Noteworthy
Illuminating a Longstanding Partnership in Honour of Truth & Reconciliation
September 30, 2024As we observe Truth and Reconciliation Day, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra reflects on our longstanding partnership with Red Sky Performance, an extraordinary contemporary Indigenous arts company that has brought vibrant, powerful performances to our stage. This partnership is a cornerstone of our commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the arts and building bridges with the communities we serve.
Red Sky Performance is an award-winning multidisciplinary company known for its innovative work that draws on Indigenous culture, storytelling, and artistic practices. Founded in 2000 by Executive & Artistic Director Sandra Laronde, a visionary leader dedicated to the expansion and elevation of Indigenous arts and culture, Red Sky has become a beacon of contemporary Indigenous performance in Canada and around the world.
Music has always been close to my heart, driving storytelling in magnificent ways. With the TSO, I was able to establish a meaningful connection from the very beginning. Over the years, the TSO has been a significant partner with Red Sky, amplifying Indigenous stories through shared values of respect and reciprocity.
The partnership between the TSO and Red Sky Performance is one of mutual respect and a shared vision for the future. Together, we have created performances that not only entertain but also educate and inspire. One of the hallmarks of this collaboration has been the blending of orchestral music with Indigenous dance, storytelling, and film, creating a rich, immersive experience that speaks to the heart of what it means to be Canadian.
The Toronto Symphony Orchestra is committed to creating a space where all voices are heard and respected. We celebrate cultures and build meaningful connections with the communities we serve; our partnership with Red Sky Performance exemplifies this. Together, we are not merely creating art—we are contributing to a larger movement toward reconciliation, unity, and deeper understanding.
Performance Highlights
Adizokan
One of the most notable collaborations between the TSO and Red Sky Performance was the critically acclaimed Adizokan, a multimedia performance that premiered at Roy Thomson Hall in 2017. Directed by Sandra Laronde, Adizokan combined orchestral music by Métis composer Elliot Britton, Indigenous dance, and film to explore Indigenous connections to ancestral origins.
Caribou Song
Another standout collaboration was Caribou Song, first performed in 2002, which blended orchestral music by Rick Sacks (chamber orchestration) and Barbara Assiginaak (full orchestration) with Indigenous storytelling, theatre, and dance. This multidisciplinary expression drew upon themes of family and tradition, highlighting the deep connection between Indigenous peoples and respect for land and wildlife.
Mistatim Reimagined
Mistatim Reimagined was a 2021 filmed collaboration between the TSO and Red Sky Performance, in association with Crow’s Theatre, the project was shared with our isolated audiences during the pandemic. The story was about the truest of friendships, telling a tale of connection and understanding across cultural divides. Featuring dynamic music co-created by five Indigenous music creators and seven TSO musicians, the production explored themes of unlikely friendships, bridging differences, and respecting the power of nature.
Our collaborations with Red Sky Performance illustrate the power of arts in fostering renewed relationships and reconciliation. As we look to the future, the TSO remains committed to deepening our partnership with Red Sky Performance and other such organizations and individuals that represent the rich tapestry of our city.
Looking Ahead:
She Holds Up the Stars
We are thrilled to announce a future collaboration entitled She Holds Up the Stars, set to premiere in the TSO’s 2025/26 season. Based on the award-winning young adult novel by Sandra Laronde, She Holds Up the Stars follows an Indigenous adolescent girl who discovers inner strength through an unexpected bond with a wild horse, leading to a profound transformation in her connection to home, land, and heart. With music by Métis composer Elliot Britton, this new live production will feature life-sized puppetry, theatre, dance visual art and orchestral music, further solidifying our partnership with Red Sky Performance and our commitment to highlighting Indigenous artistry.
Truth and Reconciliation Day is a time for reflection and action. It is an opportunity to acknowledge the past, honour the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities, and commit to building a more just and equitable future. At the TSO, we are dedicated to using our platform to promote these values and to continue our work in partnership with organizations like Red Sky Performance, and we invite you, our cherished patrons, to join us on this journey.