Octet on Canvas is a visual and musical performance where four composers and four performers collaborate in real time to reimagine musical ensemble performances. This collaborative experience aims to bring the phenomenon of playing in a musical ensemble to people from all backgrounds.

Since the performers and composers sit together, the performers’ actions and interpretations directly influence how composers compose and vice versa. This interactive relationship allows all to explore new grounds in the realm of musical ensemble performances.

The composers are given five colours to paint their musical ideas and elements on the canvas. Each colour represents one note from the pentatonic scale from which composers can unveil all twelve notes from the chromatic scale by mixing colours. The canvas illustrates and visualises the composers' musical ideas and the trace of all interactions between the composers and performers. Together the eight musicians create a visual and musical performance.