A member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, who will perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration on 20 January, has resigned in protest over its appearance at the event.
Soprano Jan Chamberlain joined the 360-member choir five years ago, but has said she cannot take part, as: ‘it will appear that the choir is endorsing tyranny and fascism.’
In a letter to the choir’s management, she wrote: ‘Since the announcement I have spent several sleepless nights and days in turmoil and agony. I have reflected carefully on both sides of the issue, prayed a lot.’ Chamberlain added that performing at the event would mean she, ‘could never look myself in the mirror again with self-respect.’
Responding to Chamberlain’s resignation, the choir told The Salt Lake Tribune that, ‘participation in the choir, including the performance at the Inauguration, is voluntary,’ and that, ‘none are required to participate.’
It has been reported that some artists have declined the opportunity to perform at the ceremony, with Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli among them. Confirmed acts include singer Jackie Evancho, the Marine Corps band and the Radio City Rockettes.