Antarctic Musician Finds Inspiration in Ice

On the remote shores of Antarctica, New Zealand Navy musician Natalie Paine is pursuing her dream in an unlikely practice room. Stationed at Scott Base, she uses her limited free time to play a lightweight plastic French horn, chosen for its durability in the extreme cold. Her melodies drift across the Ross Sea, a unique auditory presence on the frozen continent.

Paine's journey to Antarctica was long, involving four years of applications before securing a role as a communications operator. Despite the demanding, round-the-clock job, she finds moments to practice in a historic hut built by explorer Sir Edmund Hillary. The stark, untamed beauty of the Antarctic landscape fuels her musical inspiration, offering a profound spiritual and emotional experience.

As potentially the first military musician posted to Antarctica by New Zealand, Paine's presence is a novelty. She has already provided live music for base ceremonies, enhancing events with human artistry rather than recorded sounds. Paine notes the collective international effort in Antarctica mirrors the universal language of music, fostering connection and reminding everyone of their shared humanity.