Epic music night for Calgarians
by Sheryl Ratcliff

On December 15 & 16, Centre Street Church will be alit with the glory of God and the spirit of Christmas in a very special occasion: the legendary Michael W. Smith and the world-class Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra live in concert. Part of Smith’s It’s a Wonderful Christmas tour, the performance celebrates the festive Season in an unforgettable evening of inspiration.

"This is one of my favourite things I do every year," said Smith. "I just pinch myself, you know. When I’m up there on the piano and I’ve got this wall of orchestra behind me it’s just massive."

— photo courtesy Paul Williams
Michael W. Smith will be in Calgary performing with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra just in time for the Christmas season. (for details on Page 10)

The career of one of Christian music’s greatest stars began back in 1982, when as a 25 year old musician, he was asked to play keyboards on tour for a young artist named Amy Grant. The next year, he made his very first record, Michael W. Smith Project, kicking off a phenomenal career that has earned him three Grammy Awards, 40 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards and 13 million album sales and counting. Now, 28 years and 29 #1 hit songs later, Smith shows no signs of slowing down.

"(My wife) Deb and I were just talking on the way to the airport this morning," said Smith, "and she was taking a new listen to the Live Set, which is either my third or fourth record. The memories flooded back and we just looked at each other and went ‘Oh, my gosh.’ That was 25 years ago. That kind of blows my mind actually but you know, the cool thing is I don’t feel like it’s over. I feel like there’s a whole new beginning. I feel more at peace, more energetic, more confident about what I’m doing now than I ever have."

Known for using his music to address painful societal issues and to encourage change, Smith wrote This Is Your Time for Cassie Bernall, a student killed during the Columbine massacre, and Come Together Now, a song benefiting the victims of earthquake-torn Haiti. On his latest album Wonder, he takes on family violence and bullying in Leave, a song he believes will be the sleeper hit on the recording.

"I’ve just always followed my gut and written out the things that really resonate in my heart," he said. "It (bullying) is a very serious thing that’s going on that few people really ever talk much about. I was ready to take that risk, because I think that song will hopefully allow people to break the silence and get whole, and get healed."

Speaking with Smith, his warmth and approachability is evident, a trait which has translated to his music and is doubtless a large part of his appeal to fans. Calgarian Samantha Jones, who has been a Smith devotee for many years, is excited to see him perform with the CPO. "All I can say is that he is one of my heroes," she said. "His music has soothed my soul and quieted my grieving heart on many occasions. His worship songs have taken me to a place of true communion with God many, many times."

Smith looks forward to celebrating the season with Calgarians, saying "If you like Christmas music and you like a 65-piece orchestra then it’s gonna be your night. It’s very epic and it will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit, that’s for sure."

Intimate pre-concert receptions will be held on both nights, giving fans the opportunity to meet Michael W. Smith before the show. Reception and concert tickets are sold separately and are available through the CPO’s box office at 403-571-0849 or online at www.cpo-live.com.