Baltimore Symphony Orchestra hosted GospelFest on April 9 at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. The 2026 installment of the event was a grand tribute to the late Richard Smallwood, the great gospel legend and composer that died Dec. 30, 2025. The concert was conducted by Jonathan Taylor Rush and featured performances by HBCU choirs. Guest artists included Maurette Brown Clark, Tabitha Brooks and Kymberli Joyeragin.
Tag: Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
Posted inBaltimore News
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Morgan State University choir honor MLK Day with community concert
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a powerful community concert at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Featuring the Morgan State University Choir, the program celebrated the civil rights leader and his legacy through music by Black composers.
Posted inDMV News
Tradition and change usher in 2026 MLK celebrations
Though he is no longer physically present, the spirit of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lives on through the federal holiday in his honor and the work of activists across the world. Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026 will offer a variety of events for people of all ages and backgrounds on Jan. 19.
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Nas makes history with Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performance
Hip-hop legend Nas makes history at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall by performing his iconic album “Illmatic” alongside the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, marking the first time an internationally renowned rapper has collaborated with the BSO in its 109-year history.
Posted inArts & Culture
Gospel Fest brings church to the Symphony Hall
In a time when divisions often feel louder than unity, Gospel Fest was a moment of communion—a reminder of the beauty that emerges when tradition, excellence, and faith share the same stage. The event, held at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore on April 3, featured the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Pastor Smokie Norful, and three of the nation’s most distinguished HBCU choirs, Bowie State University Choir, Howard Gospel Choir and Morgan State University Choir.
Posted in!Front Page
‘Who’s Who in Black’ highlights best of Baltimore
The AFRO and Real Times Media hosted “Who’s Who in Black Baltimore” on April 9 at the Marriott Waterfront, honoring Black leaders and featuring a Lifetime Achievement Award for Dr. Thelma T. Daley. The evening included networking, awards and a commemorative coffee table book.
Posted inReligion
BSO’s GospelFest 2024: A harmonious blend of symphony and spirit
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Grammy award-winning gospel superstar Donald Lawrence joined forces for GospelFest 2024, a symphonic celebration of faith and music, which left the audience inspired and renewed.
Posted inBaltimore Events
Nine-year old conductor, Carter Roberson, leads Baltimore Symphony Orchestra during 2023 Holiday Spectacular
By AFRO Staff Carter Roberson made his debut as a guest conductor with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra on Dec. 23. The nine- year-old led the group of talented musicians in a selection of “Sleigh Ride” as part of the organization’s Holiday Spectacular. “I felt swell,” said Roberson. “I felt really good up there because I […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Jonathon Heyward debuts as first Black, youngest music director for Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
By Shaela FosterSpecial to the AFROCredit: Photos by Stephen Hopkins The creative direction of Jonathon Heyward, the first Black and youngest music director in the history of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO), was on full display Sept. 23. On day two of the three day celebration, held from Sept. 22 to Sept. 24., participants were […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Jonathon Heyward set to debut as first Black music director of Baltimore Symphony Orchestra on Sept. 23
By Aria Brent, AFRO Staff Writer, abrent@afro.com Jonathon Heyward will make history as the first Black and youngest person to ever lead the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra next month. Heyward will step into the role of BSO music director on Sep. 23 at the 2023 Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Gala. To celebrate Heyward’s five-year tenure and the […]