World Music: Huu Bac Quintet

Founded in 2013, the Huu Bac Quintet delivers a unique and contemporary dialogue between Asian, North, and South American cultures. In concert, they present Huu Bac's original compositions which skillfully fuse the traditional sounds of his Vietnamese and Chinese heritages with North American jazz music. 

Born in Vietnam Huu Bac moved to Canada as a child. He went on to study music in Montreal, at McGill University, focusing on jazz guitar and then discovered Vietnamese monochord, the Dan Bau, under the guidance of master Pham Duc Thanh. He went on to study a number of different and unique instruments, including the erhu (Chinese fiddle). 

From 2009 to 2015, he collaborated twice with the Cirque du Soleil, recording for the shows Totem and Toruk. He also recorded for Canotgraphie, a show by artistic director Robert Lepage. In 2010, he distinguished himself as finalist for the “Montreal Arts Council Diversity Award”. As a composer, he has been continuously supported by the Canada Council for the Arts, the Quebec Council for the Arts and Montreal Arts Council. 

Since 2013, the Huu Bac Quintet has since toured in Canada, the USA, China and Korea.  

This is a musical journey not to be missed. 

“The founder, Huu Bac Quach,…isn’t shy to infuse North American accents, in a harmonious blend of cultures.” - Ronald Martel – La Presse, LaTribune 

“Huu Bac Quach, a musician versed in using MANY instruments… Impressive was Huu Bac’s dexterity using varying instruments…” - Marlon Regis, The Huffington Post 

"Huu Bac's music and his friendly demeanor instantly broke through any cultural barriers with the audience." - Alayne McGregor, Ottawa Jazz Scene