Legault offers national funeral for ‘musical giant’ Serge Fiori

Legendary Quebec musician and Harmonium frontman Serge Fiori has died at the age of 73 on Saint-Jean Baptiste Day.

The Quebec government is open to organizing a national funeral for singer-songwriter Serge Fiori if the family agrees.

Premier François Legault made the announcement in a social media post on Wednesday, the day after the death of the founder of the band Harmonium.

“Serge Fiori was a musical giant who touched the hearts of several generations of Quebecers. To honour his memory, the Quebec government is open to organizing a national funeral, if the family so wishes. A way of underlining the immense legacy he leaves to the people of Quebec.”

Fiori died on Tuesday at the age of 73. His passing, on Quebec’s Fête Nationale holiday, sparked a wave of tributes from politicians and artists.

Fiori’s musical career truly took off in 1974 with the release of the eponymous album Harmonium. The song “Pour un instant” became a classic of Quebec music.

The group released only two other albums—Si on avait besoin d’une cinquième saison and L’Heptade—before splitting up, but they left a lasting mark on Quebec culture.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on June 25, 2025.