Maada’ookii Songlines is a monumental outdoor choral experience featuring 200 voices from 11 diverse choirs, four soloists, and a fusion Indigenous musical ensemble. Composed by Luminato veteran and Juno Award–nominated artist
Cris Derksen, this free public performance brings together music, landscape, and community in a powerful celebration of connection.
Maada'ookii is a genderless Ojibway word meaning “they distribute something; they gift something; they share something with others.” Songlines, in cross-Indigenous traditions, are songs that help people find their way. Together, Maada'ookii Songlines is a reminder that, whatever our backgrounds may be, we all come from the stars.
As the sun descends, the city will be enveloped in sound emerging from the land, the water, and from above. A soundtrack for the city, the performance carries both a powerful history and a promise:
as long as the sun shines
as long as the waters flow downhill
and as long as the grass is green.
“Toronto” comes from the Mohawk word Tkaronto, often translated as “where there are trees standing in the water.” Inspired by this meaning, designer Triga has created a scenographic environment composed of natural elements that appears to emerge directly from the water.
As dusk deepens, the voices of the Maada’ookii Songlines choirs will weave together in a soaring finale composed by Cris Derksen. In the growing darkness, a procession of fireflies carried by the youngest members of the choirs will seem to lead the way toward the sound. Through twilight, tall grasses, and fluttering lights, audiences are invited to experience a renewed perspective on the urban landscape and their place within it.
COMPOSER
Cris Derksen
DIRECTORS
Tim Albery, Michael Mori
MUSICAL DIRECTOR
David Fallis
DESIGN
Triga Creative (Alexandra Lord, 
Shannon Lea Doyle and Michelle Tracey) 
LIGHTING DESIGN
Andrew Pye
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PRODUCTION/TECH MANAGER
Duncan MacMillan
SOUND
Tony Crea
CHOIRS INCLUDE
Coro San Marco
Oakville Choir - Raise Her Voice
Faith Chorale
Bruised Years Choir
Canadian Arabic Orchestra Choir
Vesnivka
Darbazi
YIP's Children's Choir
City Choir
Common Thread Chorus
The Element Choir
SOLOISTS
Bryden Gwiss Kiwenzie
Jennifer Kreisberg
Alanna Stuart
Maryem Hassan Tollar
MUSICAL ENSEMBLE
Jesse Baird (drums)
Shaun Brodie (trumpet)
Darren Creech (piano)
cris derksen (cello)
HAND DRUM CHOIR
Cheri Maracle
Michelle St. John
Patty Shaughnessy
Rebecca Benson
Rosary Spence
Rose Stella
Krysta Williams
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