Reviews

The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center looked festive and elegant Tuesday night, all dressed up for the Michael W. Smith Christmas concert with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Garlands of green, bows of white and slim trees were all strung with the tiniest of white lights, creating just the right feel for what was about to come.

The concert opened with two pieces by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra alone, and then Michael W. Smith took the stage. Once he did, the audience lighted up, not unlike the festive bulbs all around. The evening that followed had a wonderful ebb and flow emanating from the variety of Christmas music performed, from original pieces by Mr. Smith to new arrangements of classic songs.

The hall was filled with the Christian contemporary sounds for which Mr. Smith has become famous. I've got one word for you when it comes to him and his music: wholesome. Mr. Smith is not only an impressive lyricist and vocalist, he is also an accomplished composer and pianist, as evidenced by his performance of the gorgeous "Audrey's Gift," which he wrote for his 8-month-old granddaughter.

Mr. Smith was joined onstage by the Katinas, a singing group of five brothers who grew up in Samoa. They sang backup for many of Mr. Smith's songs and the harmonies they created were lovely. Later on in the performance they did a few impressive and rather upbeat numbers all their own, as well.

"I was a little worried when I saw you all coming in tonight all dressed up and ready for a quiet evening," one of them said. "Thank you so much for rocking with us."

American Idol finalist Melinda Doolittle also joined Mr. Smith onstage. Her voice is as lush and full as her personality is charming. "Simon told me I wouldn't be singing backup anymore," she said, referring to the show's Simon Cowell. "But who would have thought in a million years that the Katinas and Michael W. Smith would be my Pips." She was adorable. But her voice is serious business.

There is a certain drama that results from a stage full of talented people gathering together to perform during a season already rife with emotion. Add to that Mr. Smith's grandiose musical style and you've got yourself one heck of a captivating evening.

As the show wound to a close, the audience sang several Christmas songs at Mr. Smith's invitation. It was surprisingly touching and pretty. After one final number with the orchestra, the Katinas and Ms. Doolittle, Mr. Smith said good night and then returned for a solo encore. Only the Grinch himself could have left that concert without a giddy smile and a heart full of gratefulness and joy.

Jenny Block is a Dallas freelance writer.

•Repeats at 7:30 tonight at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St. $44 to $99. 214-692-0203, www.dallassymphony.com