The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will honor the late gospel composer Richard Smallwood at its annual GospelFest concert Thursday, April 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.
The BSO will perform alongside four HBCU choirs for the occasion:
- Bowie State University Choir
- Coppin State University Choir
- Howard Gospel Choir
- Morgan State University Choir
Gospel artist Maurette Brown Clark will appear as a special guest. The program includes some of Smallwood’s best-known compositions, among them “Total Praise” and “Anthem of Praise.”
Smallwood, an Atlanta native who spent much of his career in the Washington, D.C., area, was a composer and pianist whose work helped define the sound of contemporary gospel music over more than four decades. His songs have been performed by church choirs and concert ensembles worldwide.
The concert was shaped with input from composer, conductor and producer Darin Atwater, who advised on the program and worked alongside Smallwood for more than 30 years.
“GospelFest has become one of the most meaningful evenings of our season,” said Mark C. Hanson, BSO president and CEO. “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.”
GospelFest is part of the BSO’s Celebrations Collection. Tickets are available at BSOmusic.org or through the box office.