This weekend, Yellowknifers have the chance to experience a one-of-a-kind artistic event that blends music, dance, and visual art into a single performance.
Aurora Borealis Abroad tells the story of why the northern lights danced so far south last year, bringing together local musicians, painters, and dancers for an immersive experience.
The event, being held at Northern United Place on Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm, is presented by the BAM Community Orchestra.
It features a live orchestra, live painting, and dance performances to accompany the storytelling.
“Aurora Borealis Abroad is a story written by Kira Hall, a former Yellowknifer,” said Jo Pamplin, the musical director for BAM. “We have four painters from Yellowknife creating a mural as the story unfolds, and the music is performed by our orchestra with special guest appearances.”
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Among those special guests are The Fiddle Cats, a youth fiddle group led by Andrea Bettger, and members of the Yellowknife Dance Collective, adding a vibrant layer of movement to the show.
When asked what makes this performance so special, Pamplin described it as “a feast for the eyes and ears.”
“The audience can appreciate the music visually through the live artwork, and we’ve got an exciting repertoire of dance music from around the world,” she said.
“Classical pieces like Danse Macabre and Slavonic Dances, Cuban rhythms in Danzas Cubanas, Arabian dances, tangos – you name it. There’s something for everyone.”
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Peter Workman, the orchestra’s pianist, shared his excitement about bringing the performance to life.
“It’s been a challenge getting back into orchestral playing after so long,” he said. “But watching the music come together over time has been incredible. We started rehearsing in the fall, meeting every Saturday, and now it’s all coming together beautifully.”
He believes the highlight of the performance will be the fusion of live painting and dance, creating a captivating visual spectacle.
Beyond entertainment, the event also represents an opportunity for Yellowknife’s arts community to collaborate in new and exciting ways.
“It’s a chance for different artistic disciplines to come together with the common goal of storytelling,” Pamplin said.
“The show is a story, and everyone – musicians, painters, dancers – contributes to bringing it to life.”
For those debating whether to attend, Pamplin offers a simple pitch: “It’s going to be a magical experience. Past BAM performances have always left audiences wanting more.”
