Francophonie, Aznavour’s art and YSU: event titled "Charles Aznavour-100" held

As part of Francophonie Days, the Charles Aznavour Cultural Center organized a theatrical concert titled "Charles Aznavour-100".

It is already the 15th year that Armenia has transitioned from observer status to full membership in the International Organization of Francophonie, which is the result of Armenian-French political, diplomatic, cultural and scientific-educational ties. 

Traditions of teaching French and spreading French culture have been formed at Yerevan State University. In the continuation and development of those traditions, the art of the world-famous French-Armenian chansonnier, National Hero of Armenia, recipient of the French Legion of Honor, artist, musician, poet, actor, public figure, philanthropist Charles Aznavour has a unique place.

Charles Aznavour Is Exceptional Genius

Mikayel Hovhannisyan, Vice-Rector for Development and Innovation at YSU, highlighted the pivotal role of Charles Aznavour’s art for the university as an educational institution. Through Aznavour's art, students studying French at the Faculty of European Languages and Communication have an additional opportunity to study the language in-depth, explore and engage closely with French culture. Mikayel Hovhannisyan emphasized that Charles Aznavour is an exceptional figure, showcasing genius both as a patriot and as a great artist. 

"Both of these genius manifestations have given his compatriots and fans of his talent many opportunities for self-development. Such an event is another opportunity to appreciate Aznavour's talent, to value his art and to move forward inspired by that appreciation," he noted.

The jubilee event at YSU brought together fans of Aznavour's art, among whom were YSU faculty members, students, as well as guests from the Aznavour Foundation, embassies and other organizations.

Dreams Are Meant to Be Pursued 

Kristina Aznavour, CEO of the Aznavour Foundation, emphasized that Charles Aznavour has been known for his art and humanitarianism.

He attached great importance to youth and learning languages. Aznavour has always sought to reach out to his audience and learn languages. According to him, an artist should speak to his audiences in their language, and it is no coincidence that he sang in 8 languages. His songs also motivated many individuals to love and learn French. In echoing the great artist’s message, Kristina Aznavour encouraged the youth to learn languages and always follow their dreams. She also expressed her satisfaction over the establishment of a cultural center named after Charles Aznavour at YSU. Charles Aznavour had special love and devotion for Armenia and his roots. 

Speaking about Armenia and his roots, Aznavour once said: "I think that everything is in our hands. Everyone's life is in their hands, my fate is the evidence of all that. But first, you need to choose the right doors and be able to open them... I believe one can be strong only if they know and respect their roots."

Most Important Words in Songs 

During the theatrical concert dedicated to Aznavour's 100th anniversary, the students of the "Universitarian" Theater-Studio (artistic director: Karine Davtyan) presented the staging of the pivotal moments of Aznavour's life and activities. It was accompanied by a recital of Charles Aznavour's works, performances of "YSU Band" (artistic director: Artur Hakobyan), YSU Choir (artistic director: Honored Artist of the Republic of Armenia Karen Sargsyan, conductor: Ruben Karaseferyan) and Girls' Dance Ensemble (artistic director: Ani Haroyan). 

Childhood, from birth and naming to adolescence, family life, then the struggles of going on the big stage, from Pierre Roche to Edith Piaf and the conquest of the pinnacle of great fame: all these episodes formed the core of the performance script, and were presented to the audience by the performance of students.

In 1974, Charles Aznavour achieved a significant milestone in the UK, as his song "She" topped the charts for four weeks.

"I have already said the most important words in my songs," he confessed. He is the author and co-author of more than a thousand songs, including many international hits such as "For Mama", "La Boheme", "Yesterday When I Was Young", "The Wine of Youth", "You’ve Got to Learn", "She", "Two Guitars", "What Makes a Man", "Eternal love", "Ave Maria" among others. Edith Piaf, Liza Minnelli, Plácido Domingo, Julio Iglesias, Cher and other world-famous singers performed these songs. According to a survey of the American "Time" magazine, Aznavour was recognized as the "Artist of the Century". 

"After all, it's my hard life and deceived loves that have made me what I am, and I dare say, let this not seem selfish, I like myself," he once said. 

"For You, Armenia"

The event ended with a rendition of Charles Aznavour’s "For You, Armenia" song by the YSU Choir (artistic director: Honored Artist of the Republic of Armenia Karen Sargsyan, conductor: Ruben Karaseferyan). Charles Aznavour wrote the song in 1988 following the Spitak earthquake․ He also founded the Aznavour to Armenia Charitable Foundation. The song was created to help the victims of the devastating earthquake (composer: Georges Garvarentz). Its debut on French television occurred in 1988, performed by 87 renowned French singers.

The music video for "For You, Armenia" was directed by Henri Verneuil. Aznavour's song "For you, Armenia" performed by world-famous singers became a symbol of international efforts for Armenia after the earthquake. Today, Aznavour's humanitarian and pro-Armenian activities are continued by the Aznavour Foundation established by him and his son Nicolas Aznavour, the purpose of which is to continue the development projects initiated by the legendary artist.

"Diligence is my 'most Armenian' feature... I say to young people, don't be too proud, just do the work," said the great philanthropist and artist.  

Charles Aznavour Will Live Through His Songs

Karine Davtyan, Director of the Charles Aznavour Cultural Center, highlighted the importance of Anzavour’s art and the fact that he is a permanent value and emphasized the significance of the event held within the framework of Francophonie. 

She pointed out the role of the Faculty of European Languages and Communication, with which the French Song Festival has been held for 25 years.

Gevorg Barseghyan, Dean of the YSU Faculty of European Languages and Communication, considered it significant that the events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Charles Aznavour are launched from YSU.  

"Charles Aznavour is with us, he lives and will live through his songs, films, charity and his true embodiment of an Armenian. Charles Aznavour - this says it all. His name is written in golden letters in world history," summed up Gevorg Barseghyan, emphasizing the role of the Armenian chansonnier in strengthening Armenian-French relations.