Echoes Beneath the Ice: Writing the Story of an Arctic Cave Concert

This assignment for Scuba Diver Magazine was unlike anything I'd ever done. It was my first time writing a piece solo—without my husband’s photography beside it—and I was honored to be asked by my editor to cover a surreal concert held inside Plura Cave, a submerged cavern system in Norway, located on the very edge of the Arctic Circle near the Scandinavian mountains.

Though the published piece is just a few minutes’ read, the story behind it unfolded through hours of research and four in-depth interviews. Each person I spoke to brought a completely unique perspective—and every conversation left me more in awe of what humans are capable of when passion leads the way.

I learned the technical ins and outs of cave diving from James Draker, an American expert who walked me through just how dangerous and precise the practice is. One wrong move, one lapse in focus, and the results can be fatal. As someone who enjoys open water diving—where the light above is always visible—the concept of diving into darkness, confined spaces, and frigid water felt absolutely wild to me. But it was also deeply inspiring.

Then there was Håkon Erlandsen, the saxophonist who performed inside the cave. Håkon once climbed Mount Everest to play a concert at the summit—just because he could. Sub-zero temperatures. Probably only a few people in attendance. But for him, it’s all about creating experiences that push the limits of possibility. That mindset really stuck with me.

Equally impressive was the couple behind much of the concert’s logistics: Ina Jorbru and her husband Jani Jorbru. Ina’s story especially moved me—she coordinated so much of the operation but didn’t even get to attend the event. She reminded me of the many women who keep things running behind the scenes, whose contributions are vital but often unseen. Her quiet strength and dedication resonated deeply with me.

This project reminded me how much beauty exists in pushing beyond what’s comfortable. Whether it’s diving into icy darkness, climbing to impossible heights, or orchestrating magic from the background—it’s all a part of the human desire to experience something real.

Read the full story here →