Meeting in Ottawa
Saturday, June 2, 2007 - in an Scottish pub
As soon as I arrived in Ottawa, I found a place to park and I hastened to buy the newspapers before the shops closed. The sidewalks were crammed with hockey fans and traffic was slow. It was very noisy. People hooted and shouted by chanting the name of their favourite team (Ottawa Senators) that had to face the Anaheim Ducks the same evening. As it was warm and wet, the terrace restaurants were full. I stopped in front of an Scottish pub. By chance, the hostess finds me a table very near the entrance. I take a seat and before placing my order, I leaf through the newspapers.
Suddenly, I raise my eyes and it seems to me that I recognize Nana’s pianist who passes in front of me. He did not see me and goes by. But that’s really him. I am sure. On three occasions, I shout to him LU-CIA-NO. Finally, he turns around and recognizes me immediately. He is with his wife, Marie-Claude, Nana’s assistant. In spite of the tiredness of the trip and the jet lag, they remained in front of my table a moment simply chatting. It is nevertheless funny because we had planned to meet the following day after the concert. Luciano really wondered who could call him by name in Ottawa and those who know him call him Lulu. Then I realize that the other musicians were also in the bistro. I see them as they are just leaving. We greet each other. I don't delay the couple any longer and I recommend them to go and rest to be in shape the following day. |
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During our conversation, I tell them my regret about the death of Jean-Claude Brialy. He was Nana’s great friend and I imagined that she was very affected. The event just occurred a few days before her departure for Canada. Because of her tour, she was not able to attend his funeral. In this case, that must be doubly hard. It is in this state of mind that I attended the concert.
Sunday, June 3, 2007 - National Arts Centre
 LE DROIT (June 2, 2007) |
 OTTAWA SUN (June 4, 2007) |
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The evening began with the usual projection on the retrospective of Nana’s career. During a long moment, the audience is filled with wonder in front of this extraordinary journey beginning with the time of the Conservatory until today. Then, Luciano sits at the piano. He starts playing the first notes and Nana comes at once dressed with a white caftan. One can feel a completely normal nervousness in her voice and a bit of sadness. It is also necessary to say that it’s about a nostalgic concert, in the context of her farewell tour. But the progressive animation of the audience gives her self-confidence. I don’t know if it is anticipated, but I have the impression that she chose more stirring songs than usual, mainly Greek ones. She smiles and her musicians try to make her laugh while launching conniving and mischievous glances to her. Among those, there’s a newcomer, Christophe, the percussionist. The hardcore Nana fans can notice the difference in sonority he brings. And his presence complements marvellously the rhythm with Nana’s voice, which takes us definitively. |
In the second part, Nana comes back dressed with a red ensemble. Soon it’s time to sing the great songs which had an impact on her. Just before, Nana recalls Brialy’s passing, the one who taught her to never forget her past. She took the plunge and she held on! Nana carries on immediately and the fans are delighted to hear again "Roses Love Sunshine" and "Nickels & dimes" that were big hits here in 1979. The most intense moment, it is no doubt the sequence of movie songs, when the music plays softly and makes room for the voice. Mouskouri at its best!
Throughout the evening, Nana showed professionalism and didn’t let anything show of her sorrow. To please everyone, she sang several songs while alternating between the two national languages. Each one spoke about her or remembered marvellous memories. Thank you Nana for this lightning visit in our country that makes us revive the pleasure of seeing and hearing you.
First part: 01- Intro (video)
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Second part: 15- Amapola |
Monday, June 4, 2007 - Ottawa Congress Centre
 The Kiwanis eDGE (May 25, 2007) |
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 Ticket for the luncheon (June 4, 2007) |
 Program (June 4, 2007) |
 Program (June 4, 2007) |
 Program (June 4, 2007) |
 Program (June 4, 2007) |
 MACLEAN'S (June 2007) |
More than 200 people participated in this Benefit luncheon at the Ottawa Congress Centre. As soon as Nana took her place at the head table, one listened to the National anthem of Greece, then started singing “O Canada”. By her side, there were several guests, one of which was Mr. Yannis Mourikis, Ambassador of Greece in Canada.
During her 20 minute-long speech in English, Nana explained the reasons for which she decided to be involved with UNICEF. Those who never saw her acting as ambassador discovered an excellent speaker who can express herself spontaneously and without paper. Nana pointed out the lack of infrastructures in certain countries. But she affirms that there is hope. With UNICEF, there is progress.
Nana underlined, not without a certain pride, the presence of those who travelled to see her. Sweeping a glance at our table, she quoted Holland (Jolanda), New Zealand (Kathy) and Quebec (me). It was unexpected and touching. Thanking all those who took place in this event, Nana declared: «You make the difference in the life of many people».
