(This story is sponsored by Universal Gospel Choir.)

Vancouver’s beloved and longest-lived gospel choir, the Universal Gospel Choir (UGC), is pleased to announce the latest concert series entitled, This Joy I Have.

With more than 60 powerful voices strong, the concert will have invigorating musical selections, pieces that tug at the heartstrings, surprising pop songs, and of course what the choir is best known for—feet-stomping soul—in what’s sure to be an unforgettable show.

Lonnie Delisle, who has been the musical director for over five years, says that audiences can expect a well-prepared, energetic, enthusiastic, and talented choir performing a broad array of songs.

“The repertoire goes from soulful, thoughtful, lament-type ballads that are very touching, to celebratory, dance-y numbers that really get people moving. So you can experience a wide emotional range as well as enjoying the esthetics and great sounds in a beautiful space,” says Delisle.

Delisle also mentions the amazing band of well-known musicians like Michael Creber on piano, Jay Leonard Juatco on guitar, Jay Esplana on drums and keys, and Jason Nickel on bass.

UGC is a multifaith choir that celebrates all genres of music, including traditional gospel, current uplifting pop, and civil rights anthems, along with songs from nations all over the world. And Delisle is confident that This Joy I Have has a broad appeal for people of all ages and backgrounds.

“We’ve got a beautiful old Jewish song made popular by Barbra Streisand, all the way to the latest urban gospel and some more classical choral type compositions,” he says.

Along with his role at UGC, Delisle also takes on a variety of music director, tenor soloist, keyboardist, and choir/voice coaching roles for live and studio productions. He has just been recognized with a Jessie Award nomination in the category of Significant Artistic Achievement - Large theatre which he says is a surprise and very much an honour. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on July 14.

In the meantime, audiences can catch Delisle and the UGC in the This Joy I Have concert on Friday (June 8) at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday (June 9) at 3:00 p.m. at the Canadian Memorial United Church.

“It’s a gorgeous space with an amazing acoustic so the overall sonic experience will be great—as well as the emotional connection to it,” says Delisle. “It will be a lot of fun and I think that’s what people will ultimately be enriched by.”

For more information, visit the UGC website or call 604-737-1545. New this year is assigned seating, and tickets can be purchased online at universalgospelchoir.ca and ticketstonight.ca. Or enter to win tickets below!