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Mormon Choral Organizations (MCO), one of the largest choral/orchestral performing groups in the world with more than 1,300 participants in Arizona and California, has just received word that its newly released album, "Messiah in America," an original oratorio, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard magazine's "Traditional Classical" music chart. "This is incredible news for our organization and for the hundreds of performers that worked tirelessly to make this album a reality," said Jeff Crandall, Managing Director of East Valley Mormon Choral Organization, in a news release. "Today's charts rank us as #1 on the Traditional Classical chart, list us as a "Hot Shot Debut" on the overall Classical chart, and as a top Independent album. That's a tremendous feat for a volunteer-driven organization."The oratorio, written by composer and MCO co-founder Brett Stewart, a graduate of the BYU music program, is based upon the Book of Mormon account of Jesus Christ 's visit to the ancient inhabitants of the American continent.
It includes 34 movements recorded by 700 singers and instrumentalists from MCO's choirs, children's choirs, and symphony orchestras, with featured soloists.
Production of the album involved musicians from the organization's two locales, operating as East Valley Mormon Choral Organization (EVMCO) in Arizona, and Orange County Mormon Choral Organization (OCMCO) in California."How exciting and rewarding for all of us," said tenor soloist George Dyer, one of four soloists on the album, in a release. "This music is truly inspiring to perform and to hear. I know it will touch the lives of all those who listen to it and the messages it contains. It is a testament of the love for Jesus Christ we all have as Christians.""This was a professional and enormous undertaking in many ways, and we are so pleased with the acceptance, enthusiasm, and support we've seen so far," said Susan Stephensen, MCO's Executive Director, in the release. "We ended up #1 on Billboard and haven't even started advertising yet. It's simply amazing to think of what roads lie ahead for Mormon Choral Organizations, and the lives that will be touched by adding such inspiring music into their homes."
The album is currently available through iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, and select local retailers in Arizona and California. For more information about the Messiah in America album, go to http://www.messiahinamerica.com.