“This Montreal-based choir was formed by Trevor W. Payne in 1982. It is more biased towards singing traditional and contemporary Gospel music. Its singing also ranges from traditional Zulu music to modern Jaz (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, and along with Trevor, Reverend Frank Gabourel, who was the minister of the church, and Daisy Peterson Sweetney, the sister of Oscar Peterson also pioneered in initiating the group.

1995 was an exceptional year for the group since its album Jubilation V: Joy to the World won a Juno. 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. Stratford Festival in Canada, International Choral Festival, Toronto Harbourfront Festival.”