Daniel O’Donnell – How Great Thou Art (Live at the NEC, Killarney, Ireland, 2001)
There are performances that move an audience — and then there are moments that still the soul. When Daniel O’Donnell took the stage at the NEC in Killarney, Ireland, in 2001 to sing “How Great Thou Art,” it was one of those moments. The concert hall, filled with thousands, seemed to fade into reverent silence as Daniel lifted his voice in one of the most beloved hymns of all time. What unfolded was not just a song, but a prayer — a pure, heartfelt expression of faith that touched every person in the room.
“How Great Thou Art” has been sung by countless artists over the decades, but few capture its humility and devotion the way Daniel does. His interpretation is neither grand nor showy. Instead, it’s intimate — like a private conversation between the singer and God, shared quietly with the rest of us. From the first line, “O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder,” Daniel’s voice carries a calm sincerity that feels both timeless and deeply personal. It’s a voice filled with conviction, yet softened by grace.
As he continues, the emotion builds naturally — not through volume, but through feeling. There’s a subtle tremor in his tone, the kind that comes not from nervousness, but from awe. You can hear in his phrasing that he’s not merely performing; he’s believing every word. Each verse feels like a step along a spiritual journey — from wonder at creation to gratitude for redemption, and finally to the overwhelming joy of divine presence.
The arrangement behind him is beautifully restrained — gentle piano chords, soft strings, and a distant choir that enters at just the right moment, like light breaking through clouds. The production doesn’t seek to impress; it seeks to serve the message. As Daniel reaches the chorus — “Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee, how great Thou art” — his voice rises with quiet strength. It fills the hall, not as a performance, but as an offering. The crowd listens in absolute silence, many with heads bowed, some with tears glistening in their eyes.
One of the most remarkable things about this performance is the way Daniel makes such a vast venue feel intimate. Despite the grandeur of the NEC and the thousands seated before him, his presence remains personal, humble, and deeply human. He sings as if he’s standing in a small chapel, with only faith and gratitude as his companions. That quality — the ability to make something so big feel so personal — is what has always set Daniel O’Donnell apart.
In this live version, there’s a moment just before the final verse when the instruments pause, leaving Daniel’s voice alone in the air. The stillness is breathtaking. Then, softly, he begins again — “When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation…” — and the emotion in his delivery is almost overwhelming. By the time he reaches the final chorus, the entire hall is united in spirit. You can feel the audience holding its breath, not wanting the moment to end. When the last note fades, there’s a heartbeat of silence before applause erupts — long, heartfelt, and full of reverence.
That evening in Killarney, Daniel didn’t just sing a hymn; he reminded everyone of the power of faith, of gratitude, and of the quiet strength that music can carry. “How Great Thou Art” in his voice becomes more than a declaration of belief — it becomes a shared experience of wonder.
Even years later, this performance remains one of Daniel O’Donnell’s most cherished. It captures everything that defines him as an artist: sincerity, warmth, humility, and a deep respect for the songs he sings. In an age when so much music strives to dazzle, Daniel reminds us that sometimes the most powerful thing a singer can do is simply mean every word.
And on that night in Killarney, as his voice rose to the rafters, there was no doubt — every soul in that hall felt the greatness he was singing about.