2016: Grand8 was founded.

The Grand8 ensemble is built on the foundation of musical improvisation, performing as a large ensemble without a conductor. A collaborative project bringing together 15 musicians, all of whom are passionate about a certain sense of freedom. A musical ensemble that takes pleasure in choosing the journey rather than the destination is taking shape. What follows is a 10-year journey marked by encounters, exchanges, and creation—a series of spaces and escapades dedicated to musical and transdisciplinary improvisation. The musical space opens up, movement by movement, to dance and other artistic practices. In the spirit of this momentum, poetry, calligraphy, and writing are invited to join the conversation.  
Today, in 2026, we mark our tenth anniversary and celebrate the unpredictable journey that defines the Grand8 concept!

The first part of this evening’s program features a roundtable discussion titled “Practicing Improvisation in Large Ensembles,” moderated by Anne Montaron.
This will be an opportunity for reflection and discussion on the practice of improvisation in large groups, exploring different perspectives and viewpoints from a journalist, a dancer, and musicians. The audience is also warmly invited to participate in the discussion.

In the second half, it’s time for IMPRO8!
Throughout the year, Grand8 hosts a “practice space” for improvised music. 
Since 2020, the ensemble has opened this space to musicians from the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region and beyond; access is free and open to all, with no prerequisites—just a desire to practice improvisation in a large ensemble (first Thursday of the month at the GMEM).
This concert showcases the participants of this year’s series of events, featuring special guests for the occasion. 

To wrap up the evening, the audience is invited to join in the toast celebrating Grand8’s 10th anniversary, which will take place in the lobby.