An inspiration beyond description
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ST. LOUIS
Former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft conducted an encore number to conclude a concert in St. Louis on June 20 by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square.
The audience in Scottrade Center in St. Louis was surprised when the former attorney general, who is also a former governor and U.S. senator from Missouri, was introduced as guest conductor. After Mack Wilberg, music director of the Tabernacle Choir, handed over his baton, Mr. Ashcroft stepped onto the conductor's podium.
Right on cue, the orchestra began playing "This Land Is Your Land." The temporary conductor brought in the choir, giving a rousing conclusion to the concert program.
After the concert, Mr. Ashcroft told the Church News, "It was a privilege beyond explanation and an inspiration beyond description to be involved in this great choir."
He said that he wished everybody in America could have heard the concert.
Attending the concert was Patricia Long, a member of the Tabernacle Choir from 1992 until 1997. She moved to St. Charles, part of the greater St. Louis area, when she retired from the choir.
Asked about watching from the audience, she said, "It is a thrill to remember how it was. I can imagine myself standing there, preparing to come out onto the stage. It was overwhelming to hear and see the choir and orchestra perform 'Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.'"
She said she saw some members of the choir with whom she had sung.
Sister Long's son, Mark, said that she had wanted to be a member of the Tabernacle Choir even before she joined the Church in 1981.
