Faith, Music, and Diplomacy in Harmony: BYU Singers Perform in Brussels

Guests gathered at the Musical Instrument Museum in Brussels for an uplifting evening performance by the internationally acclaimed BYU Singers, a choral ensemble from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, United States. The concert was organized by the European Union & International Affairs Office of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with distinguished guests, diplomatic representatives, and members of the public in attendance.

The performance, held in the elegant concert hall of the Art Nouveau-style Museum, was a celebration of musical excellence, cultural connection, and shared values. The program featured sacred works, international selections, and contemporary pieces, highlighting the technical precision and emotional depth that have made the BYU Singers a distinguished presence on global stages.

"To have music, faith, and diplomacy come together is an example of how we can bring peace to the world," said Elder Jack Gerard, General Authority Seventy and member of the Europe Central Area Presidency. "Music speaks peace to our soul and accomplishes what the leader of our Church, President Nelson, talks about, and that's to invite us all to become peacemakers."

Former United States Ambassador to Türkiye Jeff Flake, who attended with his wife Cheryl, reflected on the power of youth and music. “It opens doors to everyone when they see students like this performing beautifully and exhibiting their faith as well. It’s just wonderful,” he said.

Prior to the concert, Ivan Romero Nasser, Minister of the Embassy of the Republic of Honduras remarked, "I'm very much looking forward to having a great evening with friends and family. And it's something very important for the world at this moment. Faith and music come together, especially at this time of need globally with all the crises that are taking place. We need something positive in our lives on a daily basis."

Founded in 1984, the BYU Singers are known for their dynamic sound, artistic versatility, and commitment to musical and spiritual expression. Their international tours have brought them to stages across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, where they have served as cultural ambassadors through the universal language of music.

"It's an amazing opportunity. I grew up singing myself. I love choral music. When I think of diplomacy, we talk a lot about how to bridge gaps across oceans, across cultures, and nothing does that better than music," said Norman Thatcher Scharpf, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Mission to the European Union. He continued, "Choral music in particular brings faith to music and sets it to that tone that everybody can understand, regardless of whether you understand the Latin being sung or the English or whatever language it's being sung in."

The choir honored guests with a selection of sacred music, including familiar Primary songs that resonated deeply with many in attendance. Their rendition of the beloved piece "Baptism" further bridged the gap between cultures and faiths, creating a moment of shared reverence and connection.

"The performance tonight was excellent. It was remarkable, and they achieved wonderful things with the diplomatic community of unity, and we all came together and had this wonderful experience," said Sister Claudette Gerard. "Music is always a universal language, and even though we may not speak the same languages, very often music brings us together."

The concert in Brussels reflects an ongoing effort to engage in meaningful, values-based dialogue through art, education, and public service. Events like these demonstrate how faith and culture can coexist in ways that uplift, inspire, and bring communities together.

As the final notes faded and guests rose in applause, the evening left a lasting impression. From the opening piece to the encore, the concert was not only a musical offering, but a moment of shared beauty and mutual respect in one of Europe’s cultural capitals.

The European Union & International Affairs Office of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to support initiatives that promote freedom of religion or belief, family values, and friendship across borders and traditions.