Zavada later returned to Yellowknife with a film crew to capture high-resolution, 360-degree footage of the Aurora, which he uses to accompany his concerts. He has toured across North America, sometimes playing at planetariums, where audience members position themselves below a domed screen and feast their senses on the intimate sounds and sights.
Zavada’s love of the Aurora has inspired others to travel to Yellowknife to see the Northern Lights for themselves. Two of his fans, Gayle and Helene, made their own journey to Aurora Village from Quebec after discovering his music and the story behind it. Here, they found the very piano Zavada had carved his name into, now residing in the dining room at Aurora Village. And at night, with the Aurora rippling across the sky, Zavada’s music enriched their remarkable experience. “It’s very calming. It’s really perfect for the Aurora Borealis,” said Helene. “Looking at the Aurora afterward, I can hear the music in my head. And I was like, wow, this is really amazing.”
The piano now sits unassumingly in the dining hall at Aurora Village, a stone’s throw from its magical perch above Prelude Lake.
Listen to Roman Zavada capture that special feeling on Résonances Boréales here.
Being the home of the best Northern Lights in the world is a pretty big claim, but we’ve got the facts to prove it. Before you come to see for yourself, read these 7 reasons why the NWT has the world’s best Aurora.
Inspired by the magic of the Aurora? Learn more about the best seasons to visit, the cultural importance of the Aurora, and available Northern Lights hunting tours. There is always another unforgettable experience to have under the best Northern Lights in the world.
