Trevor Payne going out on a high note with Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir
Charismatic outgoing director reflects on more than 3 decades at the helm
Trevor Payne, the founder and director of the Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir, says it's the behind-the-scenes moments that he's cherished the most.
"I was so hoping you wouldn't ask that question," said Trevor Payne, peering out through his small tinted glasses, with a knowing look.
"Thinking about it makes me want to cry right now and I'm sure you don't want that," he adds with a laugh.
But lately, the question of what it will be like to stand on stage for the last time, after 35 years leading the Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir, is one that has often floated into his mind.
The founder and director of the choir will be at the helm for only two more shows: Dec. 3 at Théâtre Maisonneuve in Montreal and Dec. 7 at Théâtre de la Ville in Longueuil.
"It affects me mostly at night, when I'm trying to sleep," he said, referring to his coming departure. "During the day, I'm fully immersed in interviews like this, and last-minute touch-ups to the orchestrations and checking on ticket sales."
"But in the evening, when my body starts to go into reverse, is when the nostalgia hits," he said.
There's plenty to be nostalgic about: collaborations with Céline Dion and Ray Charles, as well as performances for Queen Elizabeth II, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Nelson Mandela, who shrugged off his body guards to walk across the stage and embrace Payne, stopping to shake the hand of every single choir member.
But 12 years and multiple Juno Award nominations later (and one win), Payne says it's the behind-the-scenes moments that he's cherished the most.
"The moments spent with the choir, either in rehearsal or on the plane, or on the bus, when we were totally together and looking out for each other," he said.
Homecoming for former members
A testament to that bond: more than 50 former choir members said they wanted to come back to perform with him for his farewell concert.
In the end, not all of them will be on stage, but some have been travelling from as far as upstate New York and Vermont for rehearsals.
The Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir grew out of the Montreal Black Community Youth Choir, which Payne co-founded in 1974, with Rev. Frank Gabourel, then of Union United church, and Daisy Peterson Sweeney, the sister of Montreal jazz-great Oscar Peterson.
Payne, who cut his chops as a rock musician, was studying classical orchestration and conducting at McGill University at the time.
"It was put together...in the beginning, just for something to do," he said. "As a youth choir, hopefully to keep them off the streets. And the ones who weren't good enough to be playing basketball and football joined the choir."
But what started as a fledgling youth choir grow into an internationally-renowned, award-winning force, driven by a sound that Payne said is inspired by his musical idols: soul legend Ray Charles and Mahalia Jackson, the queen of gospel.
Payne said Gabourel, who moved to Toronto a few years after the choir was formed, has followed the choir ever since and is also travelling back to Montreal, for Payne's last show.
"He's got to be at least in his early 90s," said Payne. "He said he wouldn't miss it for the world."
After 35 years, Trevor Payne is leaving the Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir.
Payne, who will remain with the choir as artistic director and producer, feels he's leaving the choir in good hands for its performances.
Though he's tight-lipped about who will be taking over, he hinted at youth, saying the new person would be "good to go for the next 35 years."
As for the choir itself, Payne feels it's in a position of strength, ready for new energy and new ideas.
"The choir...has grown from just a group of people singing, over the years, into a very, very close family," he said. "I think it will be just fine."
Trevor Payne's farewell concert with the Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir will take place Dec. 3 at Théâtre Maisonneuve in Montreal. He will also lead the choir for a Célébration Gospel on Dec 7, hosted by the Orchestre Symphonique de Longueuil at the Théâtre de la Ville in Longueuil. For more information, visit the choir's website.
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