Artist
Artist
Ottawa Jazz Festival 2025

François Houle's The Secret Lives of Colour

Fri, Jun 20, 2025
Fourth Stage
National Arts Centre

François Houle - clarinet, basset clarinet, composition
Joëlle Léandre - bass       
Myra Melford - piano       
Gerry Hemingway - percussion       
Gordon Grdina - guitar/oud

François Houle is a visionary clarinetist and composer whose innovative approach to contemporary music blends technical mastery with boundless creativity. A prolific recording artist and sought-after performer at international festivals, he has expanded the clarinet’s repertoire through commissions and collaborations with global musical leaders. His project, The Secret Lives of Colour, draws inspiration from Kassia St. Clair’s book, exploring the deep connection between colour and music through chromesthesia—a phenomenon where sound evokes vivid experiences of colour, shape, and movement. Houle’s work continues to push artistic boundaries, enriching the landscape of modern music.