Gospel Stars Headline Carnegie Hall Night of Inspiration on December 5
The sixth annual 'A Night of Inspiration' returns to Carnegie Hall on December 5, 2026, featuring Jonathan McReynolds, Jekalyn Carr, Lisa Knowles-Smith, Donald Lawrence, Tramaine Hawkins, and others. The event will include a tribute to gospel artist Richard Smallwood and the presentation of the Agape Award to Pastor Shirley Caesar.
The sixth annual "A Night of Inspiration" will take place at Carnegie Hall's Stern Auditorium on December 5, 2026, at 8 p.m., featuring a lineup of prominent gospel artists and a special tribute to gospel legend Richard Smallwood.
Produced by music director Ray Chew and his wife Vivian Scott Chew, the 2026 event will feature Avery*Sunshine, Regina Belle, Jekalyn Carr, James Hall, Tramaine Hawkins, Lisa Knowles-Smith and The Brown Singers, Donald Lawrence, Jonathan McReynolds, Wess Morgan, Azi Schwartz, and Darrel Walls.
The program will include a tribute to Maestro Richard Smallwood and the presentation of the second annual Agape Award to Pastor Shirley Caesar. This year's performance will also feature the American Composers Orchestra for the first time in the event's history.
The event series began its collaboration with Carnegie Hall in 2009 and is known for blending secular and non-secular music, often featuring a 64-piece orchestra and a 150-voice multicultural choir.
The Gospel Music Association announced the lineup on October 21, 2026. Tickets are available through Carnegie Hall's box office and website.
