Less than two weeks after the release of his second album, Valence received the first Karim-Ouellet Scholarship on Sunday. The prize was created in September in memory of the author of lovedied in 2021.
“Karim excelled in the art of song, particularly through his ability to mix the intimate and the universal,” declared Valence, accepting the prize. His work, unifying because it is imbued with human truths and paradoxes, testifies to the deep sensitivity and humanism of this great artist who knew how to chart a true path for the singer-songwriters of Quebec City. »
Valence (artist name of Vincent Dufour) receives a prize with a total value of $10,000 which includes a paid performance at the Grand Théâtre de Québec, partner in the creation of the scholarship, with the City of Quebec, the government of Quebec and Solotech. Karim Ouellet’s family is also involved in the project and was represented by Sarahmée Ouellet on the selection committee.
PHOTO CATHERINE LEFEBVRE, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Karim Ouellet in March 2018
“My family and I would like to congratulate Vincent Dufour,” said Sarahmée. A huge thank you to all the artists who sent their applications and who saw in this grant a way to promote the music of Quebec. »Applications for the year 2024 will be open on August 30 and applications will be accepted until August 1er December at midnight.
Valence, whose pop has links with that of Karim Ouellet, has published two albums to date. The most recent, entitled The night endswas released on February 2.