PROGRAM NOTES
HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Mike Morgan
Jonathan Rush Wordsmith
Jonathan Rush
Baltimore Choral Arts Society
Wordsmith
Hailed as a “ continually rising talent in the conducting world ” by the Baltimore Sun , Jonathan Taylor Rush brings passion , unique interpretation , and a refreshing energy to the orchestral experience . Rush was appointed as the Assistant Conductor for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in the fall of 2020 . Previously , Rush served as Music Director of the Buckeye Philharmonic Orchestra , as well as Conducting Fellow for the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra . In 2018 , Rush was a Project Inclusion Conducting Fellow with the Chicago Sinfonietta , and in 2019 , was named Assistant Conductor .
As winner of the 2018 Respighi Prize in Conducting at age 22 , Rush made his professional orchestra debut with the Chamber Orchestra of New York in Carnegie Hall . Rush continues to conduct both nationally and internationally , with notable debuts including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra , Chicago Sinfonietta , Baltimore Symphony Orchestra , and Nairobi Philharmonic . Rush ’ s current mentors and teachers include Marin Alsop , Mei-Ann Chen , and Joseph Young .
The Baltimore Choral Arts Society builds a stronger , more connected , and more inspired community by celebrating the joy of choral music through exceptional performances and diverse educational and artistic partnerships .
The Baltimore Choral Arts Society , now in its 56th season , is one of Maryland ’ s premier cultural institutions . The Symphonic Chorus , Chorus , and Chamber Singers perform throughout the Mid-Atlantic region , as well as in Washington , D . C .; New York ; and throughout Europe .
The Baltimore Choral Arts Society provides a number of thoughtful and impactful music education programs that serve youth in and around Baltimore . These programs include CoroLAB , a new partnership with Overlea High School and Baltimore City College ’ s choral music programs ; Vocal Fellows , an expanded professional development program for early-career singers ; Student Composer Project , a competition for student composers in high school or college ; and Christmas for Kids . Through these four primary educational programs , Choral Arts serves the very young to early-career adult musicians .
Anthony Parker better known as “ Wordsmith ” is a Baltimore-based songwriter , performer , entrepreneur , and philanthropist . Wordsmith makes hip-hop with a strong motivational message . His mission is to entertain and educate through a message of purpose while providing clean , quality , marketable “ Music for the Masses .” Philanthropy has always been a major part of Wordsmith ’ s core values , and he has partnered with Project PLASE Homeless Shelter in Baltimore and Kids Connection Haiti . As of 2020 , Wordsmith officially opened his nonprofit , Rise with a Purpose , Inc .
In 2009 , Wordsmith opened his independent label NU Revolution Entertainment . He has released five albums over his career , is a Grammy Voting Member , and his album Perspective Jukebox was named Best Rap / Hip-Hop Album at the 16th Independent Music Awards .
A chance meeting with BSO VP and Chief Operating Officer Tonya McBride Robles brought an opportunity to write a new narration for Saint-Saëns ’ Carnival of the Animals with the BSO , which was the beginning of a fruitful relationship resulting in officially joining the organization as Artistic Partner in 2020 .
NOV-DEC 2021 / OVERTURE 35