BMA Festival of the Bay: Sharon Riley Faith Chorale

Sharon Riley and Faith Chorale

Sharon Riley and Faith Chorale (SRFC) stands as a shining example of excellence in the Canadian performing arts scene. With over thirty years of groundbreaking achievements, this Toronto-based ensemble has built a legacy in gospel music ministry, earning both national and international acclaim.

As the founding Artistic Director, Sharon Riley’s personal journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and perseverance—and lies at the heart of the group’s story. In 1990, a devastating car accident forced her to re-evaluate her life. While physically broken, her spirit and faith remained unshaken. During her recovery, she joined with friends Sharon McLeod and Robert Picart to form a local gospel ensemble, which would eventually evolve into Sharon Riley and Faith Chorale.

The group’s distinctive sound blends urban contemporary gospel, traditional hymns, soulful ballads, Negro spirituals, and traditional African music, reflecting a rich and diverse cultural heritage. Their versatility has led them to collaborate with and share the stage alongside major artists including Kirk Franklin, CeCe Winans, Donald Lawrence, Andrew Craig, Johnny Reid, Fred Hammond, The Killers, Jully Black, Marianas Trench, David Clayton-Thomas, Michael Bublé, Walk Off the Earth, and Mariah Carey.

From its inception, the choir has been in high demand, touring extensively across North America. They have performed at renowned venues such as the National Arts Centre, Roy Thomson Hall, the Royal Ontario Museum, and Massey Hall. In 2006, SRFC joined Sarah McLachlan, James Taylor, and Tim McGraw at Toronto’s Royal York Hotel for President Bill Clinton’s 60th birthday gala.

Other notable appearances include the National Jazz Festival, the World Tournament of Basketball, CBC’s Metro Morning, Ottawa Bluesfest, the Canadian National Exhibition’s Gospelfest, and the MuchMusic Video Awards.

An early milestone in SRFC’s rise was the release of Caught Up, their debut album recorded live before a sold-out Toronto audience in the late 1990s. Produced by Sharon Riley, Roger Ryan, and the late Melvin Crispell Jr., the album’s success propelled the group onto the global stage and led to a historic recording contract with EMI Records, making them the first international gospel act to join the label.

Their sophomore album, Life Is, further cemented their reputation and earned them a JUNO Award for Best Gospel Album. Their third release, Integrity, showcases Riley’s powerful lead vocals alongside the choir’s vibrant harmonies, with guest appearances from alumnus Sean Simmonds, Mali Music, and Candy West.

Beyond music, SRFC has appeared in film and television, including The Blues Brothers 2000 (alongside Aretha Franklin, John Goodman, and Dan Aykroyd), HBO’s Light to the Power of Two, Lifetime’s The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel, and xXx: Return of Xander Cage starring Vin Diesel, Samuel L. Jackson, and Ice Cube.

Their television appearances also include Global Television’s Sing Out Freedom Train, CBC’s Christmas Soul, NBC’s Saving Hope, Vision TV’s People Who Sing Together, and HBO’s Deacon for Defense, starring Ossie Davis and Forest Whitaker.

Sharon Riley and Faith Chorale continue to inspire audiences worldwide, spreading light and love through their powerful musical ministry and uplifting performances grounded in a message of hope.

Flex Package Available - Buy 4 get one free!

Use for any combination of Festival of the Bay concerts! July 11, 17, 31, August 6 & 9

Available at Midland Cultural Centre box office or at the door

(Not available online)

Presented by Brookside Music Association