Huu Bac Quintet

The Huu Bac Quintet blends Vietnamese, Chinese and Andean traditions with contemporary jazz, creating a refined sound world where heritage meets innovation. Led by Montreal-based composer and multi-instrumentalist Huu Bac Quach, the group has toured the US, Canada, China, Korea, Africa and Peru.

Born in Vietnam to parents of Chinese/Vietnamese descent, Huu Bac’s musical journey began at McGill University before discovering the Vietnamese monochord under master Pham Duc Thanh in 2002. An international study grant led him to Shanghai Conservatory to learn the erhu (Chinese fiddle), which he perfected at Beijing Central Conservatory. In 2006, an encounter with renowned Peruvian composer Lucho Quequezana led him to perform in Peru with Sonidos Vivos, where Afro-Peruvian music and Andean traditions inspired him to learn the quena (Andean flute).

From 2009 to 2015, Huu Bac collaborated with Cirque du Soleil on Totem and Toruk and recorded for Robert Lepage's Canotgraphie. His compositions have been continuously supported by the Canada Council for the Arts. His debut album On the Steps of St-Paul's was released in 2017, with a second album now in the works. 

More than a concert, the Huu Bac Quintet offers a thoughtful and authentic musical encounter between Asian, North and South American traditions—an experience that crosses borders with elegance and leaves a lasting resonance.