The Gospel Magnificat Preservation & Publication Project

The Gospel Magnificat Preservation & Publication Project aims to transcribe, engrave, and publish composer Kent Stevenson’s masterwork oratorio, The Gospel Magnificat, ensuring its permanent preservation and accessibility to choirs and institutions worldwide. Kent Stevenson is a legendary elder statesman of Seattle’s Black gospel scene, and The Gospel Magnificat represents a sophisticated fusion of gospel, blues, jazz, and classical traditions.

Kent, along with Shades of Praise gospel choir (which he conducts at St. Therese Parish in Madrona), has performed the oratorio over the last several years in Seattle. It was originally commissioned by Fred West and City Cantabile Choir, which sought a different type of Magnificat to sing alongside J.S. Bach's celebrated work.

The Seattle Times profiled Kent and the Magnificat story in December, 2025.