Toronto’s ROM Crystal celebrated by slew of Canadian talent
The Royal Ontario Museum celebrated the official unveiling of its new addition with a showcase of Canadian talent including David Foster, K’naan and Natalie McMaster on Saturday evening.
The gala celebrated the public opening of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal; the ROM’s bold new $135-million addition that juts out over Toronto’s Bloor Street.
Legendary composer David Foster shared one of three stages with singers Deborah Cox, Jann Arden, rapper K’naan, Canadian Tenors, jazz singer Dione Taylor, and fiddler Natalie McMaster.
Actor Gordon Pinsent and environmentalist David Suzuki also made appearances, while Governor General MichaÎlle Jean dedicated the structure’s opening.
Suzuki took the opportunity to speak to the country’s determination to battle climate change.
“I believe we’ve turned a corner, that we’re on our way to a more sustainable Canada,” Suzuki said.
Thousands of people of all ages lined the streets for the concert entitled “A World of Possibilities,” which was hosted by actor Paul Gross.
Tickets for the event were issued at noon on Saturday but crowds began to gather early in the morning.
The event, which also featured a stunning fireworks display, was designed to tell the story of humankind’s evolution through the ages.
The 75-minute show marked the end of the six-year development project for Canada’s largest museum that cost $270 million to complete.
Conceived by architect Daniel Libeskind, the crystal has been met with both scorn and adoration.
The 175,000-square-foot aluminum-and-glass-covered structure reaches 10 storeys in the air and houses seven galleries.
Architectural buffs chided the addition saying it does nothing to enhance the streetscape and fails to blend with the rest of the heritage building.
Supporters believe the bold design will promote experimental architecture in the city, something Toronto has lacked for a number of years.
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