Quebec mourns a monument to poetry and song

QUEBEC CITY, Nov. 11, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Premier Philippe Couillard and Culture and Communications Minister Luc Fortin today expressed their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Leonard Cohen, who passed away yesterday at the age of 82.

"Quebec and the world have lost a major artist and an important ambassador of our culture," the Premier noted. "Leonard Cohen's songs and poetry had a profound impact on several generations and will continue to have an impact long after his passing. It is so important that we celebrate the work of this master poet and honor his accomplished career."

"Cohen's work, which spans five decades, is made up of world-renowned songs that touch upon Quebec culture and universal themes of love, faith and death, with keen awareness and sensitivity," added Luc Fortin. "His songs bring poetry to the forefront. They recount with intelligence, finesse, and humour life situations with which we all can identify. Through his body of work, he has been one of the most unifying voices in Quebec music."

Born in Montreal in 1934, Leonard released 15 albums, as well as several novels and books of poetry. Over the years, his songs have had a significant influence on several generations of artists. He remains one of the most well-known Quebec musicians in the world, and one of the most popular contemporary songwriters worldwide. He always remained loyal to his hometown.

Leonard Cohen was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1991, and into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2006. He was named a Grand Officer of the Ordre nationale du Québec, Companion of the Order of Canada, he has also received the Denise-Pelletier Prize, the highest honor in Quebec for the performing arts.

SOURCE Cabinet du premier ministre

For further information: Sources : Harold Fortin, Porte-parole et directeur des communications du premier ministre, Cabinet du premier ministre du Québec, Tél. : [phone]; Karl Filion, Attaché de presse, Cabinet du ministre de la Culture et des Communications et ministre responsable de la Protection et de la Promotion de la langue française, Tél. : [phone]; Information : Anne-Sophie Lacroix, Responsable des relations avec les médias, Ministère de la Culture et des Communications, 418 380-2363, poste 7239