On the Road in 2007: Toronto by Carol Salmon of the Alto Section The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square went “international” on the first stop of their 2007 tour. Landing by air in Toronto, Canada Thursday afternoon, the Choir and Orchestra members stepped outside of the United States for the first time in nine years. Before the opening tour performances in Toronto's Roy Thomson Hall, there was time on Thursday evening to visit some well-known sites around Toronto. The city is home to the world’s tallest free-standing tower (553.33 metres or 1,815 ft., 5 inches) and when it’s a clear day, from the top of the CN Tower you really CAN see forever. A busload of Choir baseball fans were in the bleachers as the Toronto Blue Jays hosted the Los Angeles Dodgers for a night baseball game. Toronto boasts ownership of several other pro sports teams (Maple Leafs, Raptors, and Argonauts being the most well-known). Walking in any direction from the hotel, one could see the diversity of the city through its architecture. Many of the buildings are home to national and international corporate offices. The Toronto Stock Exchange (sixth largest in the world) is a central player in Toronto’s status as the economic hub of Canada. Toronto has often been referred to as a global city with over 100 languages and dialects spoken by its citizens. Roy Thomson Hall, where the Choir and Orchestra performed in Toronto. In the background is the CN Tower. (Click to enlarge). Several well-known leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have made Toronto their home for a season. Both Elder M. Russell Ballard and President Thomas S. Monson served as mission presidents in Toronto. John Taylor—who became the Church's third president—was introduced to the Church by Parley P. Pratt, a young elder serving in the Toronto area. The 300th stake of the Church was also the first stake organized in Toronto, and in 1990 the Toronto temple was dedicated. The Choir and Orchestra rehearse in Toronto's beautiful Roy Thomson Hall. (Click to enlarge). Of particular note to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and citizens of Toronto is the fact that these performances are a promise fulfilled. Scheduled as part of the 2003 Eastern United States tour, a Toronto performance was cancelled due to a SARS outbreak. In the intervening years, Roy Thomson Hall was acoustically renovated. The result was very much appreciated by Choir Director, Craig Jessop. Since the Choir was split between three levels. Jessop said, “there was some concern that the distance between Choir sections would cause some unification problems, but that was not the case.” Both the matinee and evening performances were wonderful, musical experiences. One concertgoer was overheard saying, "I go to choral music performances all the time and I get a tingly feeling maybe two or three times a concert. I'm getting that feeling with every number." The Choir and Orchestra fill the stage at Toronto's Roy Thomson Hall (Click to enlarge). From the first note of the stirring Canadian national anthem, the audience gave enthusiastic applause to the Choir, and the Choir and Orchestra responded with wonderful performances. The audience was brought to their feet with “Come Thou Fount of Ev’ry Blessing.” And both Choir and audience were touched with the men’s performance of “Bring Him Home,” from Les Misérables. Accompanied by thunderous hand-clapping, “This Land is Your Land”—with text appropriate for Canadian listeners—was a big encore hit. Choir Director Craig Jessop helps Hana Gartner get a feel for the baton. (Click to enlarge). Of special note was the guest conductor, Hana Gartner. Well-known in Canada and abroad as a CBC correspondent with "The Fifth Estate," an investigative news program, Ms. Gartner conducted the encore in the evening performance. Her flamboyant conducting style grabbed the attention of Choir, Orchestra, and audience and was a highlight for all. Standing ovation followed and some Choir members wondered whether Ms. Gartner could join them for the rest of the tour! What a heartwarming ending to such a wonderful experience. Hearts were touched, lifted, and filled with hope and love as the Choir and Orchestra concluded their performances in the first stop on the 2007 Midwest Tour. And on to Chautauqua, New York . . . Dr. Jessop watches as Hana Garner takes her turn at the podium. (Click to enlarge).