Karen Gibson: Britain's Godmother of Gospel

Rooted in tradition, yet having demonstrated its ability to span generations, gospel music—according to choir conductor Karen Gibson—is a “powerful vehicle for connection and transformation.” With her Kingdom Choir, she will be coming to Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier in Montreal on November 28, 2024. Following is our conversation with the woman English daily The Guardian has dubbed “Britain’s Godmother of Gospel.”

There’s a real connection between Montreal audiences and The Kingdom Choir. Karen Gibson fondly recalls her first appearance at Place des Arts in February 2023. “People in the audience seemed reserved at first, but they gradually got swept up in the music. By the end, people were singing and hugging each other. That image has stayed with me ever since.”

For Gibson, gospel music has the power to unite and bring people together. Whether it happens in a church, where Karen Gibson was first introduced to music as a child, or on the stage of a prestigious concert hall, the effect is the same. All over the world, The Kingdom Choir moves people to come together.

Gospel: music that does good

“Gospel music is both positive and powerful, it speaks of love, faith, hope, and inspiration. When you sing about these themes, it goes straight to the heart.” And the music affects both the audience and the artists in the same way: “Singing gospel or other worship music is a form of expression that lifts the spirit and transforms the person singing it.”

Preserving traditions while remaining relevant

Gospel music, as practiced by The Kingdom Choir, most certainly remains associated with traditional religious songs. It has its place in church and guides the lives of believers everywhere around the world. But, in being aware of the power of this music among audiences of non-believers and remaining sensitive to the evolution of pop music—which often draws on the codes of gospel—, Karen Gibson is careful to maintain a balance between preserving the classical repertoire and integrating contemporary influences. “Gospel is an oral tradition that is passed down from one generation to the next. It’s essential to keep the classics alive, but culture is never static. We also draw inspiration from modern music to stay relevant.” As an example, she cites artists like the Maverick City Music collective, which blends traditional sounds and a modern African American sensibility, proving that gospel can evolve while remaining true to its roots.

Conducting a choir, an art of emotion

“I see myself as the choir’s living score. Music isn’t just notes on a page, it’s alive, it’s filled with emotion. I guide my singers through this sensitive journey. We are emotional beings, and that’s what I want us to express through our music.”

For Karen Gibson, the essence of the choir lies in its collective harmony, where each individual voice blends into a new sonic entity, creating a “community voice.” However, she also encourages individual expression through the way her singers move, interact with the audience, and even through their clothing.

Karen Gibson and The Kingdom Choir are bringing their new concert to Montreal, along with all the infectious energy, raw emotion, and joy that gospel music is known for. A must-see for anyone seeking a transcendent musical experience!