We have been listening to Fernando Ortega's music since the early 1990s when my spouse discovered via Moody Bible Radio Ortega's version of the Latin American hymn 'O What Shall I Render?' (?Con Qu<'>e Pagaremos?). About February 2000 we heard him perform live for the first time at Harvest Bible Church near O'Hare Airport. His concert on Friday, 26 August, 2011 at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church convinced me again that Ortega is one of America's finest worship leaders via his preference for venerable hymns & spiritual songs that many congregations no longer sing. There is an understated simplicity to Ortega's interpretation of these beautiful hymns that brings audiences into God's presence. I noticed men around me quietly weeping as he sang the African American spiritual composed during the era of African slavery in America, 'Give Me Jesus.' His autobiographical stories between the hymns & his own original songs introduced us to his grandparents who were farmers in New Mexico, his spiritual journey from the Presbyterian Church to the Anglican Communion, & he and his spouse's joy at the birth of their first child, Ruby. Unlike some other popular Christian & secular musicians, Ortega celebrates the Giver of all good & perfect gifts, not himself. His humility & piety are so genuine in his approach to sacred music and his audience that one could not resist becoming 'lost in wonder, love, and praise.' I encourage anyone who needs to find some hope in the midst of the international & national crises of 2011 to listen to Fernando Ortega's understated, compelling, 'in-Spiriting' interpretation of some of the Church's most beautiful songs of praise and lament.
Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church @
- Elmhurst @
, IL @
- Fri, Aug 26, 2011 @
Favorite moment: His performance of his original praise song, 'The Good Shepherd.' @