Guests from near and far gathered in downtown Yerevan today for the unveiling of a statue dedicated to French-Armenian singer and songwriter Charles Aznavour.

On hand for the statue’s unveiling, aptly entitled “"La Bohème", were Armenian government officials, members of Charles Aznavour’s family, French Ambassador to Armenia Olivier Decotigny, and representatives from the Paris City Council and the Ile-de-France Regional Council.

"La Bohème", cowritten by French lyricist Jacques Plante and Aznavour, was Aznavour’s signature song and is a staple of the French musical playlist.

Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan said the statue symbolizes not only the memory of the great artist, but also the contribution of the Armenian people to international cultural life.

"When my father arrived in Yerevan, he would stay at this hotel. He loved to look out from the balcony at this square, which is full of life and history. It is truly moving that from today on, once and for all, Aznavour will be here, in this square,” said Charles Aznavour’s son, Nicolas Aznavour, co-founder of the Aznavour Foundation, welcoming the attendees.

The Yerevan Municipality financed the sculpting and installation of the statue opposite the Grand Hotel Yerevan and Cinema Moscow.