With a band name like Oktopus, you’d expect there to be eight members of the group.
And there are.
With more than 250 performances at home and abroad, the Canadian group is primarily devoted to klezmer – the musical heritage of Eastern European Jews – distinguished by a novel approach that incorporates components of classical, Quebecois and jazz repertoires.
On Feb. 3, Oktopus will be live and lively at the Chuck Mobley Theatre in Correlieu Secondary School, a special presentation of Quesnel Live Arts. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.
The group’s eight virtuoso musicians offer high-energy performances sprinkled with humour and spiced with narrative, in which original compositions and finely crafted arrangements combine with improvisation. Its members’ shared passion and hard work are what make each of their performances so memorable.
Oktopus is simply… spectentacular (as in “tentacles,” not “oktucles”).
Oktopus’ distinctive music is rooted in the klezmer tradition, reflecting the rich history of a thousand-year-old community. Musicians of yesteryear incorporated in their repertoire the music they encountered on their journeys, and just like them, the members of Oktopus are inspired by the music they hear throughout their own travels.
Classical composers such as Bartók, Brahms, Prokofiev and Enescu are rearranged by the octet, particularly classical works derived from folk themes. Quebec songwriters such as Leclerc and Vigneault are also sources of inspiration.
After forming in 2010, Oktopus has gone on to release three albums that have been internationally recognized for both virtuosity and creativity as well as a Canadian first in Bratislava, winning the “Special prize for the most creative fusion of ancient and contemporary music traditions.”
2019 was a highlight year, during which they earned a nomination as Instrumental Album of the Year at the Juno Awards, and World Music Group of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards.
In 2021, the group released its third album, Créature, which earned nominations for Instrumental Group of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards and World Music Album of the Year at the Opus Awards.
Tickets are $25 ($20 for seniors or students) available at Save-On-Foods, Homesteader Health, online at qla.ca, or call Colleen at 250-747-2207 to make alternate purchase arrangements.
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