The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Utah Symphony and three special guests will join musical talents and expertise to present the 13th installment of the O.C. Tanner Gift of Music.

To be presented in the Conference Center on Friday, Sept. 19, and Saturday, Sept. 20, and titled "An American Songbook," the concert will feature mezzo soprano Denyce Graves, who performed with the Tabernacle Choir at Sun Valley, Idaho, Aug. 9 (please see pages 8-9), and Broadway leading man Brian Stokes Mitchell. Erich Kunzel, conductor of the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, will guest conduct the performances. Mr. Kunzel directed choir and his orchestra at Cincinnati's Riverbend Music Center during the choir's tour 2007 summer tour.

The "Gift of Music" concert series began in 1983. Previous concerts have featured well-known guest artists such as Frederica von Stade, Kiri Te Kanawa, The King's Singers and conductors Robert Shaw, Craig Jessop, Michael Tilson Thomas and Keith Lockhart. The most recent concert, in 2005, featured singer Ronan Tynan and the Canadian performing family Leahy.

Free tickets for the concerts are required. Because of the anticipated high demand for this event, tickets will be distributed through a random selection process. Those interested may register on the Internet at www.lds.org/events for the opportunity to receive tickets through Tuesday, Aug. 26, at 11:59 p.m. Those without Internet access may register over the phone at (801) 570-0080 (local) or at 1-866-LDS-TIKS.

A standby line will form at the North Gate on Temple Square at 6 p.m. Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m.

For more details about the concert, please go to mormontabernaclechoir.org