Tabernacle Choir Returns to Hollywood Bowl for Songs of Hope Benefit Concerts

For a century, the Hollywood Bowl has resonated with the voices of the Tabernacle Choir. On June 24 and 25, 2026, the choir returned to the iconic amphitheater in Los Angeles for two benefit concerts that marked the 100th anniversary of its first appearance there on July 28, 1926. The shows were part of the choir’s “Songs of Hope” tour and were organized in partnership with the O.C. Tanner Gift of Music Trust.

All ticket‑sale revenue was pledged to CARE, Helen Keller International and The Hunger Project, with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints matching the proceeds to double the charitable impact. The concert series also served as a platform for the Relief Society’s “Caring for Women and Children” initiative, which focuses on health, education and well‑being for women and children worldwide.

The Hollywood Bowl has long been a historic venue for the choir. After its debut there in 1926 before an estimated 15,000 listeners, the choir returned in 1941 and 1963. The 2026 concerts were the seventh stop on the multi‑city “Songs of Hope” tour that began in 2023 and has visited Mexico, the Philippines, Florida, Georgia, Peru, Argentina and São Paulo.

The two‑night event featured 330 choir members and 85 orchestra musicians under the direction of Mack Wilberg, with associate director Ryan Murphy. Guest performers included Donny Osmond, David Foster, Katharine McPhee, Stephanie J. Block, Sebastian Arcelus and the Bonner family. The program blended hymns, popular songs, world‑music selections and “Music of the Masters” pieces. Highlights opened with “Call of the Champions,” followed by the “Alleluia Fanfare” and “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty.” Sebastian Arcelus and Stephanie Block sang the duet “It Takes Two,” while David Foster accompanied Katharine McPhee on “The Prayer” and “Somewhere.” The Bonner family performed “You’ve Got Soul” and the hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” Donny Osmond presented his original “Start Again” and later joined children in “Any Dream Will Do.”

World‑music numbers added color to the evening: the Sephardic wedding song “¡Ah, El Novio No Quiere Dinero!,” an a‑capella “Gamelan” that mimicked Indonesian instrumentation, and the folk tune “Cindy.” The “Music of the Masters” segment showcased Mendelssohn’s “Rise! Up! Arise!,” Ginastera’s “Alleluia” from Psalm 150 and Handel’s “Hallelujah” from the Messiah. The concerts closed with “Amazing Grace” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

The audience included several church leaders: Elder Gérald Caussé and Sister Valérie Caussé, Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson and her husband, and area presidents and Seventies such as Elder Takashi Wada and Elder Peter M. Johnson. Their presence underscored the event’s spiritual and humanitarian dimensions.

In addition to the live performances, the Church organized more than 700 free watch parties across the United States for Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27. Latter‑day Saint stakes outside Utah were invited to host local gatherings, and many requested reservations due to high demand.

The concerts were billed as a benefit for women and children worldwide. The O.C. Tanner Gift of Music Trust’s involvement ensured that all ticket revenue would be directed to the selected charities, while the Church’s matching program effectively doubled the financial contribution.

The “Songs of Hope” concerts celebrated the choir’s legacy, showcased diverse musical traditions, and amplified the impact of global humanitarian efforts. The combination of a historic venue, high‑profile guest artists and a clear charitable focus highlighted the choir’s continued role as a cultural and humanitarian ambassador.

Tickets for the June 25 concert remain available through the Hollywood Bowl website at hollywoodbowl.com, and the event’s schedule and charitable partners are listed on the Bowl’s official site.