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.

Independent Christian artist Petrina Pacheco proudly announces the release of her inspiring single “We Believe” to Christian AC and Inspirational radio formats today. Originally unveiled on streaming outlets last year as part of her album “I’m Not Her Anymore,” “We Believe” has touched hearts and uplifted spirits, paving the way for its radio debut.

Co-written by Petrina Pacheco, John Chisum, and David Baroni, and produced by Chris Springer for iNOV8 Productions, Inc., “We Believe” stands as a testament to Petrina’s deep-rooted faith and her journey from hardship to hope. Her music, including previous hits such as “Because of You,” “I’m Not Her Anymore,” “My Savior,” “Be The Light,” “I Can Feel Your Presence,” and “Surrender,” has consistently made a significant impact on the Christian Radio Chart (CRC).

“We Believe” encapsulates the essence of Christian faith, celebrating Jesus Christ’s life, death, and promise of eternal life. The song is a powerful reminder of the hope and redemption found in belief, inspired by Petrina’s own transformative journey from a life of addiction and despair to one of joy and service in God’s name.

Growing up in Kiln, Mississippi, Petrina’s early experiences led her away from her church upbringing, through personal trials, and ultimately to a profound spiritual awakening at the age of 33. This renewal of faith has since propelled her into a life of ministry alongside her husband James, with a mission to aid those facing similar struggles.

With its radio release, “We Believe” aims to reach even wider audiences, sharing its uplifting message with those in need of hope and inspiration. Petrina Pacheco invites listeners to embrace the song’s powerful declaration of faith and to find solace and strength in its lyrics.

“We Believe” is now being released to Christian radio stations worldwide. Tune in to experience the profound message of faith, hope, and redemption that Petrina Pacheco shares through her music.

Multi-award winning Canadian Christian artist, producer, and songwriter Elenee releases “no place here.” Her sound is warm and her tone is rooted in the encouragement that gospel music brings. Elenee is both Greek and a Metis Citizen with the Metis Nation of Saskatchewan and she is proud to bring such cultural diversity to the ever-growing table of Canadian Christian/Gospel artists. Her debut self-titled album is set to release in 2024 and is packed full of pop, contemporary, and jazz flavors.

‘no place here’ packs a punch full of attitude and sass while telling fear to “get lost!” It’s a roll-down-the-windows-and-scream-sing kind of pop song that gives listeners a seal of approval to tell the devil off, just in time for spring. There is a certain empowering appeal in every word and though the song is only four minutes, listeners will be wondering how the song ended up being an hour… or two.

No Place Here – Elenee

Stream & Enjoy

The Hymns Professor, Bishop Leonard Scott, teams up with GRAMMY® Award nominated worship crooner, VaShawn Mitchell (best-known for his 2010 RIAA gold-certified No. 1 hit, “Nobody Greater”) on an original new song, “Jesus Saves” (Tyscot ). The track is the third release from Bishop Scott’s forthcoming, Keep Hymns Alive: Cross Songs (Tyscot) digital EP.

On it, Scott steps back and turns the stage over to Mitchell who delivers a passionately measured performance on this divine declaration in a mellow but expressive tone. He’s backed by a fervent backing vocal group of tenors and sopranos.

It begins as a silky-smooth synthesis of polished urban pop and towards the coda, segues into a churchy call and response. The track was produced by Jeffrey Thomas II who has brought a new level of flavor and finesse to Bishop Scott’s most recent recordings such as 2022’s Keep Hymns Alive project.

Jesus Saves – Bishop Leonard Scott Ft. Vashawn Mitchell

Stream & Download Below

Dami Paul, a devoted Christian happily committed to marriage, deeply cherishing God and His teachings, joins forces with Moses Akoh to unveil a resounding anthem of God’s unwavering love and omnipotent presence – “Jehovah Sabaoth” 

“Jehovah Sabaoth” is a divine melody bestowed during a moment when PSun, Pastor of Holyhill, imparted the vision for the year. A declaration that in all that unfolds in 2024, God shall reveal Himself asJehovah Sabaoth.

What greater assurance can one seek? The God of celestial and terrestrial armies, the spiritual and physical realms, is your heavenly Father and Almighty God.

Let this song be a declaration of your faith in God’s mighty power and steadfast love. Sing it with confidence and assurance that Jehovah Sabaoth is with you always, ready to fight for you and lead you to victory.

Jehovah Sabaoth – Dami Paul Feat. Moses Akoh

Stream & Download Below

Singer and worshiper Tomi Favored is graciously collaborated with by one of her amazing fathers in worship, the impeccable trumpeter, pastor Nathaniel Bassey. With his unique and resounding sound of the trumpet and their voices, they powerfully declare that God is Faithful! The hope is that it will encourage and uplift all who hear it and remind them of God’s faithfulness.

One of the profound characteristics of the believer in Jesus Christ is that we have joy and that joy is not a mere happiness which is dependent on circumstances, but a joy that is constant because it is rooted in our knowledge of God’s love and faithfulness.

Through good times as well as bad times, all which come, the Christian whose hope is Jesus Christ can declare God’s faithfulness.

Life can be a struggle, and it is easy to get overwhelmed by situations… but always remembering that God is FAITHFUL brings strength to move forward each day. And God is indeed faithful.

Faithful – Tomi Favored Feat. Nathaniel Bassey

Stream & Download Below

Prolific Worship Leader, David Nkennor is back with a kingdom anthem titled “You Have Redeemed Us” featuring Emeka Madubata.

According to the singer, “You Have Redeemed Us“, also known as The Song of the Redeemed is a powerful chant for all true Believers; a song of ascents in all significance.

This song is a beautiful interpretation of Heaven’s worship recorded in the Book of Revelation chapters 5 and 14. It captures the very heart of pure worship with a very contemporary and indigenous African melody.

Singing this song brings to bear the power of the redemptive work of Christ for and in the Believer.

The song was composed & written by David Nkennor, and co-written by Minister Emeka Madubata, who also features on it.

You Have Redeemed Us – David Nkennor Feat. Emeka Madubata

Stream & Enjoy

John Omosuyi, a fervent advocate for Christian music that aligns with the written Word of God and serves as an expression of revealing Christ in a New Creation, releases his latest single, “ALAGBARA,” featuring Adedayo Sekere.

Drawing inspiration from his deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of God’s Word, Omosuyi reflects on the biblical truth encapsulated in John 1:14, where the Word is identified as Jesus, the very essence spoken by God to bring forth creation, including mankind.

“Alagbara (The Powerful One)” emerged from a profound revelation of the potency of God’s Word and its ability to shape realities.

Omosuyi shares, “The song ‘Alagbara‘ was dropped in my Spirit many years ago, birthed out of a revelation of what the Word of God is capable of doing.”

As he immersed himself in the New Creation Message, delving into the profound truths of Christ’s work and the identity of believers in Him, the song began to resonate within him.

“While listening to the New Creation Message about Christ and all He has done for us, my Spirit started singing the song dropped in it by the Holy Spirit until my mouth opened up and it became audible,” he explains.

Years later, Omosuyi collaborates with Adedayo Sekere to bring “Alagbara” to fruition, allowing its powerful message to reach a wider audience.

“Alagbara” music video is also available on John Omosuyi’s official YouTube channel.

John Omosuyi is a New Creation Worship Music Minister dedicated to crafting music that aligns with the written Word and serves as a powerful expression of revealing Christ in a New Creation.

Through his ministry, Omosuyi seeks to impact lives and usher listeners into a deeper understanding of their identity in Christ.

Alagbara – John Omosuyi Feat. Adedayo Sekere

Stream & Enjoy

Joining forces, powerhouse gospel singer and dynamic Praiser, Tosin Bee collaborates with gospel sensation, Prinx Emmanuel on the highly anticipated remix of the 2016 classic, “Testimony.”

Experience the full package of “Testimony” Remix with its uplifting track and vibrant visuals, now available on all major music streaming platforms. Full music video is available now for viewing on his YouTube channel — @TosinBee

Prepare to be uplifted by its fusion of African Praise and Amapiano beats, as it resounds with praises and thanksgiving to God.

Testimony – Tosin Bee Feat. Prinx Emmanuel

Stream & Enjoy

Nigerian gospel singer Chibuzor Victor commemorates his birthday with the release of a captivating new single titled “The Name Jesus” 

This new sound is a song of reassurance about the power of the name of Jesus. Its inspiration is drawn from the scripture( Philippians 2:10), giving us hope to rely on the power of the name of Jesus to resolve any difficult situations.

No situation is stronger than the name of Jesus. A name above every other name, ‘ that at the mention of the name Jesus, every knee must bow’.

The song accompanied by a video is shot Audio5 productions and directed by lanresings

The Name Jesus – Chibuzor Victor

Stream & Enjoy