SÃO PAULO, Brazil — The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square began its journey to São Paulo, Brazil, on Monday, marking the sixth stop on its global “Songs of Hope” tour. The choir, accompanied by support staff and production teams, is traveling to the largest city in South America for a series of performances scheduled throughout the week.
Nearly 12 million people reside within the city limits of São Paulo, with a broader metropolitan area encompassing nearly 23 million, making it one of the most populous cities in the world. The choir’s visit comes as Brazil holds significant importance for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, boasting approximately 1.5 million members and 37 missions throughout the country.
The first concert, an invitation-only event for leaders in the interfaith, community, and public service sectors, is set for Wednesday at the Sala São Paulo, a concert hall housed in a renovated former train station. Three subsequent public concerts will follow at the Ginásio do Ibirapuera arena, the same venue where the choir performed in 1981, marking their last appearance in São Paulo 45 years ago.
For choir members with Brazilian heritage, the tour holds particular significance. Alvaro Martins, a member of the choir, expressed the enthusiasm of Brazilians for the choir’s music, noting the country’s deep connection to musical expression. “Brazilians are big fans of the choir,” Martins said. Alan Silva, another Brazilian choir member, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Dreams can come true.” Silva emphasized the spiritual importance of performing in his home country, saying, “Singing our language, it’s showing that God loves them. They are important for the church. They’re important for the kingdom to grow.”
The choir’s return to Brazil is viewed as a historic event by choir leadership. Gary Porter, second counselor in the choir Presidency, stated, “This will be historic. We are focusing on a message of hope, on faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and on the happiness that comes to a people when they follow the Savior.”
São Paulo is home to the Church’s first temple in South America, dedicated in 1978. Today, Brazil has a total of 24 temples operating, under construction, or announced, demonstrating the growing presence of the Church within the country.
Adding to the performances, guest artists Myra Ruiz and Fabi Bang, both known for their roles in Brazilian productions of “Wicked,” will join the choir and orchestra for the São Paulo concerts. Tenor Nathan Pacheco will also perform with the choir during the Brazil stop of the tour.
The choir’s “Songs of Hope” tour continues after São Paulo, with no immediate subsequent dates announced.
