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YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 17, ARMENPRESS. French-Armenian legendary singer Charles Aznavour has become Commander of the Order of the Crown. As “Armenpress” informs referring to the official Facebook page of the singer, Aznavour was decorated with the order on November 16 in Brussels Egmont Palace, Belgium.
Aznavour thanked Belgium which according to the singer “Has always had a wonderful audience”. The participants held a minute’s silence during the ceremony to honour the memory of the victims of Paris terrorist attack. Belgium Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders spoke about Aznavour’s high qualities.
In reference to Aznavour’s decoration as Commander of the Order of the Crown telebruxelles.be emphasized that the singer of Armenian origin struggles for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. The website also stresses that Belgium, at the initiative of Chamber of Representatives of Belgium and on behalf of Belgium Prime Minister Charles Michel, recognized the Armenian Genocide.
Legendary singer is in Belgium to give a concert. Charles Aznavour, 91, will sing for his Belgian admirers in Brussels Forest National concert hall on November 17
The Order of the Crown (French: Ordre de la Couronne) is an order of the Kingdom of Belgium established on October 15, 1897.
Charles Aznavour was born Shahnour Varinag Aznavourian on 22 May 1924. He is a French and Armenian singer, songwriter, actor, public activist and diplomat. Aznavour is known for his unique tenor voice: clear and ringing in its upper reaches, with gravelly and profound low notes. He has written more than 1,200 songs, sung in eight languages, sold more than 180 million records.
He is one of France's most popular and enduring singers. He has been dubbed France's Frank Sinatra, while music critic Stephen Holden has described Aznavour as "French pop deity." He is also arguably the most famous Armenian of his time. In 1998, Aznavour was named Entertainer of the Century by CNN and users of Time Onlinefrom around the globe. He was recognized as the century's outstanding performer, with nearly 18% of the total vote, edging out Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan.
He has sung for presidents, popes and royalty, as well as at humanitarian events. In response to the 1988 Armenian earthquake, he founded the charitable organization Aznavour for Armenia along with his long-time friend impresario Levon Sayan. In 2009, he was appointed ambassador of Armenia to Switzerland, as well as Armenia's permanent delegate to the United Nations at Geneva. Aznavour is the longest standing “A list” star, still filling major venues all over the world. He started his most recent tour in 2014.
Charles Aznavour gave a concert in Armenia on October 10, 2015. During his stay in Armenia he also visited many sights and was interviewed by “Armenpress”.