Quebec lyricist, composer, performer and pianist Diane Juster is on this year’s list of winners of the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards, which was revealed Thursday. For the one who notably wrote songs for Ginette Reno, her greatest achievement is to have come to the defense of the artists.
On June 8, at the National Arts Center in Ottawa, the 77-year-old Montrealer will be among those who will receive the highest distinction granted to Canada in the performing arts. One of his greatest prides is having co-founded, in 1981, the Professional Society of Authors and Composers of Quebec. Since then, she has campaigned for respect for the working conditions of these artists. “It’s always what motivates me,” she maintains ardently, in an interview with Duty.
She is quick to add that “love, health and music” are the three pillars of her life. During her career, she notably wrote the immense success I’m just a song, which was played by Ginette Reno. In 1980, Diane Juster won the Félix for song of the year at the ADISQ gala for this piece.
She also emphasizes her luck in having been able to sing her compositions as This morning on “beautiful stages” like those at Place des Arts. “There are a lot of people who vibrate in Quebec. They really paid me a wonderful tribute by liking my songs. »
In addition to Mme Juster, soprano Measha Brueggergosman-Lee is one of this year’s recipients of the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards. She has performed with large orchestras, but she has also sung at major events, such as the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver.
Albertan Ronnie Burkett, who is a puppeteer, playwright, designer and performer, is also one of this year’s winners. If he has managed to conquer adult audiences with his colorful characters, he is also involved with younger people by giving workshops and conferences.
Actress Andrea Martin was also rewarded for her entire career, which has spanned more than 40 years. Among other things, she has distinguished herself over the years for her roles in the musical comedies of Broadway My Favorite Year (1993) and Pippin (2013).
Finally, Torontonian Wes “Maestro” Williams also won a Governor General’s Award. The first Canadian rapper “to achieve major popular success”, he debuted with the album Symphony in Effect (1989) which received platinum status. He is also distinguished as an actor on television and in cinema, in addition to giving lectures.
Other honors
Each year, a special award is given for volunteering in the performing arts. This year’s Ramon John Hnatyshyn Prize was awarded to community activist and philanthropist Jenny Belzberg. The latter has, among other things, participated in the promotion and development of the arts in Calgary, Alberta, which is her hometown.
Quebecer Mélanie Demers, who is a multidisciplinary artist, choreographer, director and performer, won the National Arts Center Prize. This is intended for a person who has made an exceptional contribution to the field of performing arts during the last season. She directs the Montreal contemporary dance company MAYDAY which she founded.
In a video recorded for the awards ceremony, Mme Demers thanked the public for being there for his three decades of career. “It gives you the courage to continue moving forward and perhaps transform a little this world in which we live. »