Quebecers can pay their respects to singer-songwriter Jean-Pierre Ferland on Friday at the Théâtre Maisonneuve at Place des Arts in Montreal.
Ferland’s urn will be on display for the public to say their final goodbye’s until 4 p.m.
No tickets or reservations are necessary.
Quebec Premier François Legault attended the public viewing and said Ferland’s music inspired the masses.
“He’s a great Quebecer, it’s almost unbelievable the number of hits, of songs that have left their mark on Quebecers,” he said. “So, I think that today, on behalf of the Quebec nation, I want to say to Jean-Pierre, thank you, Jean-Pierre, for what you have done over all these years. You’ve inspired us, you’ve made us dream, and we couldn’t have done it without you.”
Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante said Ferland made Quebec’s culture shine.
“He’s really important to us,” said Plante. “And today the family was very generous in the government of Quebec also, creating this time where people can gather and share their memories and how his legacy will also live forever.”
On Saturday, the national funeral will take place at Montreal’s Mary Queen of the World Cathedral, but limited seats will be available to the public.
An outdoor screening of the ceremony will be held at Place du Canada, where citizens can watch from Peel and De La Gauchetière street.
The public is also invited to wear a yellow accessory in tribute to Ferland’s album ‘Jaune’.
The Quebec flag will be flown at half-mast on the main tower of the National Assembly building, from dusk to dawn on June 1.
Ferland died April 27 at the age of 89.
-with files from La Presse Canadienne
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