With The Secret Lives of Colour, clarinetist, composer, and improviser François Houle presents a suite of original compositions inspired by the book of the same name by British author Kassia St. Clair. From ivory white to obsidian black, Houle explores the symbolism and lesser-known histories of colors, echoing their deep connections to music. The result is a rich, evocative, and emotionally charged sonic tapestry.
“Reading these stories and historical facts surrounding colors immediately made me reflect on the essential role they play in the arts, and especially on how musicians use them to describe music. The music for this project draws on this symbiotic connection to express what I hear and feel as I read these stories.” — François Houle
Conceived as a sensory exploration, the work draws inspiration from synesthesia — that rare phenomenon in which sound evokes color. In the spirit of composers such as Olivier Messiaen and Alexander Scriabin, Houle plays with textures, timbres, and contrasts to convey the unique emotion of each hue.
For this performance, he is joined by a group of world-renowned improvisers:
François Houle (Canada): clarinets, compositions
Gerry Hemingway (USA): drums
Joëlle Léandre (France): double bass
Myra Melford (USA): piano
Gordon Grdina (Canada): oud, guitar
Premiered at the Pierre Boulez Saal in Berlin, the piece has since been performed at the Modulus Festival (Vancouver), in Rimouski, and at several venues across Canada and Europe. Its flexible format allows for performances ranging from intimate duos to large creative ensembles.
An immersive concert where music and color intertwine, inviting audiences on a unique sensory journey.
Presented by Suoni Per Il Popolo and Traquen’Art.
