Psalms. They’re the church’s oldest complete songbook and would have been known and sung by Jesus, yet today we seem to think of the Psalms more as poems than songs.

But not everyone sees them that way, and Kingsway is pleased to announce the forthcoming release masterminded by songwriter/composer Mark Niedzwiedz, ‘Symphony of Psalms’.

An album devoted to unleashing the power at the heart of these gems of scripture, ‘Symphony of Psalms’ is a classical crossover album unlike any other.

“For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had a passion for music,” explains Mark.

“From the early nineties I was signed as a songwriter to MCA Music, then later to Universal Music and wrote songs for and with artists/composers such as Ennio Morricone, Katherine Jenkins, LeAnn Rimes, Ronan Keating, Matt Dusk and various Pop Idols. In those days, having platinum and gold discs on the wall were more important to me than having God at the centre of my life.”

According to Mark, ‘Symphony of Psalms’ is dedicated to “restless spirits who long for rest, for those in darkness who walk towards the light at the end of the tunnel, for those whose hearts seek the peace of God.”

As albums go, this one has even more crossover appeal than most. Like other artists helping to join the dots between classical music and the Christian faith, Mark Niedzwiedz’s album is evocative from start to finish, drawing listeners and spurring them on.

“Coming from my musical background, once I dedicated what little talent I have to God, it seemed a natural fit to write an album of classical crossover songs inspired by the Psalms," he says.

"The hope for this album is that the music and lyrics appeal to a wide audience, to both Christians and people with no religious affiliation. I believe art can be a window to God and music a powerful means of communication between us and the Almighty.”