You are warmly invited to a special performance by the Faculty of Music Gospel Choir in celebration of Black History Month.

Join students from U of T's Faculty of Music and the Toronto School of Theology as they present a powerful musical journey featuring traditional and contemporary gospel pieces, dynamic drumming by the U of T West African Drumming and Dance Ensemble, and an electrifying gospel rhythm section. This evening will also showcase the cross-cultural influence and dynamic performances that bridge Canadian and U.S. gospel and classical music traditions.

• In-Person: U of T alumni can enjoy an exclusive discounted rate of $15. Use the promo code UTALUM during registration on Ticketmaster to unlock the alumni pricing. Please note a one-time $2.25 order processing fee will be applied at checkout. General admission seating. Doors open at 7:00 P.M.

• Livestream: U of T alumni can enjoy free access to the livestream. Register here to receive the link before the event.

Directed by: 

Dr. Darren Hamilton
Assistant Professor, Music Education
Faculty of Music

Don't miss this unforgettable evening of music and community!

Our Featured Performers
 

Dr. Darren Hamilton 

Dr. Darren Hamilton is an assistant professor of music education and the founding director of the University of Toronto Faculty of Music Gospel Choir. His work with the gospel choir was featured in three CBC Radio documentaries that aired throughout 2024. The choir also performed at the 2024 Toronto Jazz Festival for the “Gospel at the Grove” event which Dr. Hamilton co-curated.

Dr. Hamilton has worked with several Canadian JUNO Award-winning and nominated gospel recording artists and was the recipient of the 2022 JUNO Award for MusiCounts Teacher of the Year. 

Dr. Darren Hamilton's original gospel composition, “Do You See Them?”, co-composed with Aaron Manswell, will receive its world premiere performance by the University of Toronto Faculty of Music Gospel Choir at “A Celebration of Black History through Music”.

Sharon Riley

For over 30 years, JUNO and Harry Jerome Award winner Sharon Riley has led Sharon Riley & Faith Chorale (SRFC), establishing them as Canada’s premier gospel group. SRFC has performed at the JUNO Awards and MMVAs, sharing the stage with Kirk Franklin, The Clark Sisters, Fred Hammond, Michael Bublé, and Mariah Carey. They are the first Canadian gospel group to sign an international recording contract. Sharon’s journey of perseverance, resilience, and faith continues to inspire, while SRFC remains committed to spreading light and love through their powerful musical ministry, uplifting audiences with their dynamic performances and unwavering message of hope. 

Sharon Riley is the featured guest soloist for this year's “A Celebration of Black History through Music” event.

Aaron Manswell

Aaron Manswell is a composer of soulful Classical, R&B, Gospel and Hip-Hop music. A native of Toronto, his songs have been performed and recorded across North America. He has collaborated with the Canadian Opera Company and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, for whom he is the Composer-in-Residence. His music is featured on Billboard Traditional Classical Albums Chart-topper Tapestry of Becoming by Choral Arts Initiative and is completing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition at the University of Toronto. 

Aaron Manwell's original gospel composition, “Do You See Them?”, co-composed with Dr. Darren Hamilton, will receive its world premiere performance by the University of Toronto Faculty of Music Gospel Choir at “A Celebration of Black History through Music”.

Professor Brandon Felder

Brandon Felder is a multifaceted and passionate musician, producer, composer and educator. Felder was appointed assistant professor of music at Bowie State University in 2022 and serves as the Director of Choral Activities. Professor Felder is the director of the Bowie State University Concert Choir and also provides additional collaborative efforts within the Fine and Performing Arts Department at Bowie State.

Felder’s accolades include producing award-winning distinctions for his programs ranging from NAMM Music Merit Awards (2017-2024), Billboard Music Charts (2017), GRAMMY® Recording Academy Signature Schools (2015-2017), as well as Maryland Arts and Humanities and Arts Education Grants/Awards (2020-2024).

Felder’s arrangement of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” will receive its Canadian premiere performance by the University of Toronto Faculty of Music Gospel Choir at “A Celebration of Black History through Music”.

West African Drumming and Dance Ensemble

Bringing over 20 years of teaching experience from across North America and a lifetime of music-making, master Ewe drummer and teacher F. Kwasi Dunyo from Ghana, West Africa, introduces students to the excitement and joy of West African drumming and dance. In this for-credit ensemble, students learn and perform traditional instruments, techniques, and practices, and are introduced to the broader social context of music and dance in West African society.