News Release
September 2, 2021

To kick off the last long weekend of summer, the City of Toronto has partnered with the CN Tower to present an animated virtual light show around the CN Tower, available only online. This moving work of sight and sound, entitled Light of Hope, will premiere Thursday, September 2 at 8 p.m. at www.toronto.ca/LightOfHope.

Light of Hope was created by leading edge Canadian artists AVA Animation and Visual Arts, a woman-led Toronto based animation studio, and JUNO-nominated, internationally celebrated composer and cellist Cris Derksen. It will be a visual and sonic journey that frames the CN Tower – one of Canada’s most iconic symbols – as a beacon of hope, emphasizing people’s capacity to shine through adversity and achieve great changes together.

Derksen’s uplifting and contemplative composition braids the traditional and contemporary, weaving together her classical background and Indigenous ancestry with new school electronics to create genre-defying music. She is joined by DJ Shub, Kinnie Starr, Rebecca Benson, Maryem Tollar, LAL (Rosina Kazi and Nicholas Murray), Gurpreet Chana and George Gao on this commissioned piece.

Note this is not happening at the CN Tower – this is a completely virtual show.

Media are welcome to broadcast or stream the virtual light show on their own platforms through the above link.

Light of Hope promotional partners include Cadillac Fairview, Union Station, Oxford Properties and Yonge-Dundas Square.

Light of Hope will be available online until the end of the year and was funded in part by the Government of Canada.

Quotes:

“Toronto residents have done a tremendous job following public health guidance to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities from the COVID-19 virus. I encourage residents to enjoy this show tonight and to safely rediscover Toronto during this last long weekend of the summer.”

– Mayor John Tory

“Light of Hope is a beautiful expression of people’s resilience, courage and hope throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Tune in to its premier or watch it anytime until the end of the year to boost your spirits and resolve to build back better, together.”

– Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson (Scarborough Centre), Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee

Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Media Relations