On Saturday, March 28 at 8:30 PM, at the Saint-Roch hall in Blausasc, the songs of Michel Berger will “resonate” in the voice of Viano. On stage, the singer-songwriter will be accompanied by his pianist Claude Valdivia. A very intimate duo. A beautiful escape through melodies like Les Princes des villes, Quelques mots d’amour, Celui qui chante, Mademoiselle Chang, Mon piano danse, Diego libre dans sa tête, and many other popular hits.
Nice Premium: What is the origin of this tribute to Michel Berger?
Viano: This idea was born from numerous concerts where we performed La Groupie du Pianiste, which always excited the audience… Michel Berger was a unique and prodigious artist, there is no one else like him, except perhaps Serge Gainsbourg. His destiny ended prematurely. He left behind a popular musical legacy. I then wanted to transport the audience into my universe through the successes of this immense artist who left such a mark on French chanson. These concerts are for me like a breath of fresh air, a break that I share with the public.
Nice Premium: On stage, you will only be accompanied by your pianist, Claude Valdivia. What do you have in store for the Blausasc audience?
Viano: What I love about a Piano/voice show is the fact of putting oneself at risk for 1h45. It’s a delicate exercise, a bit like a tightrope walker; everything is played on a wire, but without a net. There is an obligation of accuracy in both the notes and the emotion, as any wrong note or vocal deviation cannot be masked in the musical ensemble.
Claude Valdivia is a talented pianist with a very broad color palette in his playing; we have revisited all Michel Berger’s songs to make them fit into my own universe. But more than a piano/voice duo, this show is played between Claude, the audience, and me—it’s actually a trio, as we involve the audience and have some surprises in store for them, hopefully providing beautiful moments of sharing.
Nice Premium: How did you compose your repertoire? The choice of songs?
Viano: I would say that the repertoire built itself almost naturally. Simply because we don’t realize how much Michel Berger’s songs have made an impact on us. In preparing for the concert, we actually had too many titles, and we had to make choices that, I admit, were completely subjective but also aimed at appealing to the collective unconscious. This kind of concert must consider the public’s taste but also introduce them to songs that have been forgotten.
Nice Premium: For many years, you have been performing on national and even international stages. What does the stage represent for you?
Viano: I am fortunate to be able to live from what I love, and I am fully aware of this luxury. For concerts, whether they are in large venues, festivals, or small theaters, everything suits me as long as I can write, compose, sing, and do this job that is so fascinating. Whether in France, Italy, or Quebec, each audience is different, but the enjoyment remains the same.
I am hyperactive when it comes to creation. This is what really excites me. I have a visceral need to write, compose, sing, and share my creations with others, and even to transmit them.
Nice Premium: Which stage has left the most impression on you?
Viano: I have loved all stages and am eager for the next ones. But if I had to choose one, I would say the stage and the Quebec audience are unique. Quebecers have taken the best of North Americans and the best of the French, and above all, they are very Latin in their reactions. Sylvain Michel, a Quebec composer who has penned melodies for Isabelle Boulay, Bruno Pelletier, Diane Dufresne, Serge Lama, Garou, and others, told me one evening, just before going on stage, “The Quebec audience is instinctive; if you can be yourself, you’ll touch their hearts, and if this audience follows and supports you, audiences around the world will too.”… I like to believe he is right.
Nice Premium: Besides this piano-voice performance, you are preparing your second album. What musical style will it have?
Viano: This album is very personal; I would say very energetic. I have been fortunate to have had some wonderful collaborations around this album, and every day new surprises are added to the project. There’s a bit of the old Viano—Folk, Blues, then Rock with a nod to the days when we played with friends, did small concerts, balls, etc. And the Viano of today, who has retained the team spirit but is resolutely turning towards a richer and more diverse music in order to remain true to oneself, but in something more synthesized.
Nice Premium: Do you have a “personal message” to convey?
Viano: A personal message… my songs exist for that because I draw inspiration from everyday life. But an anecdote that few people know: Michel Berger was aware of his heart condition and knew his pathology, as even his father, Professor Hamburger, had written letters of recommendation to renowned colleagues. But he didn’t care because he didn’t have the time; he was driven forward by the demand, devotion to his art, and love for his muses. Even in the face of tragedy and heartbreak, he always continued and moved forward. It’s almost a universal message in the anxious climate we live in: to have dreams, passions, and know that if we have the courage to pursue them despite everything, they can become reality.
