Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to Honor Gospel Legend Richard Smallwood at Annual GospelFest

BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will bring together the power of gospel music, classical performance, and Historically Black College and University traditions for its annual GospelFest concert on Thursday, April 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.

Now in its fourth year, the program will honor the life and musical legacy of renowned gospel composer and pianist Richard Smallwood, whose work has helped shape the sound of contemporary gospel music for more than four decades.

This year’s celebration marks a historic moment as four prominent HBCU choirs will perform alongside the full Baltimore Symphony Orchestra on one stage. Participating ensembles include the choirs from Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Howard University, and Morgan State University.

Together, they will perform some of Smallwood’s most beloved compositions, including the widely performed gospel anthem “Total Praise” and “Anthem of Praise,” songs that have become staples in church choirs and concert halls across the country.

The evening will feature the return of conductor Jonathan Taylor Rush, who originally launched the orchestra’s GospelFest celebration during his tenure as associate conductor. The concert will also include a special appearance by acclaimed gospel vocalist Maurette Brown Clark.

The program was developed with guidance from composer, conductor and producer Darin Atwater, a longtime collaborator of Smallwood who worked with the gospel icon for more than 30 years.

“GospelFest has become one of the most meaningful evenings of our season,” said Mark C. Hanson, president and CEO of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. “Honoring Richard Smallwood alongside these extraordinary HBCU choirs reflects the richness of our cultural heritage and the power of music to unite generations and communities.”

Born in Atlanta and long based in Washington, D.C., Smallwood is widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in modern gospel music. His compositions have been recorded and performed by gospel artists, church choirs, and orchestras around the world.

The concert is part of the BSO’s Celebrations Collection, a series designed to highlight cultural traditions and the diverse musical heritage that continues to shape American music.

For Baltimore audiences, the evening promises to be both a tribute and a powerful community gathering — blending the tradition of gospel choir music with the full sound of a symphony orchestra.

Tickets for GospelFest are available through the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra box office or online at BSOmusic.org.