WHO WE ARE

Universal Gospel Choir (UGC) is Vancouver's longest running community gospel choir, and the only designated ‘multi-faith’ choir in BC. For almost 40 years we have delivered high-calibre, accessible concerts to audiences throughout the lower mainland, pairing beautiful music with powerful messages of justice and inclusion, and representing a broad spectrum of cultural and faith journeys within greater Vancouver and across BC.

UGC is known for being both justice oriented and community minded. We believe in the power of music to transcend boundaries, invoke emotion, challenge perceptions and bring people together, making it the perfect partner for social change. Our repertoire weaves together reflective dialogue on current events, powerful messages of justice and inclusion, meaningful song lyrics, and beautiful music, leaving audiences feeling hopeful and inspired.

Through our music we highlight and celebrate the diversity that exists within our communities. With over 70 individual voices in the choir, each with their own unique experiences, cultural background, spirituality and beliefs, we aim to create a community and musical experience that is accessible to all people from all walks of life.

Over the last four decades, Universal Gospel Choir has become a staple of the local music scene, and is widely recognized for its meaningful, thought provoking messages and its high-calibre musical performances.

Our Leadership

Lonnie Delisle (he/him)

Lonnie Delisle has served as the Music Director of the Universal Gospel Choir as Music Director since 2013.

Lonnie sang in many choirs as a child and throughout college and university, which was foundational in his development as a choral conductor. “There’s no instrument that compares to the human voice,” he says, “especially when many voices join together with powerful synergy. It’s magic!” Along with being the Music Director of the Universal Gospel Choir, Lonnie is the Musician in Residence at the Vancouver School of Theology, the Music Director at Peninsula United Church, and is a Composer/Curator for Cypress Choral Music. Lonnie continues to provide select choral coaching and workshops and is sought after to play Hammond organ and piano for special events and recording projects.

Lonnie’s formal training includes a Masters of Music in Vocal Performance from Western Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Trinity Western University.

Artistic Director

Jonny Tobin (he/him)

Resident Accompanist

Jonny Tobin is a GRAMMY and JUNO-nominated, multi award-winning keyboardist, producer, and beatmaker. His original tunes have been transmitted through the underground radio waves all over the world, and his keys and production work have graced tracks from independent artists like NYC-based Sarah Kang to acclaimed electronic producer Trian Kayhatu to breakout hip-hop artist D. Smoke. He has toured internationally, including festival headlining shows with gospel R&B powerhouses The Hamiltones, and breakout Chinese pop R&B star ZiZi (子子).

Board of Directors

  • Andrea_BOD

    Andrea Smith (she/her)

    BOARD PRESIDENT

  • Lonnie Delisle

    EX-OFFICIO

  • Joanne Walton

    SECRETARY

  • Heather D'Oyley (she/her)

    DIRECTOR

  • Josh Andallo (he/him)

    DIRECTOR

  • Robyn McVicker (she/her)

    DIRECTOR (PR COMMITTEE)

  • Inge Siemens (she/her)

    DIRECTOR (MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE)

  • Ross McFarland (he/him)

    DIRECTOR