The musical ensemble Oktoecho will stage two free outdoor performances of its production Transcestral this Saturday, May 30, in Montreal’s Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough.
Directed by composer Katia Makdissi-Warren, the show brings together 15 artists on stage to blend Sufi and Indigenous (Inuit, First Nations, and Métis) music and dance.
The lineup notably features Nina Segalowitz, Moe Clark, Anouar Barrada, and Sandrine Masse, alongside whirling dervish Adam Barrada.
Two Free Performances on May 30
The public can attend the performances free of charge and without registration at two different times during the day:
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11:30 AM: At Marcelin-Wilson Park, as part of the Ahuntsic-Cartierville Family Day (Fête familiale d’Ahuntsic-Cartierville).
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7:30 PM: At the Fort-Lorette historic site (near the Visitation Church), in collaboration with the Ahuntsic-Cartierville Historical Society.
Transcestral stands out for its intergenerational and community-focused approach.
Youth from the Maison des jeunes de Bordeaux-Cartierville, La Dauversière school, and the Okto-Relève program will perform on stage alongside the professionals to showcase pieces created during year-long workshops.
International Reach and Awards
This concert series comes on the heels of Oktoecho winning the prestigious Oliver Schroer Pushing the Boundaries Award at the Canadian Folk Music Awards for its album Sivumut, which highlights Inuit throat singing.
Additionally, an Oktoecho delegation will fly to South Korea this summer.
The musicians will perform the piece Écliptique in Seoul, notably at the Seoul Baekje Museum and as part of ClarinetFest® 2026.
Founded in 2001 and in residence at the Maison de la Culture Ahuntsic since 2010, Oktoecho explores the intersections between Western, Middle Eastern, and Indigenous musical traditions. Artistic direction is led by Katia Makdissi-Warren, supported by co-directors Lydia Etok and Nina Segalowitz.
The May 30 events are presented in partnership with the Caisse Desjardins du Centre-nord de Montréal.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Nunavut artist weaves two cultures into work during WAG residency, Eye on the Arctic
Finland: Sami joik, symphonic music fusion from Finland makes int’l debut in Ottawa, Eye on the Arctic
Norway: Norway sends song with Sami joik to Eurovision Song Contest, The Independent Barents Observer
United Kingdom: U.K. fashion label apologizes for copied Inuit design, Radio Canada International
