JOY: FEATURING MICHAEL MALIAKEL AND LESLEY NICOL

Joy: Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir premiered on PBS Dec 17th, 2024.

The treasured “Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir” special returns to PBS for the 21^st year. Broadway star Michael Maliakel and beloved British actress Lesley Nicol (from Downton Abbey, the MASTERPIECE TV series) join the iconic Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square in a stunning 90-minute theatrical program, illustrating that the real meaning of Christmas is opening our hearts to all.

Maliakel sings Choir Music Director Mack Wilberg’s arrangement of “God Help the Outcasts” from the musical and film “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” based on author Victor Hugo’s novel. Nicol narrates the true story of Hugo and his wife hosting a Christmas feast for impoverished children, as actors bring the story to life on stage.

Nicol and Maliakel join a cast of over 500 people, including the Choir and Orchestra,  Bells at Temple Square, and the Gabriel Trumpet Ensemble. They create a rich and moving celebration of the season with French carols and cherished Christmas classics such as “Joy to the World,” “I Wonder as I Wander,” “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot like Christmas” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” 

“Both Michael Maliakel and Lesley Nicol brought powerful enthusiasm to this year’s Christmas concert special, truly exemplifying the joy we worked to capture across the entire production. I had worked with Michael before in New York and was honored to collaborate with him on tailoring new arrangements of this classic, inspiring music to his voice. Both he and Lesley have led bright careers that have impacted countless lives, and we are proud to share their wonderful voices through this performance with everyone and offer a message of kindness and joy this season.”  

Mack Wilberg, Music director of The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square