Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir facts for kids

The Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir is a famous singing group from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are known for performing traditional and modern Gospel music. Gospel music is a type of Christian music. The choir also sings other styles, like old church chants, classical music, traditional Zulu music from Africa, and even modern jazz.

History of the Choir

How the Choir Started

The Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir began in 1982. It was started and led by Trevor W. Payne. Their very first performance was at the St. James United Church in Montreal.

The choir was created to celebrate a special anniversary. It marked 75 years of Montreal's oldest Black community church, Union United Church. This church is located near the Atwater Market in Montreal. Two other important people helped start the choir: Reverend Frank Gabourel, who was the minister of Union United Church, and Daisy Peterson Sweeney. Daisy Peterson Sweeney was the sister of the famous jazz musician Oscar Peterson. She taught both Oscar Peterson and Oliver Jones how to play the piano. Many of the first choir members came from a group called The Montreal Black Community Youth Choir. Trevor Payne also directed that choir from 1974 to 1981.

Early Success and Performances

In 1983, the choir signed a record deal with Justin Time Records. They released their first recording in 1986, featuring guest singer Salome Bey. In 1993, the choir performed in a large musical work called an oratorio, titled Song of Songs, by Klaus König.

The choir has won many awards for their music. In 1995, their album Jubilation V: Joy to the World won a Juno Award. The Association of Gospel Music Ministries recognized them as an outstanding recording artist in 1987. In 1989, they were named the best choral group and also won for best gospel album. From 1993 to 1995, the Canadian magazine Jazz Report named them the vocal group of the year. In 2007, they released a special album called Jubilation XI – Looking Back, Vol. 2, which celebrated 25 years of their music.

Touring and Collaborations

The Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir has performed at many gospel events. They have sung in Montreal, across Canada, in the United States, and in Europe.

They have shared the stage with many famous entertainers. These include Celine Dion, Ray Charles, New Kids on the Block, Oliver Jones, Martine St. Clair, and Salome Bey. The choir has also performed at major events like the Montreal International Jazz Festival. They have recorded eleven CDs in total, and some of these have won Juno Awards.

In 2017, Trevor Payne, who founded and directed the choir for many years, retired from his role.

Discography

The Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir has released many albums over the years. Here are some of their recordings:

Montreal Black Community Youth Choir

• The Montreal Black Community Youth Choir (RCI 424)
• Goin' Up Yonder (Presqu'ile PE 13501)

Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir

• Highway to Heaven (Justin Time JUST 10-2, 1986)
• Jubilation II (Justin Time JUST 21-2, 1988)
• Jubilation III – Glory Train (Justin Time JUST 35, 1990)
• Jubilation IV – A Capella (Justin Time JUST 46-2, 1992)
• Song of Songs (Enja ENJ-7057 2 1993)
• Jubilation V – Joy to the World (Justin Time JUST 54-2, 1994)
• Jubilation VI – Looking Back (Justin Time JUST 66/67-2, 1995)
• Jubilation VII – Hamba Ekhaya – Goin' Home (Justin Time JUST 96-2, 1997)
• Jubilation VIII – A Capella Plus (Justin Time JUST 167-2, 2001)
• Jubilation IX – Goin' Up Yonder (Justin Time JUST-183-2, 2002)
• Jubilation X – I'll Take You There (Justin Time JUST-215-2, 2005)
• Jubilation XI – Looking Back, Vol. 2 (Justin Time JTP 7502-2, 2008)

Awards and Recognition

The Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir has received several awards for their musical talent.

Association of Gospel Music Ministries' Golden Note Award

• 1987: They won the Outstanding Recording Artist award.

Juno Awards

The Juno Awards are Canada's most important music awards.

• 1990 nominee: Nominated for Best Roots and Traditional Album for Jubilation II.
• 1991 nominee: Nominated for Best Roots and Traditional Album for Jubilation III – Glory Train.
• 1995 winner: Won Best Blues/Gospel Album for Jubilation V – Joy to the World.
• 2003 nominee: Nominated for Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album Of The Year for Jubilation VIII – A Capella Plus.