Stanford Olsen sings "The Holy City" with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Metropolitan Opera star Stanford Olsen sings "The Holy City," a religious ballad, at Mormon Tabernacle Choir "Golden Days" concert celebrating the 85th birthday of LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson.

[@satinituiavii8051]

I don't know who was more emotional, performer or me.. Wow

[@reymichel1]

Knowing Bishop Olsen from his time in Tallahassee, I am so proud of him and absolutely love this. I keep playing it over and over!! I can't get enough of it.

[@kayesnipes4445]

I have lost count of the number of times I have listened to Stanford Olsen sing "The Holy City". It is so beautiful; he is so talented and so sincere. I hope we can hear him again.

[@karinschmidt8847]

❤❤Herrliches Lied, herrlich gesungen !! Wie muss es sich anfühlen mit einem solchen Klangkörper hinter sich zu singen...mit Körper und Seele ! Daß einem Sänger da vor Rührung mal die Stimme wegrutscht...kein Wunder. Vielen vielen Dank allen !!!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤

[@mobayguy]

Thank you Lord Jesus for this foretaste of your Glory and your Kingdom through the voices of your saints. The emotion of this great singer's heart is Joy for there is none in human form who cannot be overcome by the presence of the Holy Spirit - it overwhelms every sense we are given. One day, when the New Jerusalem appears, God's Glory will be so great that it will transform us in an instant. Glory to God. Thank you dear Brothers and Sisters for bringing us closer to our Lord through your music. Glory to God.

[@davidp2837]

There is no more beautiful thing to see than a man's heart being touched by the truth of God.

[@DerGlaetze]

It’s been several years since I last commented on this gem and I’m still loving it.

[@knielson3609]

Me too! I listen to this version whenever I need a pick me up.

[@kristinearchibald6264]

It is rare when the personal presence of the man is as glorious as his voice. Whenever he sings I’m drawn in by his magnificent voice as well as his beautiful presence.

[@ardencompton5796]

Wonderful. Stanford Olsen's emotion during the last verse is very touching, he was feeling the truth and the joy of what he was singing. I will thank him for this when I see him in the New Jerusalem or in the next life!

[@johnsanders2266]

What a singer, what a song and what a choir? Wonderful!

[@kathleenjensen8183]

This is so incredible I love it.😂❤

[@evaburgart448]

Beautifully done Brother Olsen. My most favorite hymn and you sing it amazingly! Emotions!!

[@josuewatsonmoncada5501]

Mr. Olsen, you have blessed me with that interpretation, which is born of the soul; the yearning for the new Jerusalem.

[@sherilynmills6934]

My favorite song. My favorite singer. Heaven's favorite angel on earth.

[@karajan3]

Absolutely lovely and incredible beautiful! Hurray for Stanford Olsen and that temple of the heart! 🥰🥰🥰

[@tbrochny]

Absolutely unforgettable! At first I couldn't believe my ears when this great man's voice broke in the final verse of "The Holy CIty" -- but after seeing his face beaming with joy once he had regained his composure, I believe this performance is a treasure far more than one that had come off perfectly.

[@DerGlaetze]

tbrochny I absolutely agree with you. That is exactly what makes this performance stand out. His heart and soul was so into it that his testimony of Christ was unmistakable and makes me tear up. That’s what can make a song more than a song.

[@carolejones830]

Wondurful

[@sherilynmills6934]

I absolutely agree. I cry everytime l replay it.

[@soshiekeys]

I never tire of this magnificent, sublime, inspired performance and its fully committed, thoroughly invested spirituality. It evokes timelessly uplifting memories of hearing this classic gem since childhood. The Scriptural reference alone is absolutely powerful and the lyrics -- melded with the soaringly compelling and sweeping melody, arrangement, and orchestration -- are irresistibly and understandably moving.

[@carsonmarsh2081]

Wonderful! God Bless Stanford Olsen & the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

[@luisebuka7347]

I just couldn't help but join the prof in those tears. Good music still remains my best form of communication with the most heavenly creator..... God is God forever!

[@hearviewb123ontarget]

I just love this song and he sings so well, the emotions are in his voice and at one point he breaks...very moving and every time I listen to this I cry! Beautiful, Hope Filled for those who Love God and his Son Jesus Christ!

[@joanieponie1228]

It doesn’t matter how much I watch this video, I always cry on the Last verse and and I imagine to myself what it would be like if I were there when Christ came to His temple! This song touches me in ways that no other song can.

[@timothyraz]

you will be, with all the saved of earth.

[@paulscown6640]

Fantastic performance!

[@user-wk2vj2xl6b]

That my heart may sing to you and be silent. 0 LORD my God, I will give You thanks forever. ♡♡♡

[@user-iw9dd1vs9d]

Hosanna in the highest, Hosanna for evermore~

[@thomastrimborn5357]

This is one of those rare performances that is so staggeringly emotional that it simply touches one's heart as little else can. It is beautiful, and for whatever reason Professor Stanford's voice quavered and his eyes filled with tears, it will remain a teaching moment on many levels. He is blessed with a marvelous voice and ability to communicate as few others are able to do. Wonderful!

[@jonmay3479]

Thomas Trimborn "for a song of the righteous is a prayer unto Me and shall be answered with a blessing upon their head" or something like that.

[@BJoy1943]

Thomas Trimborn I just viewed this for the 1st time today. I agree, it is "staggeringly emotional" moment. My heart felt as though this dear man was having a personal moment with the Lord, and we are blessed to witness it.

[@TechnikMeister2]

I dont care what religion you are but this performance was beautiful and made emotional when he wavered in tears and pulled it all together.

[@DANIELHOSU]

I am Seventh-day Adventist (the Mormon faith is incredibly similar) and I absolutely love this song. As an end time remnant church awaiting the return of Christ and the restoration of all things good, we SDAs sing this song a lot! Praise the Lord and God bless whoever wrote this song, for he was full of the Holy Spirit when he did so.

[@rikayousoo1178]

Thomas Trimborn 8

[@maelange4854]

Hosanna and Stanford Olsen forever more Just wonderful

[@MsDjewett]

Thank you Stanforld Olsen, for bringing such beautiful music and emotion to this divine song. I have listened to this numerous times and I cannot listen to it enough!

[@viviennejohnson3723]

Absolutely wonderful a privilege to watch and hear

[@thomascabantac5054]

This grand, majestic song can really make one shiver in awe as one sing or listen to it. Such is what happens to this great tenor. Who wouldn't? The grandeur of this Mormon Tabernacle choir and Orchestra is beyond compare! Truly magnificent!!!

[@trevoraustin4804]

The best version ever of this beautiful hymn how he holds it together after nearly losing it is wonderful to see

[@estherocheng6542]

My heart always breaks open when I hear this part: And all who would might enter, and no one was denied. It's the deep deep created longing to be home with God, the longing for the lost paradise that we share, I believe... God bless Stanford Olson for the longing and the faith he expresses.

[@deecooper8916]

I feel the same; this song always make me cry. It has a very deep, penetrating message. God bless Mister Olsen -- great performance!

[@davechurchward9315]

Hello to all dear brothers and sisters in God's blessed family. We are so glad that you also enjoy our favorite hymns. With Christian greetings to you from the Churchward's in Plymouth - Devon U.K

[@georgestrum3478]

The best rendition of the hymn I ever heard.

[@ieBrazil]

+George Strum yap! there's also a very nice rendition here on youtube by a black (African) singer singing with an African choir and orchestra wich is very nice to me too. The final part of this one I'm refering to is great indeed.

[@nairlopes3887]

@@ieBrazil your i

[@robynworthy4688]

One of the most beautiful uplifting pieces I have heard in my life (over 50 years now). I remember hearing it as a 7 year old walking into a Seventh Day Adventist meeting they had 'The Holy City sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.' playing.

[@Sprno4life]

I adore Stan Olsen's voice. I think of Naomi every time I listen and watch Stan sing. He is such a star... Not just vocally but personally, Stan is an amazing role model of healthy, honest singing. My Bravo! echos Farr...

[@pookiehoney]

Whenever I want to listen to this song I listen to this video. It's the best I've ever heard. It makes me want to sing along every time.

[@TechnikMeister2]

Its one of the most beautiful performances of this powerful song. Stan staggers and chokes up at about 3/4 of the way through but with tears in his eyes he gathers it all up again to finish. Wonderful stuff.

[@Yunginspirit]

Can't help weeping hearing this beautiful rendition over and over...so moving...turns minds and hearts to the Saviour in humble gratitude.

[@reubenmusyoka3192]

Last night I lay asleeping There came a dream so fair I stood in old Jerusalem Beside the temple there I heard the children singing And ever as they sang Methought the voice of Angels From Heaven in answer rang "Jerusalem, Jerusalem! Lift up you gates and sing Hosanna in the highest Hosanna to your King!" And then methought my dream was chang'd The streets no longer rang Hush'd were the glad Hosannas The little children sang The sun grew dark with mystery The morn was cold and chill As the shadow of a cross arose Upon a lonely hill "Jerusalem, Jerusalem! Hark! How the Angels sing Hosanna in the highest Hosanna to your King!" And once again the scene was chang'd New earth there seem'd to be I saw the Holy City Beside the tideless sea The light of god was on its streets The gates were open wide And all who would might enter And no one was denied No need of moon or stars by night Or sun to shine by day It was the new Jerusalem That would not pass away "Jerusalem! Jerusalem Sing for the night is o'er Hosanna in the highest Hosanna for evermore

[@torbenherrig7243]

Mister Stanford Olsen and the beautiful hymn suits each other in the verry best way. Its a pleasyre to listen to.

[@Domtendo2]

This is one of those rare performances that is so staggeringly emotional that it simply touches one's heart as little else can. It is beautiful, and for whatever reason Professor Stanford's voice quavered and his eyes filled with tears, it will remain a teaching moment on many levels. He is blessed with a marvelous voice and ability to communicate as few

[@francoisbessing]

The fact that he was so touched with belief that he got emotional elevated this performance to the very top of many performances I've seen by the MTC. Simply phenomenal...made my eyes water..praise be to God for all His mercies!!!!

[@aanchal-annaleedeprince5525]

Praise be to God

[@JK-zu3lp]

I felt prompted to watch motab hymns and sp happened to view this video while preparing a talk for this Sunday. I was completely honored to meet brother olsen as a missionary and serve with him. He is now in presidency of a stake. Everytime he speaks there's no doubt that he is a man of God the spirit radiates so much when he sings and give talks bringing true emotion each time . Thankful for love of God that shines through His children.

[@danhildebrand8446]

Magnificent! Simply magnificent!

[@ernieenesi6260]

A Blessing to hear my Dad's favorite hymn..Beautifully performed...RIP Dad.

[@sherilynmills6934]

Yes, l yearn for that New Jerusalem also. Especially if Brother Olsen is singing there.

[@M_elliote34]

What a beautiful soul he is. Amazing vocals.

[@ribarnika]

Amazing voice , sang from his heart , as you can see tears in his eyes .

[@jillbush62]

AMAZING! I was looking for a version of this song to listen to because it is Palm Sunday ,the day 12 years ago my mom walked through the gates that were opened wide to her. It blessed my heart more than word can express Thank The Lord for Stanford Olsen

[@irenedevilliers1674]

JILLBUSH62 : Please look up the John Starnes version of this song It is sublime. I'm sure you will love it as much as l do. You won't be disappointed. I know it's too late for the 2021 Palm Sunday but you may like it enough for the next year. He also sings many other songs which are most uplifting. Happy listening.

[@nickcvh]

What an emotional experience absolutely superb - thank you.

[@yvieart]

Bravo Mr. Olsen. A beautiful ability God has gifted you. Your voice - but more, your unashamed love and passion for everything this song represents. The glory returns tenfold to Him, the Great I Am, Creator of all on Earth and in Heaven, a Heavenly Father who cares for us - known to us through the power of the Holy Spirit - because of our Lord, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. "...no need of sun or moon by night..." "...for the glory of God has enlightened it, and the lamp there is the Lamb..." Revelations 21☀️

[@artmorevaikeli3439]

yes very emotional you can tell when he starts tearing up. wonderful!!

[@ukponoasuquo5798]

This rendition is out of this world. The Prof may not even understood what happened to his soul during the rendition. God is AWESOME!

[@dayoooh]

Wonderful! Stanford Olsen match the standard of Gigli and Caruso! I simply love his singing! I've been an organist for 50 years. I love the chorus as well; whish I had sich a choir! I'm an Norwegian - Danish organist. I have performed at e.g. The Shrine and Washington Cathedral, Washington DC

[@JanieQB]

My mother loved this song and I subsequently do, too. This is marvelous! Bravo, Bravo!

[@tinselPixie]

It's a mark of his professionalism that he was able to get through it. I'd have been a blubbering mess. I've often wondered how the Choir makes it through some of the songs. Music is such a blessing! Thanks so much for posting this.

[@zinagoodwin9620]

Yes, it was a favorite of my mother also. She left us on December 17th, 1972 and her memory is very sweet to me. How appropriate that I would "just happen" on this rendition on December 17th. I love this song also and this rendition is the best I have ever heard.

[@ThePurlygirly]

My grandmother also passed away on Dec. 17, but in 1979

[@thomasmcmurray791]

Wow! Can this man sing! If it was possible, this would be this man's theme song. There is no better version of this song on this earth. That spot where he choked up brought tears to my eyes. His voice sounds so 'Irish Tenor' it really makes the song.

[@geo752]

Wonderful just wonderful

[@lindapoulson2130]

Wonderful….

[@eileenlundquist4465]

This is my favorite song. Beautifully sung

[@kathyminson5526]

I added a comment but it seems to have vanished. I've loved this song since I first heard as a small child. . I didn't understand it, but I loved the parts about the children singing. It takes a truly majestic voice to sing this majestic music. , so Brother Olson is perfect to perform it. Fast forward many years (I was in my sixties when I heard and saw this performance) and at last I understood this song, and I wept with Brother Olson. In the Church of Jesus Christ we refer to the New Jerusalem as the city that will be built here on the American continent. The Jerusalem in this song is indeed the ancient city of Jerusalem, renewed because Christ has returned to his city and his people. There is no need for sun, moon, or stars because the light of Christ and God bathe the city and the earth. The Gates of Jerusalem, long kept locked to protect the city and the people, are now flung open wide. ALL MAY ENTER WHO CHOOSE TO COME UNTO CHRIST! No one is denied. Christ now rules the earth and no one need be afraid. The long night of darkness is over and JOY fills the world. Every time I revisit this song I weep along with Brother Olson. I hope all who hear this song will feel joy in their hearts, also.

[@ruthbrower8152]

If you follow the lyrics, you see that it’s actually the life of Christ. The angels announcing the coming, the cross appears, and then the new Jerusalem appears with no need for outside light. Last night whilst I was sleeping There came a dream so fair, I stood in old Jerusalem Beside the temple there. I heard the children singing, And ever as they sang, I thought the voice of angels From heaven in answer rang I thought the voice of angels From heaven in answer rang. Jerusalem! Jerusalem! Lift up your gates and sing, Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna to your King! And then I thought my dream was changed, The streets no longer rang, Hushed were the glad Hosannas The little children sang. The sun grew dark with mystery, The morn was cold and chill, As the shadow of a cross arose Upon a lonely hill. Jerusalem! Jerusalem! Hark! How the angels sing, Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna to your King! And once again the scene was changed; New earth there seemed to be; I saw the Holy City Beside the crystal sea. The light of God was on it's streets, The gates were open wide, And all who would might enter, And no one was denied. No need of moon or stars by night, Or sun to shine by day; It was the new Jerusalem That would not pass away. Jerusalem! Jerusalem! Sing for the night is o'er! Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna for evermore

[@johnsonbonanza6411]

I love the Mormon quire

[@bobwalling45]

A truly inspirational tenor singing this monumental piece. I sang this in church 60 years ago, a 14 year old voice but if I sang it today, He would be my role model.

[@jmabreu1955]

When the heart weeps, it is something that enchants you ...

[@joaoaurelio1534]

I wasnt watching the video, just listening but then he was crying and it was so passionate i started crying myself. Dont know what happened or what the song meant to Prof Olsen but this was one of those moments!! Beautiful, blessed them all

[@ImSPOTon]

I know it's when he begins to sing the verse about the messiah coming back ...temple is prophesied to be rebuilt and it is to be the NEW JERUSALEM..... god's holy city that will never pass way....it's foretold... Yeshua/Jesus is reclaim ...reign from there for 1000 years and "and all who would might enter and no one was denied" it WILLhappen as gids word says...possibly soon as signs arepointing to it! it's the center of much controversy now and president trump has just made his announcement proclaiming Jerusalem the capital of israel....this is huge.... that will never pass away..,,when actually it's been a law passed by congress since way back 60's .....biput NOT ACKNOWLEDGED ....the world is going crazy over it too.....qhy so much controversy over this little nothing city ? But this is the way it's been for centuries....check out the history if not knowing....it's faith building and AWESOME ....THIS IS why this man is emotional.....the meaning behind the hymn....praise Abba...praise our saviour and speed your return ! Please we LOVE YOU and we're so excited !

[@esthergenao7361]

same happened to me

[@YellowstoneBound1948]

This is such a magnificent expression of faith. Look at members of the choir. They (the ladies) radiate an inner beauty that reflects the presence of Christ in their lives. This presentation is an inspiration. Only when Mr. Olsen tells us that the gates to the city were opened wide and that no was denied, does he briefly lose his composure. I confess to losing my composure, as well. It is a natural reaction to understanding God's Grace. Undeserving as we are, He has opened the gates. I am on my way. Follow me.

[@BJoy1943]

YellowstoneBound1948 His moment with the Lord that we were blessed to share is so moving and I am grateful to have witnessed it.

[@jasonjoe4206]

Stanford was already crying from the beginning of the song... must mean a lot to him... May the Lord always bless Mr. Olsen and other Christians in this world.... Amen...🙏🙏🙏

[@rogerkirchner7741]

I've sung this numerous times. First as boy soprano; later as a baritone/tenor. I enjoy hearing it again and again, especially during Holy Week.

[@PetrusJosephus]

Such a great performance by this man. The moment he chokes up just adds to the beauty.

[@rosalieholdaway6017]

Beautiful

[@sylviawhite300]

Absolutely wonderful. Thank you

[@DerGlaetze]

Sung with utmost passion. I needed a lot of Kleenex after hearing this rendition. It made me want to give him a big hug. His soul was exposed and revealed a warm, loving man who has a strong testimony of Christ.

[@carolejones830]

I agree that reflects the presence of Christ

[@randilund2558]

Thank you for this wonderful song. So beautiful. ❤️🌹🇩🇰

[@mjgueco3807]

So beautiful

[@alanbradbury4872]

I've been denied all my life, so the line that "all who would might enter and none would be denied" always breaks me up.

[@sharonhansen1547]

Just Beautiful!!!

[@Slaughterbugs]

Magnificent.

[@loganhayden8383]

Such a beautiful rendition, I come back again and again to listen! -Love it!

[@moggiee1]

Makes my heart sing

[@mooroakash]

Amazing Stanford Olsen has truly captured the beauty of the , The Holy City.

[@ladyeels5924]

Very grateful for this magnificent song I could play it all day magnificent

[@ladyeels5924]

One of the most wonder willful Christmas songs heavenly father has let his people hear

[@kyrvhy]

This brings memories of boyhood singing in church as an extra soprano and also of the lovely and beautiful girl who sang the lead and who left us to early and so recently.

[@donnavaughn9409]

O my how touching

[@lesleymease2619]

Beautifully sang man so touching .

[@HadassahFaith9482]

we were all in tears while watching this video in our stake center. thanks for this wonderful music! everyone felt the Spirit :-)

[@anthonyjeromeadams3630]

Too wonderful!

[@michaelmutsharini6740]

This song is amazing. It makes one to appreciated the art of music more and more.

[@antonlino]

I"ve heard this song for many times and remind me that x-mas is coming everyday ... Love this great performance....

[@mariekedutoit341]

An amazing experience

[@wilfredocanlas5220]

GREAT song to the LORD sung by a great singer. THANKS for EVERYTHING O GOD.

[@rabindrapalai9672]

Pranam to all

[@torilllundborn7899]

Feel so good in my soul by this performance. My second cousine and her family was Mormons. Wonderful People. God is good. In Jesus name bless You all💖

[@churchofjesuschrist]

Thanks for your kind comment, Torill. We're glad to hear you enjoyed the video! For you or others interested, learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at comeuntochrist.org.

[@JohnCahillChapel]

Thank you! Beautiful again.

[@tenoregermania]

This is such an emotional song. I find it very hard to sing it without choking up. Nice to see other singers have the same problem.

[@marthajesusdepraga]

que fantástca voz, la de este hombre!

[@madalaomaria]

Parabéns aos Mormons por nos brindar com essas vozes maravilhosas.

[@cortez3jlb]

Thank you...I needed this..so much.

[@janicedavies1041]

Beautiful song and Beautiful Singer too! X

[@USGolfer]

When in the moment we are touched by Love emotions become uncontrollable. When we acknowledge from where that Love emanates we are made strong. The greatest performances are those where Love makes an entrance.

[@vikianderson1610]

Every Christmas when I was young, "The Holy City" was performed as a piano/organ duet in our ward. My mother loved this song. While at BYU, I found a piano rendition and learned to play it. Every time I went home to visit my mom, she would lead me to the piano to play it for her. Mom has been gone for 14 years now and whenever I hear this song I think of her. This performance is magnificent!!! I had goosebumps throughout it. Even Mr. Olsen became emotional during his performance.

[@maribelmerdegiacanlas]

PRAISE THE LORD and kneel down. WE LOVE THEE O LORD till we meet someday.Willy/Mabel

[@tenoregermania]

Absolutely beautiful. I love this song.