Montreal Symphony Orchestra is will do something today that no other orchestra in the world can do.  It will debut a new instrument that’s been around for more than 160 years and it’s going to be hard to miss.

The octobass measures 12 feet tall and weighs more than 150-pounds.

The Montreal Symphony has the distinction of being the only orchestra in the world in possession of an octobass which plays notes lower than a double bass, a tuba and the contrabassoon.

The instrument was invented in 1849 in France and will make its Canadian debut at today’s 50th anniversary Montreal Metro concert.