‘For You, Armenia’ and America: Aznavour spirit infuses inaugural Armenian Heritage Walk event in Philadelphia
By Melissa Markaridian Selverian
In the words French-Armenian musician Charles Aznavour in one of his songs, one “could never forget” the magnificence of the tribute to him in Philadelphia on November 16. The event was an inaugural celebration of the Armenian Heritage Walk, an 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 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 an expression of pride in theArmenian-American story, a gesture of thanks to America, and an investment in cultural awareness in the diverse Philadelphia
The collaboration of the Armenian community with the city of Philadelphia has deep roots. Standing beside the museum for nearly 50 years since America’s 200th
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 his song “Pour Toi Armenie” (“For You Armenia”). 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 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 repertoire of Aznavour’s most treasured songs drew rousing applause.
Likewise, soprano Lucia Papikian, a Julliard 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.
A highlight of the evening was the one-of-a-kind French cuisine crafted by The Philadelphia Club’s award-winning chef, Pierre Calmels, as an homage to Aznavour and his favorites. Outstanding specialties prepared by the Apricot Stone restaurant of Philadelphia accented the menu. A floral display in the French, Armenian, and American colors expertly arranged and donated by Flowers by Nora of Broomall, PA, adorned the lobby. Armenian wines were donated by Fat & Happy Beverages of Los Angeles, CA. Both French and Armenian wines were served throughout the night.
The event was made possible largely through the efforts of The Philadelphia Club past president, heritage walk board member, and Honorary Consul of Armenia for the Greater Philadelphia area, Harry S. Cherken, Jr. Cherken gave t
Board member Karolyn Chebookjian
The Armenian Heritage Foundation of Philadelphia, the parent group of the Armenian Heritage Walk, comprises board members and committee members from throughout the Philadelphia Armenian community. They are Steven Barsamian, Karolyn Chebookjian, Harry S. Cherken, Jr., David Hoplamazian, Ned Moore, Michael Santerian, Kurk Selverian, and Nanette Zakian. Former board members are Vick Bazarbashian and Simon Koumjian III. The walk is being designed by architect Simon Koumjian III.
The team of volunteers were: Archpriest Fr. Nerses Manoogian, content; Raffi Berberian and Paul Sookiasian, research;
