By Ericka Alston Buck Particular to the AFRO
The soul-stirring melodies of gospel music stuffed the air on the historic Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Corridor on April 27 because the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) offered its extremely anticipated GospelFest 2024. Led by conductor Dr. Henry Panion III, the night promised a symphonic celebration of religion and music– and it delivered that and far more.
Grammy award-winning gospel celebrity Donald Lawrence took middle stage alongside the BSO, fascinating the viewers together with his highly effective vocals and infectious power. However Lawrence wasn’t alone in delivering a mesmerizing efficiency– he was joined by two distinguished Traditionally Black Faculties and Universities (HBCU) choirs: the Howard Gospel Choir, below the route of Reginald Golden, and the Morgan State College Choir, below the route of Dr. Eric Conway.
From the second the primary be aware rang out, it was clear that this occasion could be greater than only a live performance– it was a religious expertise. Waves of attendees swayed and sang alongside, punctuating the air with heartfelt “amens” and “hallelujahs.” The ambiance was electrical, paying homage to a Baptist church revival, with choir members and viewers members alike caught up within the spirit of the music.
Tuba participant Aubrey Foard, a seasoned member of the BSO, mirrored on the expertise.
“For me, it’s not a typical gospel expertise. There’s quite a lot of power. There’s quite a lot of enthusiasm. There’s quite a lot of help whenever you’ve received a crowd behind you of pals and colleagues cheering you on.”
Foard mirrored on how the choir supported the lead vocalists with reward, hand claps, affirmations and praises as they carried out highly effective numbers for these gathered.
Freshman Morgan State College scholar Zion Waters shared her enthusiasm as soon as the live performance was finished.
“This expertise has been wonderful,” she stated. “I like the truth that we had been in a position to work with Donald Lawrence, one of many best gospel artists out right here. I’m blessed and I’m very comfortable.”
The night’s repertoire was nothing in need of spectacular. Hits like “The Blessing of Abraham” and “Healed” had the viewers on their ft, singing together with the performers.
Lawrence shared touching anecdotes, together with the story of ending the late Dr. Andre Crouch’s “Bless Me Certainly,” a music that left Crouch in tears upon listening to its transformation.
A spotlight of the evening was when award-winning songwriter and poet “Wordsmith” joined the HBCU choirs and the symphony orchestra for a exceptional rendition of “Glory” from the film Selma, leaving the viewers spellbound.
In the long run, GospelFest 2024 was greater than only a live performance– it was a celebration of religion, unity and the transformative energy of music.
As Lawrence himself proclaimed, the night was merely about getting the viewers prepared for church within the morning. And certainly, it was an expertise that left hearts lifted and spirits renewed, a testomony to the enduring energy of Gospel music.
