Pastor Smokie Norful Joins the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra for GospelFest 2025

For Immediate Release:

Media contact:
Whitney Clemmons Brown
Director of Communications wbrown@BSOmusic.org

Conductor Jonathan Taylor Rush Returns to Lead the Third Annual Celebration at the Meyerhoff

(BALTIMORE) — The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is excited to announce the return of its third annual GospelFest on Thursday, April 3, at 7:30 pm at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. The evening will be led by former BSO Associate Conductor and GospelFest Artistic Advisor Jonathan Taylor Rush, featuring GRAMMY-winning gospel legend Pastor Smokie Norful and the soaring voices of a mega choir comprised of singers from Bowie State University Choir, Howard Gospel Choir, and Morgan State University Choir together with the orchestral sounds of the Baltimore Symphony.

This year’s GospelFest program also features the world premiere of James Lee III’s new work, Deep River, commissioned by the BSO. Lee III, a Morgan State University faculty member and current BSO Composer in Residence, draws inspiration from the rich traditions of African American spirituals, blending orchestral music with the deeply rooted narratives of resilience and faith.

“Every note at GospelFest bridges the grandeur and talent of our BSO musicians with the dynamic spirit and melodic voices from three distinguished Historically Black Colleges and University choirs, creating an unparalleled musical experience that elevates the soul and celebrates Baltimore’s rich cultural tapestry,” said Mark C. Hanson, BSO President and CEO.

Guests are encouraged to arrive early as the Meyerhoff doors open at 6 pm for pre-concert festivities and food from local Black-owned businesses, including The Empanada Lady and AppleCore’s Bake Shoppe.

Tickets for GospelFest 2025 are on sale now and can be purchased online at BSOMusic.org or by calling the BSO Ticket Office at 410-783-8000.

GOSPELFEST 2025
April 3, 2025, 7:30 pm
Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
1212 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, MD 21201

 

Artists

Jonathan Taylor Rush, conductor
Pastor Smokie Norful, vocalist
Bowie State University Choir: Brandon Felder, director
Howard Gospel Choir: Reginald Golden, director
Morgan State University Choir: Dr. Eric Conway, director

Repertoire:

JOHNSON (arr. CARTER) Lift Every Voice and Sing
SCOTT CUMBERBATCH (arr. JONES) Praise Ye the Lord
JAMES LEE III Deep River (world premiere, BSO commission)
CARLOS SIMON Amen, III. Mysteriously
KURT CARR (arr. CALDWELL) For Every Mountain

Pastor Smokie Norful with the BSO:
Celebrate
Oh, What A Mighty God
No Greater Love
I Need You Now
I Still Have You
In My Name
I Understand

Pastor Smokie Norful’s Biography
Pastor Smokie Norful, a GRAMMY-winning artist and spiritual leader, has been a prominent voice in gospel music for over two decades, known for his deep musicality and inspirational message. His contributions to gospel music include numerous chart-topping albums and songs that have become anthems in houses of worship around the world.

Jonathan Taylor Rush Biography

Jonathan Taylor Rush, hailed as “a continually rising talent in the conducting world” by the Baltimore Sun, brings passion, unique interpretation, and a refreshing energy to the orchestral experience. Rooted in his musical upbringing within the church, Rush’s approach to conducting is imbued with elements of gospel and soul music. Rush was named Assistant Conductor and was later promoted to Associate Conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra from 2020 to 2023. At the Baltimore Symphony, he curated the Orchestra’s inaugural GospelFest. While with the Baltimore Symphony, Rush also served as Artistic Director of the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestras. As Artistic Director, Rush led the ensemble on its first-ever international European tour, showcasing their talents at renowned venues such as Dvořák Hall in Prague.

His most recent release, on Decca Classics, is the world premiere recording of Carlos Simon’s brea(d)th. His academic accomplishments include a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Ohio State University and a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University. Jonathan’s mentors and conducting teachers are Joseph Young, Mei-Ann Chen, and Marin Alsop.

About the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

For over a century, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) has been recognized as one of America’s leading orchestras and one of Maryland’s most significant cultural institutions. The Orchestra is internationally renowned and locally admired for its innovation, performances, recordings, and educational outreach initiatives, including OrchKids.

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performs annually for more than 275,000 people throughout the State of Maryland. Since 1982, the BSO has performed at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore, and since 2005, with the opening of The Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda, MD, the BSO became the nation’s first Orchestra performing its full season of classical and pops concerts in two metropolitan areas.

In July 2022, the BSO made history with the announcement that Jonathon Heyward would succeed Music Director Laureate and OrchKids Founder Marin Alsop as the Orchestra’s next Music Director. Maestro Heyward began his inaugural season in September 2023.

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is a proud member of the League of American Orchestras.

More information about the BSO can be found at BSOmusic.org.

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