Melody of the Whale Unites Inuit, Maori, and Quebecers in Harmony
Montreal's Place des Festivals will host a significant musical event on August 6, 2025. Oktoecho, a contemporary music ensemble known for blending Western classical music with First Nations, Inuit, and Middle Eastern music, is collaborating with Inuit and Māori musicians for a project titled "Song to the Whales."
This large-scale international project aims to connect with the Inuits, the Maoris, and the audience, fostering unity and cultural exchange. The shared cultural significance of whales among these Indigenous groups is at the heart of this collaboration.
Oktoecho's founder and artistic director, Katia Makdissi-Warren, whose roots are Lebanese, discovered throat singing at a young age and later collaborated with Inuvialuit singer Nina Segalowitz, leading to the formation of Oktoecho's Indigenous program.
The show builds on the work done on two previous shows, Song to the Earth and Song to the Ocean, which incorporated a gong orchestra. For this project, several older compositions will be rearranged, and new works have been created by Makdissi-Warren and her Australian colleague Corrina Bonshek.
Etienne Lafrance, the bassist of Oktoecho, and Makdissi-Warren have been working on creating whale sounds on the bass for years. The percussionists of Oktoecho are also involved in recreating the sounds of the sea for the show.
In addition to the musical performances, the ensemble held workshops, taught throat singing, played percussion, and the students participated in concerts during the trip. The spiritual dimension connected to nature is sacred to both Aboriginals, Inuits, and First Nations people, as noted by Makdissi-Warren in the show.
The most important message of the show is unity, aiming to connect with the Inuits, the Maoris, and the audience. The project also serves as a bridge for exchanging musical traditions and stories, reinforcing respect and understanding across different Indigenous cultures.
The event exemplifies a growing trend of Indigenous musicians working together globally to share their heritage and address themes such as environmental stewardship and cultural resilience.
Notable participants include Australian Aboriginal musician Bunna Lawrie, who focuses on the theme of the whale, and Maori singer Whaia, who has a special connection with whales, as she dives into the water to sing her songs.
Oktoecho's latest album, Transcestral, released in 2022, blends contemporary music, Inuit throat singing (katajjaq), and Sufi music. The ensemble recently returned from a week-long trip to Nunavik, where they exchanged ideas with young students.
The collaboration aims to raise awareness about the importance of nature and its preservation, reflecting the deep connections these Indigenous groups have with the whales and the environment. The "Song to the Whales" project promises to be a unique and enriching experience, showcasing the power of music to bridge cultural divides and promote unity.
[1] Source: International Presence Autochtone Festival website.
- This August 6, 2025, at Montreal's Place des Festivals, a musical event titled "Song to the Whales" will aim to connect different cultures, promote unity, and foster exchange, showcasing the power of music.
- Oktoecho, a contemporary music ensemble, collaborates with Inuit and Māori musicians for this project, blending various music styles, including Western classical, First Nations, Inuit, and Middle Eastern music.
- The show's spiritual dimension, connected to nature and sacred to both Aboriginals, Inuits, and First Nations people, will be emphasized, including whale sounds created on the bass and percussion.
- The project builds upon Oktoecho's previous works, Song to the Earth and Song to the Ocean, and features new compositions by Katia Makdissi-Warren and Corrina Bonshek.
- Indigenous musicians such as Bunna Lawrie, an Australian Aboriginal who focuses on the theme of the whale, and Whaia, a Maori singer with a special connection to whales, will participate in the event, contributing to the shared cultural significance of the project.
