"Angels from the Realms of Glory" was the title given the Christmas concert by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square Dec. 17 and 18. Aptly titled, the concert seemed a heaven-sent Christmas gift.

The concert marked the premiere appearance of Craig Jessop as the newly appointed music director of the Tabernacle Choir. An associate director for four years, his appointment as director was announced Dec. 11, upon the retirement of Jerold D. Ottley.

From the first notes and words of the traditional carol, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," through the conclusion of the concert's title song, "Angles from the Realms of Glory," the performance captured the enchantment, wonder, awe and majesty that is the Christmas season. The 325 singers and 97 orchestra members wove an aural masterpiece of sound.

The concert was narrated by Megan Follows, the Canadian actress who gained widespread fame as Anne Shirley in the television series "Anne of Green Gables" and "Anne of Avonlea" seen in more than 145 countries.

Adding charm and variety to the concert were the Wesley Bell Ringers of Christ United Methodist Church in Salt Lake City. Young people in the bell choir played handbells, handchimes, cup bells, melody bells and a carillon. They were directed by Terry W. Waite and Rich McClure.

Many of the performance's selections were arranged by associate directors of the Tabernacle Choir, Mack Wilberg and Barlow Bradford.

The concert's selections included "Joy to the World," "Carol of the Bells," "I Wonder As I Wander," "Whence Is that Goodly Fragrance Flowing?" "Masters in this Hall," "The First Noel," "How Far Is It to Bethlehem?" "Pat-a-Pan," "What Shall We Give?" "One December Bright and Clear," "It Came upon the Midnight Clear," "What Child Is This?" "Silent Night," "Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head," "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing," and "Angels from the Realms of Glory."

The Tabernacle was exquisitely decorated for the Christmas season, with numerous trees and swags entwined with lights, and with poinsettias and greenery.

Some 17,000 people enjoyed the Christmas season with the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square. In addition to the 13,000 or so who attended the two evenings of concerts plus the dress rehearsal, some 4,000 attended the Sunday morning, Dec. 19, broadcast of "Music and the Spoken Word," which was the choir's Christmas broadcast.