By Melissa Markaridian Selverian
PHILADELPHIA — In the words of the renowned late French-Armenian icon Charles Aznavour in one of his most adored songs, Pour Toi Armenie (For You, Armenia), one “could never forget” the magnificence of the tribute to him in Philadelphia on Saturday, November 16. The event was the inaugural celebration of the Armenian Heritage Walk, a spectacular expanse of public art and gardens soon to flank the world-famous Philadelphia Museum of Art. The evening of musical performances and French and Armenian delicacies drew more than 100 generous donors to the Philadelphia Club, an historic gathering place of American leaders since 1834.
With a planned unveiling in April 2026 in time for the 250th anniversary of America, the Armenian Heritage Walk is all-at-once an expression of pride in the Armenian-American story, a gesture of thanks to America, and an investment in cultural awareness in the diverse Philadelphia urban art and horticultural region.
The collaboration of the Armenian community with the city of Philadelphia has deep roots. Standing proudly beside the museum for nearly 50 years since America’s 200th birthday is a statue of the legendary Armenian figure, Young Meher. Epitomizing freedom and the indomitable spirit of the Armenian people, the statue will be rehabilitated and serve as a centerpiece of the new walk to include artistic and natural elements endemic to both Armenia and America. Visitors will reflect on the value of cultural diversity in Philadelphia as they travel through the story of a people exiled in genocide who found a home in and made lasting contributions to the birthplace of the nation.
The gala highlighted Aznavour’s lifelong commitment to the Armenian people. One of Aznavour’s greatest contributions followed the 1988 Armenia earthquake, when he drew together the most notable musical artists in France to raise awareness of Armenia through Pour Toi Armenie. The Aznavour tribute in Philadelphia drew similar awareness of the Armenian Heritage Walk, to serve as a monument to Armenia’s endurance and resilience through the centuries. The evening featured a captivating performance by an acclaimed young French-Armenian singer, Hakob Ghasabian, who was the 2015 winner of the singing contest on the French TV show “Prodiges” and a semi-finalist of “The Voice France.” His soulful repertoire of Aznavour’s most treasured songs drew rousing applause, standing ovations, and encores.
Likewise, soprano Lucia Papikian, a Juilliard School student and the First Place Award and Judges’ Distinction winner of both the American Protégé International Voice Competition and the American Fine Arts Festival, enthralled the audience with proud and powerful renditions of the Armenian, American, and French national anthems. The evening also featured guitarist Kevin Henson and pianist Byron Kho, who accompanied both Ghasabian and Papikian.
