Welcome to Love Never Fails
Experience the magic of Christmas blended with the uplifting power of gospel — a joyful reminder that love is at the heart of it all.
Set List
1. Count Your Blessings
Timothy Wright, Jason White for Sunday Service Choir
Based on the original hymn by Johnson Oatman Jr. and Edwin Othello Excell
Arr. Lonnie Delisle
Soloist: Tracey Gabert
2. Psalm 150 (Let Everything That Hath Breath)
George D. Pass II
Arr. Twinkie Clark-Terrell
3. Hope
Jason Robert Brown
Arr. Mark Brymer
4. Rain
Brian Alexander Morgan, Jaco Pastorius for Sunday Service Choir
Arr. Lonnie Delisle
Soloist: Léral Smith
5. A Beautiful Noise
Alicia Augello-Cook, Brandy Clark, Brandi Carlile, Hailey Whitters, Hillary Lindsay, Linda Perry,
Lori McKenna, Ruby Amantu
Arr. Lonnie Delisle
Soloists: Heather Olson, Jozy Patterson
6. Stand in the Light
Stephan Moccio, Lauren Christy
Arr. Roger Emerson, Adap. Lonnie Delisle
7. It is Well
Horatio Spafford, Philip Bliss
Arr. Joe Pace / Lonnie Delisle
Soloists: Crescencia Goana, Rosanna Francis
8. Go Tell It
Jason White, Philip Cornish, Nicholas Clark, Anthony Jawan McEastland for Sunday Service Choir
Based on the traditional Christmas carol
Arr: Nikki Grier, Steve Epting, Anthony Jawan McEastland, Adap. Lonnie Delisle
Soloist: Rosine Dika-Balotoken
INTERMISSION
1. What Child is This
Arr. Lonnie Delisle
Ensemble: Roland Carelse-Borzel, Jose Cervan, Lonnie Delisle, Rosanna Francis, Tracey Gabert, Crescencia Goana, Erin Moroney, Heather Olson, Sherri Smith
Soloist: Erin Moroney
2. Let There be Joy
Joshua Varnadore, Brandon Michael Collins, Jennifer Hudson, Simon Anthony Oscroft, Hallmark
Arr. Mark Brymer / Lonnie Delisle
Soloists: Dionne Phillips, Cristina Ciccone
3. Christmas Time is Here
Lee Mendelson, Vince Guaraldi
Arr. Robert Sterling
4. The Yearning
Susan Bentall Boersma, Craig Courtney
Adap. Lonnie Delisle
5. Ringing Them Bells
Junior Garr, Marsha Morrison, Keith Bazari for The Spirituals Choir
Arr. Lonnie Delisle
6. May the Road Rise to Meet You
Lori True
Soloist: Josh Andallo
7. May the Road Rise Up
Traditional Irish blessing
Arr. Jay Rouse, Adap. Lonnie Delisle
Soloist: Josh Andallo
8. Love Never Fails
Javier Ordenes, Dwan Hill, Fred Hammond for The Choir Room
Arr. Lonnie Delisle
Soloist: Jose Cervan
Message from Our Artistic Director
Lonnie Delisle (he/him)
Welcome to Yule 2025 Love Never Fails! We’re so grateful that you are here with us.
This weekend - December 13, specifically - is Dick Van Dyke’s 100th birthday. His enduring positivity has been a source of inspiration for me. I need inspiration, because in this current age of increasing tribalism and othering, I get a sense that we are being pitted against one another which is distressing and anxiety-inducing.
When I look to people like Fred Rogers, Nelson Mandela, Jesus, Martin Luther King Jr, and yes, Dick Van Dyke, I feel hope begin to re-emerge and push aside feelings of despair.
What did they have in common? They all believed, and practiced what they preached, that everyone matters, everyone belongs regardless of… you name it.
They all knew that we are part of a single human family, we are all connected, and we all have the ability to live our lives celebrating that connection and doing our best to nurture harmony.
So, as you wait for this concert to begin, I’d like to share some quotes from the legend himself, Dick Van Dyke:
“Just knowing you don't have the answers is a recipe for humility, openness, acceptance, forgiveness, and an eagerness to learn - and those are all good things.”
“I didn't know the answers, but I could feel that the things that gave life meaning came from a place within and from the nurturing of values like tolerance, charity, and community.”
“For the past twenty years I have been involved with the Midnight Mission, a Los Angeles–based facility dedicated to helping men, women, and children who have lost everything return to self-sufficiency. I spend every holiday there; I don’t get the Christmas spirit until I am at the Mission. Early on I approached a large, mean-looking man and wished him a merry Christmas. The menacing look on his face disappeared—he smiled. “People look through us,” he says. “Or they look past us. Nobody sees us. But you’re looking right at me. That is one helluva gift, man.” His smile was an even bigger gift to me. And it has been that way ever since.”
“I’ve always thought that anger is one thing that eats up a person’s insides — and hate. And I never really was able to work up a feeling of hate. I think that is one of the chief things that kept me going.”
“No one is genetically miserable,” he writes. “No matter our current circumstances, we all have the capacity for a joyful life.”
“Hope is life’s essential nutrient, and love is what gives life meaning. I think you need somebody to love and take care of, and someone who loves you back. In that sense, I think the New Testament got it right. So did the Beatles. Without love, nothing has any meaning.”
Indeed. Love is everything, and love, thankfully, never fails.
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.
Special Guest
Tina Bryant
We’re thrilled to welcome back our amazing friend and Hammond B3 organist, Tina Bryant, all the way from the Bay Area, California! Tina first wowed us at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in 2021, and we can’t wait to hear her incredible grooves once again.
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 a guitarist, award winning music producer, instructor and songwriter.
As a freelance guitarist, he has performed for audiences across the globe with many different artists. Of note, he was the guitarist for Capitol Records recording artist The Partland Brothers, opened for Backstreet Boys, and 50 Cent with Juno, nominated pop act, Elise Estrada.
He currently plays with many local Vancouver artists and bands, including one of the top soulful singers in Canada, Bukola (Disney – The Princess) and Juno, nominated Rnb artist, IAMTHELIVING.
Anthony also tours worldwide with the Toronto recording artist, Tanika Charles; and tours yearly with the Warner Records Canada artist, Robb Nash, performing for thousands of students across Canada in a rock show that addresses other topics, such as discussions about mental health, suicide and depression.
As a writer/producer, Anthony has recorded songs for acts signed to the world’s leading labels including Universal, Sony, Atlantic, Warner, Jive, Capitol/EMI, and Avex.
At G&G Music, Anthony teaches guitar and bass lessons.
Choir Members
Soprano
Kathy Anderson, Lisa Arnold, Ashley Burton, Sasja Chomos, Cristina Ciccone, Sheena Clarkson, Carol-Anne Doucet, Sonja Ellingson, Rosanna Francis, Harmony Genier, Crescencia Goana, Claudia MacDonald, Eleanor May, Erin Moroney, Heather Olson, Melody Owen, Dionne Phillips, Andrea Smith, Advah Soudack, Naava Soudack, Susan Summers, Andrea Swabuk-Moe, Saki Tokiwa, Gysele van Hoogstraten
Alto
Rosemary Burd, Rosine Dika-Balotoken, Cathy Duerksen, Alex Friesen, Tracey Gabert, Christine Gordon, Heather D'Oyley, Irene Kobylkin-Somody, Sheila Landrigan, Claudia Luna, Lauren Palidwor, Jozy Patterson, Sherri Smith, Inge Siemens, Léral Smith, Cathey Somerville, Julia Somody, Carole Surin, Tara Twigg, Yare Vargas, Carol Villeneuve, Radina Voytcheff, Joanne Walton, Allison Warren, Maegan Warren, Crystal Wuthrich
Tenor
Josh Andallo, Jan Bryant, Roland Carelse-Borzel, Jose Cervan, Paul Dekleer, Chris Lok, Michael Marrapese, Forrest Mortifee, Alex Operacz, Renan Passatore, Mikhaila Tobin, Guy Vallieres, Hannes Van der Merwe, Ven Virah, Matthew Wigmore
Baritone & Bass
B Boonstra, Chris Fowles, Charles Friesen, Patrick Giesbrecht, Brian Landrigan, Hugh McCreadie, Bill McFarlane, Steve Noseworthy, Dave Patrick, Ken Schneider, Erjan Sydykbekov, John Warren, Matt Westphal, 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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Gospel Music Workshop with Karen Burke
This annual event is perfect for singers of all levels who want to learn powerful harmonies and dive into the rich tradition of gospel music.
Learn exciting gospel music and sing together with UGC in a full day workshop, then return the following day to perform with UGC in an evening performance. Sign up today and elevate your voice in a fun, engaging community!
March 7, 2026
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Vancouver Unitarian Church
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For The Love Of Gospel Concert
Join us for a powerful Black History Month concert that celebrates the rich cultural legacy of gospel music.
Featuring the incomparable Karen Burke, Artistic Director of Toronto Mass Choir, UGC will be joined on stage by our Gospel Music Workshop participants.
March 8, 2026
7:00 pm
Canadian Memorial United Church
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, Dave Patrick, Inge Siemens, Ken Schneider, Matt Westphal, Rosine Dika, Ross McFarland, Tara Twigg, Ven Virahsammy,
ADVOCATE: $500 to $999
Barbara Smith, Brian Landrigan, Carol-Anne Doucet, Joanne Walton, Lonnie Delisle, Sheila Landrigan
PILLAR: $1000+
Andrea Smith, Christine Gordon, Robyn McVicker, Patrick Cotter
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 January 19th.
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 •