Nashville Symphony President and CEO Alan Valentine surprised Michael W. Smith during “An Evening with Amy Grant” last Sunday, September 10th, with an announcement that one of the Schermerhorn Symphony Center’s Steinway pianos would be named in his honour. The Michael W. Smith Steinway Grand Piano was presented in recognition of Smith’s longtime support of the Symphony, including recently donated proceeds from a pair of Sold Out concerts he performed last season.

Michael W. Smith receives honour as long time friend Amy Grant and Schermerhorn Symphony Center executives applaud.

“Michael is a true blessing to the Nashville Symphony, and we thought that it would be a fitting tribute to name one of our two beautiful Steinways after him,” said Valentine.

Amy Grant was host to the second evening in three opening weekend galas for the Nashville Symphony’s new home, Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Among her guests were Smith; her husband, Vince Gill; and country singer LeAnn Rimes.

Grant also received a surprise from the symphony with the announcement that the stage of Schermerhorn Symphony Center would be named Amy Grant Performance Platform.

Smith’s new studio project, Stand, is scheduled for a November 7th release. For more information on this album, vist Smith’s YMZ artist page. Just prior to that, a “best of” Platinum Series collection will be available at Canadian Christian retailers on October 3rd.