Macron Performs Ballads at Armenia State Dinner

YEREVAN, Armenia French President Emmanuel Macron performed classic French ballads at a state dinner hosted in his honor on Monday night at Armenia's presidential residence, captivating attendees during a visit coinciding with a European Political Community summit and an Armenia-European Union gathering.

Macron sang "La Bohème," originally recorded by Armenian-French singer Charles Aznavour in 1965, and "Les Feuilles Mortes" by Yves Montand. He was accompanied by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on drums and jazz musician Vahagn Hayrapetyan on piano. The impromptu performance highlighted the leaders' shared musical interests, with Pashinyan, who assumed office in 2018, known for his work with the band Varchaband. The group held its debut concert in Yerevan late last January. Pashinyan frequently shares music videos on Instagram, featuring artists from Taylor Swift to Travis Scott and A$AP Rocky.

Macron arrived in Yerevan on Sunday evening with his wife, Brigitte Macron, greeted by Pashinyan at Zvartnots Airport. The three-day state visit includes bilateral talks, a planned strategic partnership agreement, meetings with Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan, and visits to...