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Chansonnier announces establishment of Aznavour Foundation (video)

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World famous chansonnier Charles Aznavour together with his son Nicolas Aznavour, announced establishment of Aznavour Foundation, which aims at preservation and popularization of maestro’s heritage, as well as development and implementation of educational, cultural and social projects. On June 1st in Yerevan, in singer’s residence next to the Cascade, a solemn ceremony has been held, during which the keys of Aznavour’s residence-museum have been officially handed over to Aznavour Foundation. In this building the first interactive museum will be opened in Armenia dedicated to the life and work of world famous chansonnier. It will also become the first museum, where the hero tells his life story to the visitors personally; text and audio recordings were made by Charles Aznavour himself. President of the Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, chansonnier Charles Aznavour, Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian, Minister of Culture Armen Amiryan, partners of the project attended the solemn ceremony. At the presence of the guests President Sargsyan handed over the symbolic key of the residence to Charles Aznavour. The world-famous artist started his philanthropic activities in Armenia in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake of 1988. For 30 years his humanitarian efforts have allowed the implementation of many charity programs in the country. In 2016, Charles Aznavour and his son, Nicolas Aznavour, decided to pursue their philanthropic activities and advance to the next step by establishing the Aznavour Foundation. “It is with great joy that I announce today the creation of the “Aznavour Foundation” in Armenia, co-founded with my son Nicolas Aznavour. The Aznavour Foundation will pursue my ongoing charitable activities since the terrible earthquake of 1988. Its mission will be to continue to support vulnerable populations in Armenia and to create a museum in the “Charles Aznavour House” in Yerevan. This museum will host cultural and educational events and become a major attraction in Yerevan. This initiative is a testament to my commitment for the future of Armenia, which I hope will encourage the involvement of the diaspora and attract many visitors from all over the world. I have made this decision with serenity after seeing the wonderful educational projects, historic rehabilitations and new infrastructures that have been carried out in recent years throughout Armenia. We must all join forces for the development of our homeland and ensure that our youth is given the opportunity to accomplish their dreams at home surrounded by their loved ones. I want to thank all the supporters of this project, President Serzh Sargsyan and his staff, Ministry of Culture and Foreign Affairs. This project wouldn’t come true without our partners including our strategic partner IDeA foundation co-founders Ruben Vardanyan, Veronika Zonabend and Nubar Afeyan, who support each step in our way,” said Charles Aznavour. The first project of the Aznavour Foundation will be to create a museum hosting cultural and educational events in the “Charles Aznavour Museum” located in Yerevan. Charles Aznavour and his family have decided to donate all their personal belongings to create an authentic, lively and interactive retelling of Charles Aznavour’s life which will be preserved in Armenia. Courses in music, cinema and French will also be part of the curricular activities offered in the Aznavour Museum. Nicolas Aznavour personally will head the development and implementation of the foundation’s projects. Kristina Sarkisian is Director General of the Foundation. “I am proud and honoured that my father has bestowed upon me this great responsibility and that I will help implement his projects in Armenia. Regardless of the obstacles our ancestors have faced, our roots have run strong and deep for millennials and it is our responsibility to tend them,” noted co-founder Nicolas Aznavour. IDeA Foundation served as a platform in the project of establishment of the interactive museum. The RA Ministry of Culture, “Moonlight production”, “Ararat Brandy company”, “Doping”, “Marog”, “Tsirani” companies supported the project. Aznavour Foundation calls on and welcomes all the individuals and organizations to join the project. About resident of Charles Aznavour in Yerevan The opening of Charles Aznavour’s house in Yerevan took place on October 7, 2011 with the participation of the RA President Serzh Sargsyan and President of France Nicolas Sarkozy and world famous chansonnier Charles Aznavour. The five-storey building is situated next to the Cascade Complex. It includes a museum, open-air concert hall intended for 120-150 spectators, as well as the residence of Charles Aznavour. The construction of the building kicked off in 2007 and ended in 2009. On March 23, 2017 the RA Government made a decision to donate the building to Aznavour Foundation to serve as a house-museum of Charles Aznavour.