Brownstein: Montreal Gospel Choir raises the roof and lifts the weight

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The energy and enthusiasm levels of the 60-member Montreal Gospel Choir are so high tonight that it’s a wonder the legendary red roof of the ornate downtown Church of St. John the Evangelist didn’t was lifted and thrown skyward.

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The choir is rehearsing Kirk Franklin’s Gonna Be a Lovely Day, a version of Bill Withers’ Lovely Day, in preparation for its first live concerts in two years. There will be performances at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday at St. John the Evangelist, better known as Red Roof Church.

“And it will really be a beautiful day”, assures Christine Walsh, member of the choir.

Without a doubt.

Çarol Bernard, founder of the Indomptable Montreal Gospel Choir, also conductor of the Jireh Gospel Choir, is a force of nature. And the choir is as determined as she is.

Two years of pandemic-related cancellations have taken their toll, but the recent death of 36-year-old beloved choir member and nutritionist Einrika Siguineau due to COVID-19 really hit hard. Twenty-five choir members sang at his funeral.

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Heartbreak aside, there will be no stopping this troupe on Saturday when they unleash a repertoire of everything from African-flavored choirs and American gospel to more contemporary R&B and hip-hop. And what would a gospel concert be without a lively rendition of the classic Oh Happy Day?

“This rehearsal was fire!” enthuses Bernard during a break. “Our goal is simple: to get people dancing and bring back joy, hope and goosebumps through the power of our music. Everyone is so excited for the concerts after dealing with mostly limited Zoom rehearsals and Einrika’s passing.

Bernard’s Jireh Gospel Choir, joined by members of the Montreal Gospel Choir, performed a Christmas concert in 2021 at Salle Pierre-Mercure, but Saturday’s performances will be the Montreal Gospel Choir’s first alone in two years.

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Regardless of your religious beliefs (or not), this choir is guaranteed to leave most in an elated, dancing state.

Founded 11 years ago, the choir presents a Franco/Anglo mix of Montrealers and a variety of ethnicities and religious backgrounds. They are equally at home on a subway platform as they are in large halls and churches. Bernard makes sure egos are left checked at the front door.

“I don’t like the word ‘religion’. I prefer to say that I am a Jewish carpenter, ”says Judy Lashley, a longtime member of the choir, a degree in journalism and, yes, in theology. “I thought the two went well together: being a journalist, who is a professional skeptic, and theology.

“I think we all need something to hold on to right now. And we’re going to go all out and rock this house on Saturday. And those present will say, “Man, I felt something.” ”

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“We may all come from such different backgrounds, but we really are a community — a community with an incredible passion for music,” says Jean-Daniel Painson, who has been a member for nine years.

Faith is essential for Bernard.

“Lives have been changed by gospel music,” she says. “That’s my motivation. It’s my fuel. Ours is a diverse choir made up of people, some of whom are believers while others may be questioning. And they believe in people, whether they are believers or not. That’s why we don’t wear dresses. This is a choir for 2022. Love these humans!

“We come from everywhere. We are family at heart. But don’t get me wrong: I’m a leader with music.

Born in Montreal to Jamaican parents, Bernard graduated in mathematics and computer science from McGill University and in music from the University of Montreal. In a past life, she held a senior management position at CN Rail, but years ago she gave it all up to pursue music full-time.

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Now there is no way to stop this runaway train.

“The main reason we’re doing this concert is that Carol Bernard wouldn’t stop,” says choir member Walsh. “Throughout COVID, when we couldn’t get together, we rehearsed online. There’s just no stopping it.

One of Bernard’s greatest inspirations is the legendary American gospel singer Franklin, with whom the Jireh Choir once performed at the Bell Centre. “His message is so good and impactful,” says Bernard.

Jireh has also worked with Bobby McFerrin and the OSM, and will be making his third headlining visit to the Montreal International Jazz Festival with a concert on the main outdoor stage on July 3. Jireh and the Montreal Gospel Choir will team up for another Christmas concert on December 3. 10 at the Salle Pierre-Mercure.

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But for now, Bernard is concentrating on Saturday.

“We cannot ignore what is happening in the world, with COVID and war. There is a weight there. Hopefully our music will lift some of that weight for a few hours.

IN ONE LOOK

The Montreal Gospel Choir performs Saturday, May 7 at 2, 4, and 7 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, 137 President-Kennedy Avenue. The 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. shows are sold out; tickets for the 2 p.m. show are $25, available at montrealgospel.com.

bbrownstein@postmedia.com

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