Two evenings of praise for Richard Smallwood and his music filled the Concert Hall at the Kennedy Center as the nation also celebrated Juneteenth.
鈥淎 Gospel Symphony Celebration Tribute to Richard Smallwood at 75鈥 was presented by the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) and conducted by Grammy Award-winning producer, composer, and arranger Dr. Henry Panion III on June 18-19. Top gospel artists Dorinda Clark-Cole, Maurette Brown Clark, and Bishop Marvin Winans sang exceptional interpretations of Smallwood’s compositions. They were backed by Smallwood鈥檚 vocal ensemble Vision, the Howard聽 University Gospel Choir, and the Bowie State University Choir.
Opening with an instrumental prelude, everyone in the Concert Hall stood as Panion led the orchestra and singers in an uplifting rendition of the 鈥淟ift Every Voice.鈥
Those who love Smallwood鈥檚 approach to faith music love his blend of gospel surrounded by classical orchestrations and performed with strong vocal arrangements. Enough space is left with each verse to allow soloists to go above and below the notes, extending when necessary. The focus must be on staying mindful of the message through the lyrics.
In the first half of the tribute, 鈥淭he Question Is鈥(a 1981 song sung by The Winans) and Smallwood鈥檚 鈥淐enter of My Joy鈥 (1987). After intermission, he spoke about his favorite Smallwood song, 鈥淭rust Me鈥 (2011).
鈥淏ack in the 80s, whenever we would go on the road with Richard Smallwood, we always knew it would be a good one,鈥 said Winans, praising the honoree. 鈥淚 really don鈥檛 know how this one became my favorite.鈥
Brown Clark sang 鈥淚t Ain鈥檛 Over鈥 (2006), and Clark-Cole sang 鈥淏less the Lord鈥 (1996). Vision ensemble members Charrisse Nelson and Vanessa Williams performed 鈥淧salm 8鈥 (1984) and 鈥淚 Love the Lord鈥 (1976), respectively.聽
Smallwood鈥檚 鈥淭otal Praise鈥 (1996) considered an anthem, was sung by all choirs, Vision and the soloists.
At the end of the evening, everyone in Concert Hall showed their gratitude by applauding, standing and looking toward the box seat where Smallwood was sitting 鈥 a fitting conclusion after outstanding performances honoring the legendary singer and composer.