The Montreal Jubilation Choir was formed originally as the Montreal Black Community Youth Choir by Trevor W. Payne, Rev. Frank Gabourel, and Daisy Peterson Sweeney in 1974. Since their formation, their work has spanned both traditional and contemporary gospel music. Their singing also ranges from traditional Zulu music to modern jazz (oratorio), Gregorian chant and Bach chorales. The choir’s first performance was at St. James United Church, Montreal. The choir was formed to honour the 75th anniversary of the Union United Church, the oldest Black community church in Montreal.

1995 was an exceptional year for the group since its album Jubilation V: Joy to the World won a JUNO Award. Another win for the choir was the Outstanding Recording Artist in 1987 and 1989; they won the title of Best Choral Ensemble along with Best Gospel Album.

With the group continuing to showcase its talents, they were recognized as the Vocal Group of the Year by the Canadian magazine Jazz Report from 1993 to 1995. In 2007, they released a retrospective album looking back at 25 years called Jubilation XI – Looking Back, Vol. 2. The choir paved its way to perform alongside artists such as Celine Dion, Ray Charles, New Kids on the Block, Oliver Jones, Martine St-Clair, and Salome Bey.

The group performed at the Montreal International Jazz Festival, the Stratford Festival in Canada, the International Choral Festival, the Toronto Harbourfront Festival.

Awards:

• 1995 JUNO Award for Best Blues/Gospel Album