Renaissance: Exclusive interview with Charlson “Poppy” Duverné, the architect of an extraordinary evangelical musical event
On May 25, the Transformed Life Church will welcome “Renaissance”, a large -scale evangelical musical event orchestrated by Charlson Duverné, better known as Poppy Duverné. Through this interview, discover the inspiring journey of this musical director, the genesis of this unique project, and behind the scenes of an evening which promises to be already memorable for the Christian community. Immerse yourself in the world of “Renaissance”, a concert thought as a message of hope, renewal and gathering around music and faith.
Portrait of the organizer and genesis of the event
Charlson Duverné, alias Poppy Duverné, is not an unknown to the evangelical musical landscape. With more than 25 years of experience, he distinguished himself as a musician, project manager and now executive director of “Renaissance”. His atypical journey, between spiritual commitment and incursions in the secular music scene (notably HMI), gives it a singular vision of music as a vector of transformation and testimony.
The idea of “renaissance” is born from a succession of awareness and internal calls. “There are several ways to be reborn,” explains Poppy, for whom this project symbolizes both a homecoming, a new personal start (May 25 being also its birthday), and a universal message addressed to those who think that everything is over for them. “Renaissance, that is to say that life is not over, that we can always get up.” This triple dimension irrigates the programming of the event, which will highlight works and artists that have marked the Christian community, while valuing transmission and intergenerational collaboration.
Back on the route and deep motivation
If Poppy assumes his executive role today, he has not always been on the front of the evangelical scene. After a period of rupture and distance, marked by disappointments and experiences in the secular musical sector, he returns to his roots, moved by a deep conviction: “God does not give talent without reason, your place is in the ministry.” This sentence, heard during a preaching, acted as a click, reinforced by decisive meetings and the support of close friends.
His trajectory is punctuated by questioning and transformations. His attachment to God and the Christian community now guides each of his decisions, and he wishes, through “Renaissance”, transmit this renewed faith and this energy of renewal to a broad and diverse audience. “I made mistakes, but a Christian musician should not be involved in non-Christian events,” he says. This time, his commitment is total: “God imposed this return to me. Since June 2024, I have returned to church and I decided not to play elsewhere. Today, I know that my place is here to serve and inspire. »»
Preparation and organization: a committed team and controlled logistics
The event will be held at the transformed life church, a strategic choice motivated by the quality of the infrastructure and the ability to meet the technical requirements of an ambitious spectacle. “It is one of the best places for a religious activity of this magnitude”, underlines Poppy. Production mobilizes a team of 37 people, technicians, volunteers and partners from various horizons (Haiti, Africa, France, Quebec).
The preparation, started in December with the recording of the album of 16 music, took place in a spirit of collaboration and determination. Despite some initial doubts, all the artists quickly joined the vision of the project. “I know who to put with whom the harmony manifests,” says Poppy, with his experience. A director works each performance to guarantee an immersive and unprecedented experience, well beyond a simple concert. It will also be an opportunity to rediscover my compositions, interpreted by groups and choirs such as Revelation Mizik, Jehud, Mahanaim and Reskape.
Detailed program and strong moments
“Renaissance” promises an evening rich in emotions and discoveries. From 5.30 p.m., a welcome cocktail, orchestrated by Bouillon des Saveurs, will welcome the participants. This friendly moment will be accompanied by listening in preview of the studio album, while a live recording session will capture the energy of the public and artists. Poppy even plans to produce 16 videos, one for each piece of the album.
The programming will honor a diversity of guest artists, including Alexander Polynice, Alexandre Osias, Amos Dorisma, Caleb E. Pierre, Danielle Kingelhofer, Herminah, Jenn, Moise Ezu, Nelsia Olyssé Louis, Noelie Elykem, RJ The Mysterious, Rose Henry, Sarah Jane Rameau and Stephanie Lafrance. The performances will be enriched by light games, neat staging and interconnected stories, offering the public an immersive and unifying experience.
Targeted audience, expected impact and communication strategy
The event is for a large audience, open to everyone, with a capacity of 500 people. Communication is based on a multi-channel strategy: social networks, word of mouth, mobilization of local communities and publication of testimonials from participants who have already acquired their ticket. The objective is twofold: touching the faithful for a long time, but also inviting those who, formerly far from the Church, wish to reconnect with faith and the community.
Poppy hopes that “Renaissance” will have a lasting impact, not only on participants, but also on the entire local Christian community. “I want to invite those who once welcomed me into their future activities, in turn, in the light.” The project aims to create bridges, to enhance talent and to breathe a spirit of collective renewal.
Anecdotes, testimonies and human scope
Among the significant moments of preparation, Poppy particularly retains the diversity of artists gathered: “See Africans, Quebecers sing in Creole to make glory to God, it is a unique and moving experience.” The testimonies of support flock, in particular from people who, by buying their ticket, wish to encourage Poppy to continue his mission where, according to them, he has always had his place.
In conclusion, “Renaissance” stands out as much more than a concert: it is an act of faith, a message of hope and a celebration of living together. Through this project, Poppy Duverné affirms his expertise, his vision and his ability to federate around universal values. The event promises to make an impression and open a new page in the history of evangelical music in Montreal.
