Welcome to Songs of Resilience
Experience music rooted in perseverance and possibility — songs that honour struggle, celebrate strength, and remind us how faith, love, and community carry us forward.
We acknowledge that most of our work takes place on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səl’ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples. While our choir members come with their own diverse backgrounds and experience, the majority of us are uninvited guests on this land. We carry that knowledge with us, acknowledge its importance, and let it inform our work and our art.
Set List
1. Anthem of Praise
Richard Smallwood, Arr. Lonnie Delisle
Soloist: Rosine Dika-Balotoken
2. Go Listen
Lindsay Ray, Arr. Lonnie Delisle
Soloist: Tracey Gabert
3. Okâwîmâw Askiy (Mother Earth)
Sherryl Sewepagaham
4. The Climb
Jon Mabe, Jessica Alexander, Arr. Lonnie Delisle
Soloists: Dionne Phillips, Léral Smith
5. Still I Will Love
Shaina Taub, Arr. Lonnie Delisle
Soloist: Yare Vargas
6. For Every Mountain
Kurt Carr
Soloist: Erin Moroney
7. I Love to Praise Him
Composer Unknown, Arr. Lonnie Delisle
Soloist: Rosanna Francis
8. More Abundantly Medley
Ricky Dillard, Arr. Lonnie Delisle
Soloists: Tracey Gabert, Sherri Smith
~ INTERMISSION ~
9. When Will We Sing the Same Song
John P. Kee, Arr. Lonnie Delisle
Soloists: Léral Smith, Jose Cervan
10. Rise Up
Cassandra Monique Batie, Jennifer Decilveo, Arr. Lonnie Delisle
Soloists: Melody Owen, Heather Olson
11. The Storm is Passing Over
Michael McElroy, Joseph Joubert
As performed by Broadway Inspirational Voices, Arr. Lonnie Delisle
Soloist: Sherri Smith
12. Morning’s Breaking
Richard Smallwood
As performed by Broadway Inspirational Voices, Arr. Lonnie Delisle
13. Joy
Dwan Hill, Ben Rector, Calvin Nowell, Arr. Lonnie Delisle
Soloist: Josh Andallo
14. Souled Out
Hezekiah Walker, Adap. Lonnie Delisle
Soloist: Cristina Ciccone
Message from Our Artistic Director
Lonnie Delisle (he/him)
Welcome to Soulstice 2026 Songs of Resilience!
World events over these past few months have been a strain on everyone. How do we cope? There is no one answer, of course, but there is something about coming together to make music that helps infuse some joy into grief, and some hope into despair. And making music involves the hearers of the music: the performer-audience relationship is symbiotic. So, we have much gratitude for you being here.
I believe that if we can find joy in the midst of our troubles we can find a path of resilience. This is not about ‘putting on a happy face’ - rather, it’s acknowledging that life really sucks sometimes, but there’s always more to the story. In moments of despair, we need perspective.
Someone I’ve long admired who knew how to tap into this kind of deep reservoir of joy, was the late, great, Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He and the Dalai Lama defined the Eight Pillars of Joy as core mental and emotional qualities essential for lasting happiness. The pillars consist of four qualities of the mind (Perspective, Humility, Humour, Acceptance) and four qualities of the heart (Forgiveness, Gratitude, Compassion, Generosity).
The pillars, as discussed in The Book of Joy (by Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama) are broken down into two main categories:
Pillars of the Mind
Perspective: The ability to look at situations from multiple angles and step outside your own immediate circumstances to see the bigger picture.
Humility: Acknowledging that you are only a small part of the universe, which helps alleviate the heavy burden of self-importance and pride.
Humour: A tool to build connection, ease tension, and laugh at our shared human foibles rather than at the expense of others.
Acceptance: The choice to embrace life as it is, rather than fighting against reality, which clears the way for peace.
Pillars of the Heart
Forgiveness: The act of letting go of resentments and freeing yourself from the bitterness of past harms.
Gratitude: The practice of appreciating the good in your life, which shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have.
Compassion: The profound desire to alleviate the suffering of others and the ultimate gateway to deep human connection.
Generosity: The ultimate expression of an open heart, relying on the understanding that helping others generates your own happiness.
The path is, of course, windy and rocky, with ups and downs.
My hope for us all, in this short time together, is that we can connect with joy and leave buoyed with a bit more resilience for whatever life brings our way.
About Universal Gospel Choir
For 40 years, Universal Gospel Choir has been a beacon of musical excellence and social impact in Vancouver. As the city’s only designated multi-faith choir, UGC blends beautiful music with powerful messages of justice, inclusion, and hope. We proudly represent a diverse spectrum of cultural and faith journeys, united by our shared love of gospel music.
Meet the Band
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Jonny Tobin
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).
SWIPE TO SEE OTHER BAND MEMBERS
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Johnny Andrews
DRUMS
Johnny is an accomplished session drummer based in Vancouver, BC, with extensive touring experience across the globe. He has collaborated with a wide range of bands and artists, contributing his expertise to numerous recording projects.
As an endorsed artist, Johnny proudly represents Yamaha Drums, Istanbul Agop Cymbals, Vater Drumsticks, and Evans Drumheads, reflecting his dedication to high-quality sound and performance.
Beyond his career, Johnny is a proud dog dad to two French Bulldogs, Roger and Millie.
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JeanSe Le Doujet
BASS
Born in Pontivy, Brittany, France, JeanSe grew up surrounded by music, learning piano and bass under the guidance of his father. His passion for diverse styles led him to explore everything from rock and metal to jazz and pop, blending influences to create his unique sound.
Since moving to Vancouver in 2011, JeanSe has become a prominent figure in the music community, touring across Canada, Europe, and Latin America—all while balancing a career as an acupuncturist!
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Anthony Anderson
GUITAR
Anthony is an award-winning guitarist, producer, songwriter, and instructor. He's performed worldwide, including with The Partland Brothers, and opening for Backstreet Boys and 50 Cent. He currently plays with Vancouver artists Bukola and IAMTHELIVING, tours with Tanika Charles and Robb Nash, and has produced for artists on Universal, Sony, Atlantic, and other major labels. He teaches guitar and bass at G&G Music.
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Michael Popham
Selling over 2.7 million units during his music ministry, Pastor Michael Popham has enjoyed a rewarding career as a successful songwriter, mega-church Worship Arts Pastor, Assistant Pastor, and passionate Worship Leader.
Michael was, for many years, the on-air keyboardist for the largest Christian Television Network in the world, Trinity Broadcasting Network.
Michael and his partner, television celebrity designer Pastor Josh "Sparkle Josh" Johnson (Emmys, Tonys, etc.) recently relocated from sunny Los Angeles to Beautiful British Columbia after founding and pastoring the #1, 3-times voted 2SLGBTQIA “Best House of Worship” (an affirming congregation), InVision Church LA, for 11 years and are now enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding life together in Vancouver, pastoring the new Worship experience, “HALO Vancouver”.
Michael is finishing his Masters In Theological Studies at Vancouver School of Theology.
Choir Members
Soprano
Kathy Anderson, Ashley Burton, Cristina Ciccone, Sheena Clarkson, Carol-Anne Doucet, Rosanna Francis, Kelly Hager, Julia Kubera, Eleanor May, Erin Moroney, Heather Olson, Melody Owen, Dionne Phillips, Debbie Reid, Andrea Smith, Advah Soudack, Naava Soudack, Susan Summers, Andrea Swabuk-Moe, Carrie Turri, Gysele van Hoogstraten
Alto
Rosine Dika-Balotoken, Heather D'Oyley, Cathy Duerksen, Tracey Gabert, Erikka Hedberg, Irene Kobylkin-Somody, Claudia Luna, Robyn McVicker, Lauren Palidwor, Inge Siemens, Léral Smith, Sherri Smith, Carole Surin, Yare Vargas, Radina Voytcheff, Joanne Walton, Allison Warren, Maegan Warren
Tenor
Josh Andallo, Jan Bryant, Jose Cervan, Paul Dekleer, Malli Guhan, Lynley Lewis, Chris Lok, Alex Operacz, Renan Passatore, Mikhaila Tobin, Hannes van der Merwe, Ven Virah, Matthew Wigmore
Baritone & Bass
B Boonstra, Robert Kraljii, Hugh McCreadie, Bill McFarlane, Dave Patrick, Ken Schneider, Erjan Sydykbekov, John Warren, Philip Wong
Board of Directors
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Andrea Smith (she/her)
BOARD PRESIDENT
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Lonnie Delisle (he/him)
EX-OFFICIO
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Joanne Walton (she/her)
SECRETARY
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Josh Andallo (he/him)
DIRECTOR
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Maegan Warren (she/her)
DIRECTOR (PR COMMITTEE)
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Inge Siemens (she/her)
DIRECTOR (MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE)
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Faith Auton-Cuff (she/her)
DIRECTOR
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Claudia Luna (she/her)
DIRECTOR
Upcoming Events
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Our Annual Yule Concert
Save the date — follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and sign up for our newsletter to be the first to hear about upcoming events.
Gift Cards
UGC Gift Cards Are Here!
Looking for the perfect gift for the music lover in your life? Universal Gospel Choir Gift Cards are now available in denominations of $25, $50, $75, and $100.
Gift Cards can be used to purchase concert tickets or support a beloved choir member to help pay choir fees, making them a meaningful way to share the joy of music.
Support the Earth While Supporting UGC!
Raise funds for UGC by buying your laundry, kitchen and bath supplies from TruEarth, a zero-waste company committed to eliminating plastic from our landfills and oceans.
20% of every sale benefits UGC.
Donate
Universal Gospel Choir is a registered Canadian charitable organization, and we rely on the generous support of individuals like you to keep us singing hope, love, and joy into the hearts of audiences all year round. In a world that has too much violence, hatred, division, despair and loneliness, we bring songs of inclusion, hope, community, justice for all, and joy amid sorrow.
Our music brings healing and celebration, and we invite you to join us in our mission! If you have been moved or uplifted by our music, please consider donating to the choir as part of your monthly giving, seasonal giving, or end-of-year financial gift.
Donor Recognition
Thank you to our donors for your generosity.
FRIEND: $50 to $499
Ashley Burton, Cathy Duerksen, Michael Marrapese, Ross McFarland, Dave Patrick, Ken Schneider, Inge Siemens, Beth Thompson, Bruce Turris, Tara Twigg, Ven Virahsammy, Matt Westphal
ADVOCATE: $500 to $999
Faith Auton-Cuff, Lonnie Delisle, Carol-Anne Doucet, Brian Landrigan, Sheila Landrigan, Marilee Roome, Barbara Smith
PILLAR: $1000+
Christine Gordon, Robyn McVicker, Andrea Smith, Joanne Walton
Volunteers
A heartfelt thank you to our amazing volunteers!
Volunteers are the heartbeat of Universal Gospel Choir! From the excitement of concert entries to the buzz of raffle ticket sales at intermission, our volunteers are the unsung heroes making every one of our shows a success.
If you are interested in helping to create the magic of a UGC show and immerse yourself in the experience contact us today at info@universalgospelchoir.ca
Auditions
Love to sing?
Universal Gospel Choir is looking for passionate voices to join our vibrant, multi-faith choir community!
Be part of a 40-year legacy, performing powerful gospel music at exciting concerts and connecting with a supportive choir family.
Auditions will be held on June 22nd.
We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia
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We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia •