Among the Quebecers - 12

 

After getting a diploma in Biopharmaceutical in Greece, VASILIOS PAPADOPOULOS (1961- ) continued his studies as a researcher in France and in Australia. His work in Pathology helped making advance the medicine. In 1988, he joined the Faculty of Medicine at Georgetown University in Washington. In 2006, he settled in Montreal and became Director of the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre. Dr. Papadopoulos was present at the ceremony when his compatriot Nana received a Doctorate for her work. He hooded her with the epitoga, badge showing her appointment. That band of fabric is worn over the toga of judges, lawyers and academics.

LAURENT PAQUIN (1971- ) made his mark as humorist. Talented and especially very versatile artist, he collaborated in the creation and in the writing of various shows. Since 2001, he presents his own "one-man show". At the same time, he is host and chronicler at the Radio as at the TV, he makes improvisation and obtains roles in TV series. Nana and Laurent met on the CBC set during the recording of "Tout le monde en parle". Two obvious contrasts, even if they are two personalities with glasses!

With her rich voice and her masterful interpretations, CHANTAL PARY (1950- ) has touched the lovers' hearts of good music. At her beginnings, she was inspired by Nana Mouskouri and Mireille Mathieu to establish her musical style. The quality of her repertoire proved to be an asset to her exceptional talent. Until 1984, more than 50 of her songs reached the top positions of the charts almost continuously. Among these there was her version of "Le temps qu’il nous reste", Nana’s greatest hit in Quebec. Then she turned to the religious and spiritual melodies, and from 1995 to 2006, she formed a duet with Carl Williams.

LISE PAYETTE (1931-2018) is a great communicator. Reassuring and staid, she found the right words to express her opinion. After a stay in Paris, from 1958 to 1964, collaborating in various newspapers and magazines, she came back home and returned to her first vocation, the Radio animation. Then she had her own television talk show which made her very popular and the spokeswoman of the Québécois Feminist Movement. Nana was her guest in 1972, 1973 and in 1974. From 1976 to 1981, Lise Payette sat in the National Assembly as deputy of the Parti Québécois, where she was among others Minister responsible for the Status of Women. During decades, she devoted herself to writing of several television series and commented on current events in two daily Montrealer newspapers. Mrs. Payette left her mark on Quebec politics and she was given a state funeral.

Bachelor in History and Journalism at Concordia University, ROBERT W. PECK (1959- ) worked for several years for External Affairs. In 2011, he became Canada's ambassador in Greece. Two years later, the Hellenic student Association of McGill University owes him Nana's presence at the convocation. According to him, Nana contributed to the relations between the two countries: she brought us Greek music and made known Canadian authors in Greece. He was also behind her appointment to the National Order of Quebec. Mr. Peck attended the two honorary ceremonies of Nana in Quebec in May 2013. He also served as a bridge between Greece and Canada for a fundraising gala of SickKids in Toronto in 2014.

MARIO PELCHAT (1964- ) began singing as a child. For years, he presented shows with his sister Johanne. In 1981, he recorded his first songs. In less than a decade, his many radio hits made him one of Quebec's most popular singers. The one who is considered as the most beautiful male voice of his generation has played in different musicals and excels with covers of the great names: Legrand, Bécaud and Aznavour. Moreover, Mario has been putting his experience at the service of several Quebec artists. He has produced several albums, including the one of Laurence Jalbert entitled "Au pays de Nana Mouskouri".

Actor, producer and theatre director, GILLES PELLETIER (1925-2018) began his career in 1945. Initially in Theatre, then in Television series, he also appeared in several movies. In 65 years of career, he held more than one hundred roles. Gilles met Nana during the TV quiz "Ni oui ni non" that he animated in 1969.

 

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