Fernando Ortega
Encyclopedia
Fernando Ortega is an adult contemporary singer-songwriter in contemporary Christian music
. He is noted both for his interpretations of many traditional hymns and songs, such as "Give Me Jesus" and "Be Thou My Vision
", and for writing clear, easily understood songs, such as "This Good Day".
near the banks of the Rio Grande
. He started learning piano at eight years of age. Through his father's work with the United States Department of State
, he also spent time in Ecuador
and Barbados
. His family lived in Chimayo, NM for eight generations, which has been cited as an influence on his music. It is from his heritage and classical training at The University of New Mexico
where Ortega derives his sound, embracing country, classical, Celtic, Latin American, world, modern folk and rustic hymnody. Fernando Ortega currently leads worship at Christ the King Anglican Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico
.
Contemporary Christian music
Contemporary Christian music is a genre of modern popular music which is lyrically focused on matters concerned with the Christian faith...
. He is noted both for his interpretations of many traditional hymns and songs, such as "Give Me Jesus" and "Be Thou My Vision
Be Thou My Vision
Be Thou My Vision is a traditional hymn from Ireland, which is commonly attributed to Dallán Forgaill. It is popular among English-speaking churches around the world.-History:...
", and for writing clear, easily understood songs, such as "This Good Day".
Biography
Ortega was born and raised in Albuquerque, New MexicoNew Mexico
New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
near the banks of the Rio Grande
Rio Grande
The Rio Grande is a river that flows from southwestern Colorado in the United States to the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way it forms part of the Mexico – United States border. Its length varies as its course changes...
. He started learning piano at eight years of age. Through his father's work with the United States Department of State
United States Department of State
The United States Department of State , is the United States federal executive department responsible for international relations of the United States, equivalent to the foreign ministries of other countries...
, he also spent time in Ecuador
Ecuador
Ecuador , officially the Republic of Ecuador is a representative democratic republic in South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and by the Pacific Ocean to the west. It is one of only two countries in South America, along with Chile, that do not have a border...
and Barbados
Barbados
Barbados is an island country in the Lesser Antilles. It is in length and as much as in width, amounting to . It is situated in the western area of the North Atlantic and 100 kilometres east of the Windward Islands and the Caribbean Sea; therein, it is about east of the islands of Saint...
. His family lived in Chimayo, NM for eight generations, which has been cited as an influence on his music. It is from his heritage and classical training at The University of New Mexico
University of New Mexico
The University of New Mexico at Albuquerque is a public research university located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in the United States. It is the state's flagship research institution...
where Ortega derives his sound, embracing country, classical, Celtic, Latin American, world, modern folk and rustic hymnody. Fernando Ortega currently leads worship at Christ the King Anglican Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico
New Mexico
New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
.
Discography
- In a Welcome Field (1991/2000)
- Meditations of the Heart (1992)
- Meditations of the Heart Encore (1993)
- Hymns and Mediations (1994)
- Night of Your Return (1996)
- This Bright Hour (1998)
- The Breaking of the Dawn (1998)
- Give Me Jesus - EP (1999)
- Home (2000)
- Camino Largo (2001)
- Storm (2002)
- Hymns of Worship (2003)
- Fernando Ortega (2004)
- Live In St. Paul - DVD (2004)
- The Shadow of Your Wings: Hymns and Sacred Songs (2006)
- Christmas Songs (2008)
- Come Down O Love Divine (2011)
- Other Appearances include:
- Calvary Chapel Music Praise, Vol. 1 ("How I Love You Lord" and "Teach Me Your Ways")
- Calvary Chapel Worship Alive, Vol. 1 ("I Will Delight" and "Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying")
- Next Door Savior ("How Deep the Father's Love For Us")
- The Odes Project ("Sing Allelu" and "I Stretched Out My Hands")
- Unknown Albums: "I Will Sing the Wondrous Story" and "O For a Thousand Tongues to SingO for a Thousand Tongues to SingO For A Thousand Tongues To Sing is a Christian hymn written by Charles Wesley. Charles Wesley wrote over 6,000 hymns, many of which were subsequently reprinted, frequently with alterations, in hymnals, particularly those of Methodist Churches....
"
Awards
Dove Awards- 1998
- Bluegrass Song: "Children of the Living God"
- 2000
- Inspirational Album: Home
- 2002
- Special Event Album of the Year: City on a Hill (various artists)