International Music Day or World Music Day takes place every year on the 21st of June. It was initiated in 1975 by the International Music Council. The council, which encourages and fosters musical diversity, is the world’s largest network of organizations, institutions and individuals involved in the field of music.
Music is celebrated worldwide. It can break down barriers of language, culture and beliefs.
Poet and writer Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, said, “Music is the universal language of mankind.”
“Music is a vital part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” says Elder James J. Hamula, Pacific Area President of the Church. “Music greatly enhances the spirit of worship. Prelude and postlude music create an atmosphere of reverence. Church meetings are enriched by the congregational singing of hymns.”
The 360-member Mormon Tabernacle Choir has been giving service through song for more than a century. The Choir gives voice to the hopes, joys, trials, and triumphs of people around the world. This volunteer choir has been and continues to be a significant presence in the world of music.
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When the Choir launched its official YouTube channel, Elder Hamula said, “Having easier access to the inspiring music of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir will be a blessing to many in this part of the world. Beautiful music is treasured by Latter-day Saints and many of our neighbours and friends in other faiths across the Area.”
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir can be seen and heard throughout the world each week on the television and radio broadcast, 'Music and the Spoken Word.' In New Zealand the program airs on Prime Television every Sunday at 6am.
Musical talent is a gift that not only inspires the musician, but when shared, brings joy into many lives. Poet Khalil Gibran wrote, “Music is the language of the spirit. It opens the secret of life bringing peace, abolishing strife.”
One Latter-day Saint woman, Shaqaila Uelese, is using her musical talent to pay tribute to her father who lost his life to cancer and to help other cancer patients and their families.