Canadian Heritage’s classic summer sound and light show has a new virtual look this year. The “Northern Lights” spectacular, which usually runs on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, has been redirected online because of concerns over the spread of coronavirus.

The free 35-miniute show is designed to celebrate Canada’s culture and history.

As well, a variety of fun and educational activities that let visitors learn and test their knowledge of Canada are also new to the website this year.

Set against the backdrop of the Centre Block and Peace Tower, the show uses digital technology to illuminate Canadian stories of nation building, partnership, discovery, valour, pride and vision at the heart of the country. Key figures, events and achievements from Canadian history are brought to life using five distinct artistic styles, all presented in precise detail, with narration and an original score.

To virtually recreate the experience, producers TKNL have combined video and effects from a number of different sources, including:

• Excerpts from previous shows recorded on Parliament Hill (all at a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels)

• A motion design of the entire show mapped onto a model of Parliament that simulates the 3D effect of the live projection on the Centre Block

• A sky background added to provide realism and depth to the simulation

• Simulated lighting effects programmed in studio to add lighting effects to the motion design sections

• A mix of recorded footage and motion design to, among other things, add a flag flapping in the wind to the top of the Peace Tower

• A stereo remix of the entire show

And for 2020, the show has been expanded to recognize the contribution of women in the Second World War, the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands, and the contribution of the Métis Nation to Manitoba’s entry into Confederation 150 years ago.

“Northern Lights is a one-of-a-kind experience,” says minister of Canadian Heritage Steven Guilbeault. “The images, narration and soundtrack brilliantly depict the pivotal moments that have defined our history and culture… Being proud to be Canadian is what unites us, even when we have to stay two metres apart!”

Over a million people have watched the Northern Lights show since it launched in 2015.

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/sound-light-show.html