Michel Rivard

Singer-songwriter, guitarist, actor, host, and even comedian at times, Michel Rivard has established himself over the past 40 years as one of the most fascinating creators on Quebec’s cultural scene.
He brought together many of his talents to create L’origine de mes espèces, a solo theatrical and musical performance that premiered to sold-out audiences in the spring of 2019 at La Licorne, later receiving acclaim across Quebec and returning this season at DUCEPPE.

Following in the footsteps of Leclerc, Vigneault, and Ferland, this multi-talented artist has pushed Quebec chanson toward new forms and horizons, carving a space in contemporary urban folk. With iconic songs such as Le blues d’la Métropole, La complainte du phoque en Alaska, Ginette, Le retour de Don Quichotte, Je voudrais voir la mer, Un trou dans les nuages, Tout simplement jaloux, Rive-sud, Maudit bonheur, Toujours vivant (for Gerry Boulet), and Entre Matane et Bâton-Rouge (for Isabelle Boulay), Michel Rivard’s extensive catalog of classics solidifies his reputation as a leading songwriter, earning him numerous awards both in Quebec and Europe.

He has won multiple Félix awards, including Scriptwriter of the Year in 2014 for Roi de rien, a concert that followed the release of his latest album. He also received the ADISQ Félix Hommage award in 2004. Among other distinctions, Michel Rivard was named Chevalier of the Ordre national du Québec in 2005.

From his beginnings with Beau Dommage to his many solo albums, significant collaborations (with the OSM or Diane Dufresne), his work with the National Improvisation League, film scores (Les matins infidèles, Histoires d’hiver), hosting ADISQ galas, and performing in film and theater (Art, Les Variations énigmatiques), Michel Rivard continues to bring a personal vision and style to his remarkable, ever-evolving career.