LDS Newsroom reports ” Pop singer David Archuleta and actor Michael York took center stage Thursday night to kick off the annual Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square concerts.

“It just seemed so unreal last night,” said Archuleta, who has lived in Utah since age 10. “It was one of those moments where it was very hard to actually take it in and realize this is actually happening. … I’ve always enjoyed listening to the Choir — I think they’re my most listened to thing on iTunes. It’s amazing. There’s no place like performing here. It’s really incredible having the Choir right behind you. It’s like, ‘Wow, is this really happening?

The Choir was joined by the Orchestra at Temple Square and the Bells on Temple Square. Mack Wilberg and Ryan Murphy conducted the performances; both also arranged or composed much of the music.

Archuleta sang several classic Christmas songs, while York, whose acting career has spanned 45 years, shared the stories of how the Choir was formed and read the traditional account the birth of Jesus Christ from Luke 2.

“When you grow up having respect for something, it just doesn’t really seem like you’re going to be there next,” Archuleta said. “[This concert] already is one of the most amazing things I’ve been able to do, and I know it will be one of the most memorable moments of my life.”

Source.