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Sal Solo |
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Sal Solo was lead singer
of '80's British rock band Classix Nouveaux. They toured 30 countries, playing
to audiences of up to 25,000 a time, achieving number one records, gold and
silver discs. Today he sings a different tune, according to a local paper in
Wisconsin: "His motivation does not come from success, money or fame. Having
been there, Solo has no desire to become a Christian rock star. He stands in the
darkness so that all the glory of his songs should be directed to God."
In an age when people are
bombarded with videos, computer graphics and all kinds of messages, Sal Solo has
devised a unique multimedia presentation which Rev. John Heidt of Texas
describes as: "... a compelling and entertaining program of music and pictures
presenting the fundamentals of the Christian faith." Using the latest computer
technology, giant videos bring the Gospel to life in vivid and exciting fashion,
while the audience claps and sings, but at other times, sits motionless as Sal
shares the Good News in what a journalist called "bite size bits preaching".
This is not throwaway entertainment, as the events usually end in prayer,
sometimes continuing long after the music has ended. Those aged from 2 to 92
have enjoyed Sal's rare gift to communicate to all types of people and make it
seem personal to each one. Fr. Paul Hottinger in Illinois wrote: "I was not
looking forward to 'rock' music, since I don't fancy most 'rock' as music, but
this was a delightful surprise: original, lyrical, beautifully played. But the
real impact of the night was the obvious faith of Sal Solo and his desire to
share it with others."
Sal has appeared at youth
rallies and Catholic schools across Europe and America. Out of submissions from
all over the world, Sal was invited to appear at World Youth Day, Rome, in
August 2000. The Pope's representative in Britain, the Pro-Nuncio, wrote: "The
initiatives you take on behalf of young people are most commendable and I am
happy to assure you of my support at all times. I hope that your music ministry
will continue to flourish both at home and abroad." His appeal goes way beyond
the Catholic Church however. Dr. Wayne Martindale of well known Evangelical
establishment, Wheaton College in Illinois, wrote after a Sal Solo concert: "Sal
Solo's multimedia concert is magnificently creative, deeply moving, consistently
biblical, and spiritually refreshing. His appeal is surprisingly
transgenerational and is ultimately the appeal of the Gospel, passionately and
clearly presented. I enthusiastically recommend it." Sal has been a keynote
speaker at conferences and colleges, and also presents retreats and special
youth activities. He has produced and presented shows on radio, published a book
for young people, and written in various publications. Aside from 8 albums in
the mainstream pop market, he has released 7 Christian albums.
In 1999, Sal unveiled his
most ambitious project to date, a complete Mass for the Millennium entitled ANNO
DOMINI, bringing to life the true meaning of the Eucharist, with videos and
music, using state of the art 21st century computer technology.
Since the fall of 1999, Sal has been based in the USA. To be clear that his
priority is to promote Jesus Christ, rather than Sal Solo, he has brought
together a group of people in a not for profit ministry speaking the language of
the 21st Century: ACTS (Artistic Creative Technological Spirit-led) Evangelism &
Worship Aim: to use all artistic, creative & technological means, inspired by
the Holy Spirit, to evangelize and lead people to worship God. Finally, the
words of Cardinal Hume, late leader of the Catholic Church in Britain: "He has
continually worked on the evangelization of our Catholic youth. I have supported
him in all of this because of my desire to reach our youth and can recommend you
to consider doing the same."
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