Song to the Whales, created by Corrina Bonshek & Collaborators and Oktoecho, is an international artistic project that unites Inuit, Maori, Aboriginal, and non-Aboriginal voices around a universal message: the protection of the oceans.
It celebrates the symbolic power of the whale, while raising awareness of the need to preserve marine ecosystems. Like a ‘vast panorama’, the music combines ancient and contemporary vocals from four incredible Indigenous artists – whaledreaming songman Bunna Lawrie, Whaia Sonic Weaver, and Inuit throat singers Lydia Etok and Lydia Segalowtz – in a range of immersive, enchanting atmospheres co-created by the ensemble and co-composers Katia Madisski-Warren and Corrina Bonshek. The ensemble of 11 musicians plus 5 local gong players spans East-West strings (Persian violin, oud, guitar, double bass), pulsating rhythm (gongs and drums), vocals, sounds of nature and electronics. Musically, this show occupies a third space between Indigenous, contemporary, folk, avant garde and ambient musics.
Our Featured Vocalists
Whale songman and Elder of the Mirning people, Bunna Lawrie, is the leader of multi-award winning Aboriginal band Coloured Stone, and is a protector of sacred waters in Australia.
A Ngati Kahugnunu woman of Aotearoa New Zealand, WHAIA Sonic Weaver is a transcendent vocalist, alchemical performer, First Nations multi-instrumentalist. She is a water advocate and board member of Oceanic Global.
Lydia Eytok and Nina Segalowitz (CAN) have performed ‘katajjaq’ all over the world. With Oktoecho, they blend this Inuit women’s vocal style, that imitates elements of nature, with contemporary music. Lydia Etok is from Kangiqsualujjuaq in Nunavik, and Nina Segalowitz is an Inuvialuit/Chipewyan from Fort Smith, Northwest Territories.
Option to include: 1) visuals with live camera feed mixed with whale footage or 2) light sculptures that extend the stage and immersive environment.
Acknowledgements:
Song to the Whales was supported by Canada Council for the Arts, Conseil des Arts du Canada: Conseil des Arts et des Lettres du Québec, and Conseil des Arts de Montréal, Maison de la Culture Ahuntsic, the Australian Government through Music Australia and Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body, Australian Government Regional Arts Fund, which supports the arts in regional and remote Australia, and City of Gold Coast.
Press
“Song to the Whales/Chant de la baleine inhabits a space where tradition meets the contemporary, blending musical roots with the avant-garde. Vocal interplay and the powerful resonance of the gongs blend with compositions inspired by natural patterns—wave movements, the resonant songs of whales, and tidal cycles. This sonic kaleidoscope offers an immersive experience in which each culture expresses its connection to the sea and the spirit of the whales.” Westmountmag.ca/song-to-the-whales/
“With its scope and intercultural dimension, Song to the Whales / Chant de la baleine opens a unique path that resonates with ecological concerns and the reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. This universal musical dialogue celebrates diversity, transmission, and care for our oceans, reminding us how art can fundamentally transform our view of the world.” Westmountmag.ca/song-to-the-whales/
“There’s a very visceral consciousness happening when we weave these ancient languages together,” Whaia told the Nation. “It creates a ripple in the hearts of humanity. Yes, it’s a gorgeous performance but it’s bigger than ourselves – it’s very much a ceremony.” http://nationnews.ca/arts/rhythms-of-the-ocean-international-song-to-the-whales-collaboration-debuts-at-first-peoples-fest/
“With 11 gongs conducted by Australian percussionist Michael Askill emulating the undulating ocean waves, the music drifts from floating currents to the crashing surf. ” http://nationnews.ca/arts/rhythms-of-the-ocean-international-song-to-the-whales-collaboration-debuts-at-first-peoples-fest/
“work is also a grand fresco tinged with symbolism, and not a musical theatre piece that tells a specific story… I remain captivated by the immersive and enchanting atmospheres created by co-composers Katia Makdissi-Warren and Corrina Bonshek, as well as all the artists on stage, in this elaborate crossover imbued with the best spiritual-environmental insights.” Pan M 360
“When I meet Indigenous people from around the world, it makes me feel connected to other parts of the world,” she added. “To be on stage with them, to listen to their songs, it was incredible.” The musical act explores the deep relationship Indigenous Peoples have to the oceans. Segalowitz thought of the Inuk goddess Sedna, as well as her own ancestors, in order to get into the theme. “People tried to eradicate us,” said Segalowitz. “Our music, our songs, our ceremonies, our language, everything — we were supposed to be assimilated. “Here we are together, making incredible music and shining.” Nina Segalowtiz in interview with Nunatsiaq
Feedback from Song to the Whales audiences
Amazing spiritual and healing experience pls pls pls do more
Amazing, peaceful, majestic.
Thank you for the carefully crafted performance.
So beautiful and deep seated. Very moved to be in such an amazing piece on a special Wulgurukaba place
Loved it. It had me in goosebumps! And the interactive experience was amazing!
A magical sonic and visual experience.
Incredible experience Wonderful It was mesmerizing.
Was so beautiful had profound amounts of peace and calm move through myself so so so good for mental health
The performance felt welcoming in the way that it was presented. Beautiful, moving experience.
this is a beautiful, calming experience. A unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the sound, surround yourself in the middle of tranquillity.
A wonderful experience that was nourishing to my soul
Beautiful experience, loved the different instruments and the opportunity to be so close.
I am telling everyone I know and I won’t miss any part of this event, it is genuinely magical, high calibre, rare and inclusive work. Thank you so much.
Touring timeline
2025 August and September – Presence Autochtone International Festival, Montreal. Niagara Parks, Canada. Lincoln Center for Performing Arts New York.
Available for presentation in 2027/8
Download a presenter pack and contact us to find out more.
