The Universal Gospel Choir has been celebrating the uplifting power of the world's sacred and social conscience songs since 1985. Passionate performances and the ability to engage diverse audiences have made the UGC one of Vancouver's most popular choirs. A wide-ranging repertoire of authentically delivered songs from African-American, Cuban, African, European, Jewish, Asian and Native American musical traditions makes every UGC performance a truly unique, inspiring and mind-opening experience.

2010 marked  the choir's 25th anniversary. In June our Anniversary Concerts rocked Canadian Memorial Church with the combined power of the UGC and the No Sh!t Shirleys, many of whom are alumni of the choir.

Driven by a strong mandate of service to the community, the choir performs numerous benefit concerts every year. Recent concerts include appearances with Shari Ulrich for the Callanish Society (2009), again with Shari Ulrich for Education Without Borders and with Sybil Thrasher for the North Shore Disabilities Association (2008).

The UGC’s latest CD, "One Voice" was released June 2010 and is a compilation of live and studio recordings representing the last five years of the choir’s energy and passion. Earlier recordings include "Grace Happens" (1996), "Universal Gospel Choir Live" (2001),  "Joyful Noise" (2004) and "May I Be Still" 2007.

Music Director Kathryn Nicholson joined the choir in September 2007. Kathryn combines her deep love of music and impassioned engagement with community to lift the choir to new heights of heart-felt musical expression. Her irrepressible spirit and sincerity never fail to delight and touch the soul of enthusiastic audiences. The choir is blessed with the brilliant support of resident pianist, arranger and band leader, Diane Lines, an outstanding professional musician and performer well known to local audiences.