Christian Music Online

Fernando Ortega in concert

October 10, 2008 – 1:08 pm

Fernando Ortega’s roots may be grounded along the banks of the Rio Grande, but his music spreads far and wide.

The well-known Christian musician, who will perform Friday in Rochester, has a career spanning more than 15 years and covering many genres, including classical, Celtic, Latin American, world and modern folk. Ortega’s upcoming CD will add Christmas carols to that list.

The composer and performer recently finished recording a Christmas album that will be released Oct. 21. The album includes one original song along with many classic Christmas carols from “Joy to the World” to the more obscure “Carol of the Birds,” a Spanish carol he said he heard on a Joan Baez recording.

Throughout his career, Ortega has performed many times in Minnesota. He’s even taken in concerts here, including one by friend Allison Krauss who has sung on a few of his albums and who happened to be in town at the same time.

You sing in both Spanish and English. Is there a language that you express yourself better in?

I’m way better at expressing myself in English. I don’t speak Spanish as much as I do English, but Spanish lends itself to singing a lot more. The vowels are open and pure sounding.

As you look back on your career and life, what are you most proud of?

I would say I’m proud of the fact that I’ve recorded 15 records now and I still do songs from all of them. I still do songs from my first record, even though some I would be embarrassed to do.

What would you still like to accomplish?

I’d love to record with an orchestra symphony sometime. I would also love to record with a classical kind of choir.

If you go

What: Fernando Ortega in concert

When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10

Where: Autumn Ridge Church, 3611 Salem Road S.W., Rochester

Tickets: $20 general admission, $30 gold circle seating, available at Christos Bookcenter, online or by calling 252-9090.

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