig Jessop, the group of singers performed what was introduced as "songs from America." Moving from selections by American composer Aaron Copland to spirituals and hymns, the singers established a connection with their audience of some 75 people. That connection was practically tangible. By the time they performed "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," the audience seemed ready to join the choir. Audience members stood and wiped tears from their eyes as the choir sang the National Anthem.

After the concert, the ambassador told his guests, "There is no people and no country more American-friendly than Belgium." He explained that hosting the concert was one of his last official acts as U.S. ambassador, as his term will end in a few weeks. He then told the choir, "I'm going to do something I've done only one other time in the five years I've been ambassador; I'm going to present you the American flag that flew over the American Embassy because you are truly America's choir."

During a reception after the concert, the ambassador told the Church News, "This really is America's choir. Tonight, they were the ambassadors. Every place they go, they are ambassadors."

He said he has met many members of the Church before, and has often told friends "that there is something very special" about the Tabernacle Choir. "I don't know if it's my imagination, but they always smile. That's a very special trait in this world. They just carry an aura about them, not just when they're singing, but also when they're just standing around talking to people."

Of the concert at his residence, the ambassador said, "I was crying uninhibitedly. My wife was crying. It was so special; it was a great evening. It's the greatest way to end my term here; I can't think of a better way, because it's with Americans who represent the best, the very best. My wife and I are so honored and pleased. I was overwhelmed by those 40 voices. I might never recover hearing 325."

In an interview with the Church News, Elder Uchtdorf said, "Brussels and Belgium, in the heart of Europe, is a special setting - a setting of unity, a setting of reaching beyond boundaries. We're now living in a time where there is great happiness around the world, but also sadness. "He spoke of the unrest in the world and concerns of those who work with NATO to preserve peace. "Then here is the Tabernacle Choir, bringing the message of love and peace and uniting the people. I think these choir members are the ambassadors, not only of the United States, but also of the restored gospel - ambassadors of love who bring what we need in the world."

He spoke of growing up in Europe, receiving CARE packages from the United States when he was 5 or 6 years old, and the gratitude he has for the United States. "I'm grateful to know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is irrespective of any borders, any nationalities, any countries. It crosses all borders and unites the countries. It helps us to understand and also show gratitude for what others have done for us, to keep this in our memories. This principle is true not only between countries and peoples, but also in families and individual relationships. I think the choir touches the hearts of the people who hear them and that those people might be touched to change some of their behavior for the better."

He said that a general sat behind him at the recital in the ambassador's home. The general, he said, had to leave before the reception because he had to prepare things in connection with some difficulties in eastern Europe. "Here is a man whose heart is touched by the music of the choir," Elder Uchtdorft said. "This has been a special evening for me."

Tabernacle Choir Pres. Wendell Smoot described the event at the ambassador's residence as producing "a high level of euphoria." He explained that choir members seldom have the opportunity to see the expressions of and responses from their audiences. What the singers experienced at the ambassador's home was rewarding, he said. "The choir was loved by the people here. There was a great rapport between the choir and the people in this room. This performance touched every one of us. I looked around and saw tears flowing. The ambassador's tears were flowing, his wife's tears. It's always a thrill for the choir to reach down deep and touch someone like that."

One of the guests, businessman David Starr, said that there were moments when "I joined in and sang along with the choir" during the recital. It was very moving. In my row alone, there were three grown men reduced to tears during the anthem. It was an exceptional and privileged experience for all of us to be here tonight."

A native of Kansas, he said he remembers listening to the Tabernacle Choir when he was a boy. "When the choir sang the National Anthem, it wasn't just the ambassador who was reduced to tears; others were as well."

Brother Jessop described the evening as "an incredible experience and opportunity, unusual for the choir because it is so large. To have this kind of intimate one-on-one setting is an excellent opportunity for the choir. I was so proud of our singers and the spirit and the manner in which they sang. It was a great opportunity to build friends in a very important way for the members of the Church in Belgium, not only for the Church but for the United States as well."