Fernando Ortega
Juan Fernando Ortega is a singer-songwriter in contemporary Christian music. He is noted both for his interpretations of many traditional hymns and songs, such as "Give Me Jesus", "Be Thou My Vision" and "Praise to [the Lord, the Almighty]", and for writing clear and easily understood songs such as "This Good Day".
Biography
Ortega was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, 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 Chimayó, New Mexico, for eight generations, a legacy cited as an influence on his music.Ortega graduated from Valley High School and the University of New Mexico, where he received his bachelor's degree in music education. He is a member and former worship leader at an Anglican church in Albuquerque.
It is from his heritage and classical training at the University of New Mexico that Ortega derives his sound, embracing country, classical, Celtic, Latin American, world, modern folk and rustic hymnody.
Discography
Studio albums
In a Welcome Field Meditations of the Heart - piano solos Hymns and Meditations Night of Your Return This Bright Hour The Breaking of the Dawn Home Camino Largo Storm Hymns of Worship Fernando Ortega Beginnings The Shadow of Your Wings: Hymns and Sacred Songs Christmas Songs Meditations of the Heart: Encore – piano solos Come Down O Love Divine- ''The Crucifixion Of Jesus''
Compilation Albums
Fernando Ortega: The Ultimate Collection Best Of – Live In St. Paul – CD- ''Give Me Jesus: The Biggest Hits of Fernando Ortega''
EPs
Give Me Jesus Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming- ''Jesus, Bread of Life''
Singles
My Song is Love Unknown- ''Dark Eyes''
Other appearances
Promise Keepers: The Making of a Godly Man Calvary Chapel Music Praise, Vol. 1: Give Thanks to the Lord Calvary Chapel Worship Alive, Vol. 1 A Collection of Hymns - Next Door Savior- ''The Odes Project, Vol. 1 & 2''
Charts
Storm reached No. 197 on the Billboard 200 in 2002.Christmas Songs reached No. 36 on the Billboard Christmas Album Chart in 2009.
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''