The typically noisy streets of Toronto are silent. Swing sets at city parks are still. A city of almost 3 million people has largely come to a halt during the COVID-19 pandemic.

From Nathan Phillips Square to Queen Street West, Star photographers capture the scenes from a silent city, set to music performed by Toronto Symphony Orchestra Principal Harp Heidi Elise Bearcroft and her mother, Gretchan Van Hoesen, Principal Harp, Pittsburgh Symphony.

This is “Empty Toronto” — a Toronto Star video essay.

Videos shot by Toronto Star photographers: Andrew Wallace, Rene Johnston, Richard Lautens, Rick Madonik and Steve Russell.

Music: This version of Claude Debussy’s Clair de Lune is from the album Genetic Harps, featuring the daughter/mother duo, Heidi Elise Bearcroft, Principal Harp, Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Gretchen Van Hoesen, Principal Harp, Pittsburgh Symphony.

Video Producer: Kelsey Wilson