Charles Aznavour to support Lebanese-Armenians' charity initiative

YEREVAN, AUGUST 12, ARMENPRESS. The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Switzerland, renowned singer Charles Aznavourwill support the charity initiative of prominent Lebanese-Armenian "Yeprem" Jewelry Company.

As reports "Armenpress" citing the official newspaper of the Ramkavar Liberal Party (RAK) in Beirut, "Yprem" company has produced a golden bracelet ornamented with diamond. There is a cross-stone depicted on the bracelet. The initiative seeks charity purposes. 5 percent of the "Cross-Stone" bracelet's sale will be directed to the foundation providing assistance to the Armenian schools.

In order to attract the attention of the Armenian and foreign buyers "Yeprem" company representatives got in touch with Charles Aznavour, who welcomed the initiative and promised to spare no effort to support the charity initiative and assist the Armenian schools.

Armenian chansonnier, singer, composer, film actor and social activist Charles Aznavour (Shahan Vaghinak Aznavouryan) was born in Paris in 1924 to a family of Armenian migrants Mikayel and Knar Aznavouryans.

Artists who have recorded his songs and collaborated with Aznavour include Édith Piaf, Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra (Aznavour was one of the rare European singers invited to duet with him), Andrea Bocelli, Bing Crosby, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan (he named Aznavour among the greatest live performers he's ever seen), Liza Minnelli, Elton John, Dalida, Serge Gainsbourg, Josh Groban, Petula Clark, Shirley Bassey, José Carreras, Laura Pausini, Nana Mouskouri and Julio Iglesias. Fellow French pop legend Mireille Mathieu has sung and recorded with Aznavour on numerous occasions. In 1974, Jack Jones recorded an entire album of Aznavour compositions entitled "Write Me A Love Song, Charlie", re-released on CD in 2006. Aznavour and Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti sang Gounod's aria Ave Maria together. He performed with famed Russian cellist and friend Mstislav Rostropovich to inaugurate the French presidency of the European Union in 1995.

In 2004 Aznavour received the title of "National Hero of Armenia" for his humanitarian work, Armenia's highest award.