Northern Lights: Nanook of the North

The first broadcast performance of Canadian inuit singer Tanya Tagaq's soundtrack to the classic 1922 silent movie 'Nanook of the North' by American film-maker, Robert J. Flaherty. The performance was specially recorded at the Banff Centre in Alberta, and the original movie is being streamed live alongside the performance on the Radio 3 website. Presented by Verity Sharp.

'Nanook of the North' is celebrated as the first full-length documentary film ever made, chronicling the traditional ways of the Canadian Inuit just as they were disappearing for ever - it documents the lives of Nanook and his family with a direct, unromanticised approach, reflecting the brutal harshness of their environment. Tanya Tagaq, who last year won Canada's prestigious Polaris Prize, is joined by violinist Jesse Zubot and percussionist Jean Martin in a score rooted in the throat-singing traditions of the Inuit people.

This is the first time Radio 3 has streamed a film with soundtrack live on the station's website.

Tanya Tagaq and Nanook of the North was originally commissioned by the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). This performance was recorded in association with The Banff Centre, Canada's arts and cultural institute which provides opportunities for those in the arts world to advance their skills.