The Mormon Tabernacle Choir agreed Thursday Jan. 20 ceremony to sing at Donald Trump's presidential inauguration

Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Rockettes set to perform at Trump inauguration NBC News CORKY SIEMASZKO Dec 23rd 2016 7:18AM X The Mormon Tabernacle Choir agreed Thursday to sing at Donald Trump's presidential inauguration — and not everybody back home in Utah is applauding. Best known for their soaring renditions of religious and patriotic music, the 360-member Salt Lake City-based choir is one of just a handful of acts that Team Trump has been able to sign up for the Jan. 20 ceremony. The chief spokesman of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints acknowledged the choir is already taking flak for agreeing to be part of the festivities. "Response to the announcement has been mixed, with people expressing both opposition and support," said spokesman Eric Hawkins. RELATED: What happens on Inauguration Day Slideshow preview image 9 PHOTOS What happens on Inauguration Day SEE GALLERY But he defended the choir's decision to sing for Trump. "The choir's participation continues its long tradition of performing for U.S. presidents of both parties at inaugurations and in other settings, and is not an implied support of party affiliations or politics" said Hawkins. "It is a demonstration of our support for freedom, civility and the peaceful transition of power." Previously, the choir sang at the swearing-in ceremonies for Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon and George H. W. Bush. It also performed at the inaugural parades for Ronald Reagan, and both Bushes.