Donald Lawrence Headlines The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s GospelFest 2024

Master March 27, 2024 0

12

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) proudly announces the return of its highly anticipated GospelFest on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 7:30 PM at the historic Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall (Meyerhoff). Led by conductor Dr. Henry Panion III, the BSO will share the stage with internationally renowned Gospel star Donald Lawrence for a captivating performance that showcases the power and beauty of Gospel music.

The second annual celebration of Gospel music promises an unforgettable evening of spiritual rejuvenation and musical excellence including an on-stage collaboration with two distinguished Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) choirs, the Howard Gospel Choir under the direction of Reginald Golden, and the Morgan State University Choir under the direction of Dr. Eric Conway.

“As Maryland’s largest performing arts organization, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to creating programs and events that resonate with and serve our community,” said Mark C. Hanson, President and CEO of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. “GospelFest exemplifies our commitment to celebrating diversity and uniting communities through the universal language of music.

We are thrilled to welcome Donald Lawrence, Dr. Henry Panion III, and our esteemed guest choruses for an extraordinary evening of inspiration and joy, broadening the scope of orchestral music to reflect the rich cultural tapestry of our city and state.

The program for GospelFest 2024 features an array of uplifting songs, including traditional and contemporary favorites. Donald Lawrence will take the stage with the Orchestra for a special performance featuring his signature hits including, “The Blessing of Abraham,” “Healed,” “Encourage Yourself,” “Matthew 28,” “Bless Me Indeed,” and “Jehovah Sabaoth (God of Angel Armies).”

GOSPELFEST 2024

Saturday, April 27, 2024, 7:30 pm

Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall

1212 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, MD 21201

Artists

• Dr. Henry Panion III, conductor
• Donald Lawrence, vocalist
• Wordsmith, spoken word artist
• Howard Gospel Choir, Reginald Golden, director
• Morgan State University Choir, Dr. Eric Conway, director

Repertoire:

• TRADITIONAL (Panion) “Ride on King Jesus”
• JOHNSON (Carter) “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
• HAILSTORK Three Spirituals for Orchestra, III. “Oh Freedom”
• CAGE (Panion) “The Presence of the Lord is Here”
• BONDS Montgomery Variations, III. “March”
• BURLEIGH (Panion) “Order My Steps in the Lord”
• COMMON & LEGEND (Panion) “Glory” from Selma

Donald Lawrence with the Baltimore Symphony (arranged by Panion):

• “The Blessing of Abraham”
• “Healed”
• “Encourage Yourself”
• “Matthew 28”
• “Bless Me Indeed”
• “Jehovah Sabaoth” (God of Angel Armies)

Doors open at 6 pm for pre-concert fun and entertainment in partnership with the Black Arts District. Food and beverages are available for purchase provided by local eateries Emmanuella’s, Raspberry Moments and Applecore’s Bake Shoppe.