Wonder of Christmas Overture / Farandole 

 

“Christmastime”

 

“It’s a Wonderful Christmas”

 

First Snowfall

 

“Joy Follows Suffering” (from Glory)

 

“Whitaker’s Wonder” (from Glory)

 

“The Promise”

 

“Gloria”

 

Glory Overture (from Glory)

 

“Redemption” (from Glory)

 

“Heroes” (from Glory)

 

“A Child Is Born” 

 

“Friends”

 

“Emmanuel”

 

“Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” / “The First Noël” / “Silent Night” / “O Come All Ye Faithful”

 

“All Is Well”

 

 

Wonder is one of the most impactful albums of his career: anthemic, deep, sweeping, and cinematic. This project manages to carry an air of possibility while acknowledging the pitfalls of this-world existence, effortlessly juxtaposing sometimes dark lyrics with catchy hooks and uplifting melodies. It’s easily apparent that even after 21 albums in the past 27 years, “Smitty” has yet to lose his interest in music or the message he wants to share. In fact, his creativity, energy, and innovative approach appear to be expanding with each new effort. “The journey’s not finished,” he has said. “We’ve all got our gifts and we all get to contribute, and this is what I’m supposed to do. For some reason, I still love music. For some reason, I still love performing live. And for some reason, I still feel a bit of a surge when I step into a recording studio. It makes me think of Chariots of Fire. I’ll never forget, it just took my breath away when Eric Little said, ‘When I run, I feel His pleasure.’ I feel that way. Making music, singing these songs, that’s what I’m made to do.”

 

Mr. Smith last appeared with the ESO in December 2007.

 

Selected in 2006 by Billboard magazine from over 1,400 artists as one of 6 finalists in the Independent Music World Series, L’Angelus has been steadily gaining international attention. May 2009 marked their first internationally televised concert, with an hour long interview and performance on EWTN’s Life on the Rock, where the group explored the influence that the Catholic culture of community celebrations has had on the development of Cajun and Irish music. Their most recent release, Sacred Hymns Collection, was picked up for international distribution by Ignatius Press, the world’s largest Catholic publishing company, and quickly became one of the most popular items in their music catalogue.

 

This is L’Angelus’ debut with the ESO.

 

David Hamilton has recorded with orchestras in Nashville, Los Angeles, New York, Dublin, Prague, and London.  He has helped Michael W. Smith bring many of his musical ideas to life such as It’s a Wonderful Christmas and most recently Michael’s new instrumental project, Glory.  He has produced recordings and written music  for numerous other artists including  Sandi Patty, Shania Twain, Renée Fleming, Steve Green, Ricky Skaggs, and  Michael McDonald. David received his undergraduate degree in Piano Performance from the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music and his Masters degree from the University of Miami School of Music.  He has been part of the vibrant creative community in Nashville for over 20 years. He also serves as a lay leader in the music and worship ministry at Brentwood Baptist Church and is a recent alumnus of Nashville’s esteemed Leadership Music program.  He lives in Brentwood with his wife, Sandy and their two children. 

 

Mr. Hamilton last appeared with the ESO in December 2007.