The show which has been described as a cross between “This Is Your Life” and the “Kennedy Center Honors” will be open to the public and include special appearances by the Rev. Franklin Graham and author Max Lucado and performances by Amy Grant, Bill and Gloria Gaither, Jordin Sparks, Wynonna, Ricky Skaggs, Melinda Doolittle, Phil Stacey, Michael Tait and others.

“In our effort to serve Nashville, it is an honor to acknowledge the artistic contributions of a person of such integrity and musical talent as Michael W. Smith—a man who has contributed so much both locally and globally,” says John E. Coates, founder and music director of The Nashville Choir. “When a songwriter’s work is so timeless that it’s added to hymnals, that work is truly legendary. And this is a feat Michael has accomplished numerous times. The Nashville Choir is thrilled to come together with his colleagues, the music industry, and fans from all over Middle Tennessee to celebrate Michael and his profound music.”

Throughout his 25-year career as a recording artist, Michael W. Smith has amassed an impressive catalog of achievements. His 20 albums have garnered multiple honors including an American Music Award, 3 GRAMMY Awards (from 13 nominations) and 42 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards and 33 No. 1 radio hits. In addition, he holds 16 Gold and 5 Platinum albums and career sales approaching 15 million. Smith will release his next album, A New Hallelujah (Reunion Records), on October 28. As his third worship recording, A New Hallelujah follows 2001’s Worship which has sold more than a million-and-a half copies. Its follow up, 2002’s Worship Again is nearing the Platinum mark.

“This is going to be a tremendous night,” says Smith’s manager Chaz Corzine. “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate and honor Michael’s legacy than this—a gathering of friends that have been a part of his life and his career. The fact that it all benefits The Nashville Choir is so fitting.”

Tickets for “A Light for the City 2008” range in price from $32.50 to $250 and may be purchased now by calling 615-687-6400, going online to www.nashvillesymphony.org, or at the Schermerhorn box office. All proceeds will benefit The Nashville Choir which is a non-profit organization.

The 150-voice Nashville Choir, which formed in 2005, features a cross-section of standout singers from all walks of life ranging from semi-professional vocalists to top session vocalists. The Nashville Choir has appeared at several prestigious Nashville events including the 2007 Community Hymn Sing with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra and the Tennessee Prayer Breakfast with Gov. Phil Bredesen and shared the stage with Alison Krauss, Steven Curtis Chapman, CeCe Winans, and American Idol’s Mandisa, among others. The Nashville Choir also had the privilege of recording “Just As I Am” for the new Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The Nashville Choir, which accepts members by audition only, is affiliated with the Nashville Rescue Mission, Nashville Farmers Market and the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center. The Nashville Choir’s mission is “to be a musical force in the marketplace to the glory of God” and its vision is “to be a community of singers united to serve Nashville.” Presently, Nashville Choir members are mentoring both the inner city choir at Bridges Academy and the choral group at Hillsboro High School. Visit The Nashville Choir online at www.thenashvillechoir.org.

 

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