SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026 @ 7:30pm

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To conclude our 2025-26 season we couldn’t think of a better group than Oktopus to fill the theatre full of passionate performance, laced with humour and storytelling. Oktopus specializes in melancholic tunes followed by unbridled celebrations with arrangements and interpretation deeply rooted in klezmer tradition. They also include works by Brahms, Kodály, and Mahler, songs from Quebec, and jazz improvisation.

Oktopus performances are both passionate and virtuosic, laced with humor and storytelling. Melancholic tunes — echoes of centuries of persecution — are followed by unbridled celebrations. Their arrangements and interpretation are deeply rooted in klezmer tradition, yet the group extends these roots to include works by Brahms, Kodály, and Mahler, songs from Quebec, and even jazz improvisation. Respect for different traditions, authenticity, and a desire to unite through music are central to Oktopus’s artistic approach.

After Lever l’encre in 2014, Oktopus released Hapax in 2017, followed by Créature in 2021 — both earning multiple nominations in Canada. Now in spring 2025, Oktopus presents its latest album, Brahms, Balkans & Bagels. Behind this humorous title lies a unique project that sets ablaze the fusion of classical and Eastern European folk music.

What I did not anticipate on Sunday night was the level of originality in their compositions and the virtuosity of the soloists. […] This was one of those rare moments in violin playing when you might ask, how can an instrument the size of a cigar box simulate the power and glory of a cathedral sized organ or a symphony orchestra? Well, you would know if you were there.

– Robert Newton, Organizer of the Denman Island’sCommunity Hall Concerts Series

In 2019, Oktopus won the Special Prize for the Most Creative Fusion of Ancient and Contemporary Music Traditions at the Slovak Radio’s International Competition of Folk Music Recordings in Bratislava. In 2023, their recording of Wiegala, a piece composed by Ilse Weber in the Theresienstadt concentration camp, received the People’s Choice Award at the Bubbe Awards for best Jewish song video, presented annually by the Jewish Music Institute of Brazil.

Outstanding main stage show on Sunday night prior to Colin James. Partial standing ovation. A highlight of the weekend The Musical program was unique and vital. The artist presence on stage was totally engaged with the audience, looked great as well. The professionalism was top flight, from execution to preparation. The quality of the show was world class, spirited, great flow, exception ensemble work and wonderful soloists, really connected with audience. Not only for main stage but for the workshops and collaborations at Barn Stage, group worked well with others, seemed to have fun exploring new music settings.

– Peter North, Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival

Oktopus Musicians:

Maxime Philippe: Drums

Gabriel Paquin-Buki: Clarinet, arrangements

Zoé Dumais: Violin

Noémie Caron-Marcotte: Flute

Francis Pigeon: Trumpet

Madeleine Doyon: Trombone

Matthieu Bourget: Bass Trombone

Guillaume Martineau: Piano