Newsfeed
Young Leaders School
Day newsfeed

‘My father, thanks to his hard working character and talent, has become the symbol of French song and culture all over the world’: Nicolas Aznavour

May 22,2021 23:36

The bust of Charles Aznavour has been unveiled in Paris

On May 22, we celebrate the 97th anniversary of the great artist, philanthropist, co-founder of the Aznavour Foundation, Charles Aznavour.

Charles Aznavour is the ambassador of French culture, song and French language around the world. His career began in France, but his fame spread beyond the country, the most prestigious concert halls applauded him standing. After the devastating earthquake in Armenia in 1988, Charles Aznavour also carried out humanitarian activities. His philanthropic work then spread from Japan to Haiti and allowed the provision of aid to thousands of people around the world.

In collaboration with Aznavour Foundation, the Paris City Hall has unveiled the bust of Charles Aznavour to mark the 97th anniversary of the legendary artist.

The placement of the statue is very symbolic. It was placed in Odeon Square, next to Monsieur le Prince street, where the Aznavourians lived after espacing the Armenian Genocide and coming to France.

Nicolas Aznavour, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Aznavour Foundation, and Ann Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris, made speeches during the event.

“My father, thanks to his hard working character and talent, has become the symbol of French song and culture all over the world. Today we are happy to attend the unveiling of his  bust in Odeon square in Paris. As a Co-founder of the Aznavour Foundation, I would like to thank Ms. Hidalgo, Mr. Lecock, and the City of Paris for their support in organizing this event.

When my father first visited Armenia, sculptor Alice Melikian presented him with this bust. It has been kept in our house for many years, but from now on it belongs to all Parisians and guests of the city. We hope that in this way we will help preserve the collective memory and cultural heritage of Charles Aznavour, ” said Nicolas Aznavour in his speech.

“Charles Aznavour and Paris, it is a great and very beautiful love story. He celebrated his love for our capital with his unforgettable songs: “Paris Is At Her Best In May”, “I saw Paris”, “Kid of Paris”, and of course “La Bohème.” So many titles, so many songs that reflect his admiration and love for Paris.  And needless to say, his love for Paris is obviously mutual.

Dear friends, it is a great day and it is a pleasure to be with you this morning to inaugurate Charles Aznavour’s bust. It is always with great joy that we come together to pay tribute to Charles Aznavour”.- said, Anne Hidalgo, the Mayor of Paris.

The event was also attended by the Aznavour family members and friends, French figures and artists.

The Aznavour Foundation was established by Charles Aznavour and his son Nicolas Aznavour. The goal of the Foundation is to continue the development programs initiated by the legendary artist, implementing social, educational and cultural projects and ensure the welfare of the society. Another key direction of the Foundation’s mission since 2018 is the preservation and perpetuation of Aznavour’s huge cultural heritage and humanitarian values.

The Aznavour Foundation has initiated a program to place monuments to Charles Aznavour in various prominent cities around the world in collaboration with local authorities, organizations, and representatives of the Armenian Diaspora, with the support of private benefactors who want to pay tribute to the legendary artist.

The first cooperation within the framework of this program is carried out with the French government, particularly with the city of Paris. The Aznavour Foundation will keep you informed about new monuments in other cities of the world.

For more information please contact: [email protected]

Aznavour Foundation

Media can quote materials of Aravot.am with hyperlink to the certain material quoted. The hyperlink should be placed on the first passage of the text.

Comments (0)

Leave a Reply