Aurora at Union Chapel for War Child

Golden light flickers on the stone of Union Chapel as Aurora Aknes, known as Aurora, drifts onto stage, a warm applause welcoming her into the centrefold of this intimate venue. We are gathered here to raise money for War Child, to remember what is important, and to be thankful for the value that music can offer us. It is an unforgettable night, a show not just of unbelievable musical skill, but of contemplation and connection. The Norwegian artist is the pinnacle of what music should represent.

Dressed in a billowing dress in the babiest of blues, Aurora is like an apparition in front of us. She opens her mouth to sing, and the crowd opens theirs in awe. The atmosphere turns immediately magical, beams of light reaching every corner, and there is barely a phone in sight. Instead, everyone is entranced, soaking it all up. Her voice ebbs and flows, scaling impressive heights as easily as breathing, blending gloriously with the folky guitar and twinkling piano. The harmonies in The River are meticulous, and her vocal flips in the medieval A Soul with No King are hypnotic. A Different Kind of Human is a standout in the middle of the show – building and cascading, the unfamiliar language (one which she created for that album) adds to its mysticism.

Every song comes with its own unique story. She tells us of the joys of seeing children run around in airports, of the misunderstood anger of activists, of aliens and capitalism and Mother Earth and love. Deeply interesting, Aurora gives you pause, makes you think. She was clearly a perfect choice for one of this year’s fundraisers for War Child.

Three special guests joined her as a treat for the fans. Jacob Alon stunned with a voice that was almost operatic, Paris Paloma sang the poignant Labour, and Dodie graced the stage with Tall Kids. Each one felt entirely in keeping with the energy of the gig, each song as valuable as the last.

Aurora ends this touching night with Through the Eyes of a Child. No one has dared sing along so far, and this is no different — not only does her voice sound otherworldly, but this was a show in which to watch and listen. Aurora has us all in the palm of her hand, and we cry with her as she thanks the beautiful organisation of War Child, and the hope that live music can bring.

Talitha Stowell
Photos: @jamie_macmillan_photos

For further information and future events, visit Aurora’s website here.

Watch the video for The Flood here: