TUESDAY EVENINGS AT 7:00 PM
SUMMER SERIES 2025
GREGORY SHEPPARD, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
DAVID ROSS, MUSIC DIRECTOR AND CONDUCTOR
TUCKER BAPTIST CHURCH, 515 OAKWOOD AVENUE, SYRACUSE, NY
All concerts free with donations accepted at the door.

Thomas Dorsey considered the Father of Gospel Music and Roberta Martin prolific songwriter, singer and publisher will be the spotlight of the Gospel Retrospective Concert.


Rose Mason, is soprano soloist for the Festival Gospel Retrospective Concert.
Mason came to Tucker Baptist Church as a young teen. She raised her family and worked in health care. A soloist at Tucker Baptist Church beginning in her teen years her exceptional talents have taken her throughout the United States concertizing. While a nurse at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, Mason was often called upon by surgeons to sing in the operating room during surgery.
This is a concert and experience not to be missed!
Opening Night
July 15, 2025
Gospel Retrospective
This concert is made possible by the generosity of Mr. Toby Lewis and Wegmans Food Markets.

Tucker Missionary Baptist Church
July 22, 2025
Young Artists Concert
Major Sponsor
Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music
Abby Feng, Cellist
Hudson Brenner, Pianist
Ava Tyler, Soprano
David Ross, Conductor
Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music, Sponsor


July 29, 2025
Celebrating Women Composers
Jessie Montgomery, Diane Jones, Ruth Gipps, Dorothy Rudd Moore, Margaret Brouwer
Julia Ross, Percussion
Kate LeVerne, Cello
Gregory Sheppard, Bass-Baritone Shalom-Strong, Piano
David Ross, Conductor


Eliot Fisk, Special Guest Artist

Syracuse Sounds of Music Association

Eliot Fisk
Classical Guitar
Fall Benefit Concert


Winter Concert, November 30 at 4pm
Langston Hughes, Black Nativity and Georg Philipp Telemann Christmas Cantatas
Experience the music
Gregory Sheppard, Artistic Director with Patrice Eaton, mezzo-soprano soloist in Alto Rhapsody of Brahms during our 2024 Summer Series. Also pictured David Ross, Music Director and Jessica King, bassoon. Jessica was soloist in last season Vivaldi's Bassoon Concerto. Festival of Music is dedicated to creating exceptional performances that showcase both emerging artists and established artists. Join us in Historic Tucker Baptist Church and discover the magic behind our concerts and how we strive to deliver unforgettable moments for every attendee. We are wheel chair and handicap accessible with plenty of on site parking. All concerts are free with donations accepted at the door.

Festival experiences
"You know how sometimes there's just no way to describe an experience to someone beyond saying, "You had to be there?" Well..."Your had to be there ." It was extraordinary Thanks, Gregory Sheppard for the thought, time and commitment that produced the end result. Same time next year? Vicki Feldman

Our Story
Festival of Music was born out of a shared love for music and a desire to create unforgettable experiences. As a music festival based in Syracuse, NY , we pride ourselves on bringing together diverse talents and passionate fans. Our approach is rooted in curating exceptional talents and fostering a vibrant community, ensuring that every performance reflects our commitment to excellence. David Ross and Gregory Sheppard are excited about their musical partnership and the thrilling performances they bring to Syracuse and Central New York audiences.
Capture the moment
Explore the vibrant atmosphere and unforgettable moments captured at Festival of Music. Dive into our gallery to relive the excitement and see what makes our festival a truly unique experience.
"What a magnificent evening you gave us on Friday. Not only was the music moving , the voices exquisite but you were a master of pedagogy. The evening so satisfied both my aesthetic and intellectual needs. And what was equally thrilling was to be at a performance that was racially mixed. We're looking forward to the next performance!'
Amy Zamkoff
"I am happy to support Festival of Music."
Richard Jaeger
"I've been to many music festivals, but Festival of Music stands out. The organization was top-notch, and the atmosphere was electric. I'll definitely be back next year!"
Oliver Hartman
Get in touch
Festival of Music
Tucker Missionary Baptist Church
515 Oakwood Avenue
Syracuse, NY 13202