Quebec Bids a Final Farewell to Serge Fiori
Today, the heart of Quebec beats in unison to honor and bid farewell to one of its most beloved musical souls—Serge Fiori. The ceremony, held at the iconic Wilfrid-Pelletier Hall in Montréal’s Place des Arts, was nothing short of a deeply emotional national tribute, one that drew a crowd of fans, fellow artists, and dignitaries alike.
As the doors opened at 1 PM, the air was thick with reverence and nostalgia. Across various platforms—ICI RDI, Radio-Canada OHdio, and more—audiences tuned in to witness the moving celebration of a man whose voice and melodies transcended generations. Hosted by Anne-Marie Dussault, the ceremony featured speeches, live performances, and moments of silence that echoed the profound impact Serge Fiori had on Quebec’s cultural identity.
Serge, who passed away on June 24 at the age of 73, was not just the co-founder of Harmonium; he was its soul. Stories shared by close collaborators like Louis Valois and Richard Séguin painted a vivid picture of a young dreamer who turned passion into poetry. From humble beginnings in high school auditoriums with just a few lunch-hour listeners, to creating one of the most enduring legacies in Quebec music, Fiori’s journey was nothing short of magical.
Prime Minister François Legault’s words touched many, especially as he acknowledged Serge’s battle with anxiety—a struggle the artist was brave enough to speak openly about. Legault’s tribute wasn’t just political; it was deeply personal. “He made our lives better,” the premier said. “He made us proud to be Quebecers.”
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The stage was graced by the surviving members of Harmonium, who reunited for the occasion. Their rendition of Histoires sans paroles was haunting and beautiful—a fitting homage in the absence of Fiori’s iconic voice. Judy Richards, Monique Fauteux, and even the layered voice of Fiori himself were part of a musical tapestry that brought the audience to their feet.
Luc Picard offered a poignant reflection, describing Fiori as someone “made of instinct and emotion,” whose music mirrored his warmth, fragility, and humor. “He never really left childhood,” Picard said, reminding us all of Serge’s eternal artistic innocence.
From Paul Arcand’s recollections of spontaneous collaborations, to Louis-José Houde’s youthful discovery of Harmonium vinyls, and tenor Marc Hervieux’s heartfelt memories, one theme prevailed: Serge Fiori was more than an artist—he was a presence. A friend. A dreamer who made others believe in their own dreams.
Today wasn’t just about mourning Serge’s death—it was about celebrating his life, his genius, and the echoes of his voice that will never truly fade. His work remains immortal, stitched into the cultural fabric of Quebec, and resonating with anyone who has ever searched for meaning in melody.
Merci, Serge. For the music. For the courage. For the love.
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