Armenia and France celebrate the centenary of Charles Aznavour

22 May marks 100 years since the birth of Charles Aznavour, the great French chansonnier of Armenian origin. He was born in 1924 in Paris to Armenian emigrants Mischa and Knar Aznavourian.

During his career Aznavour recorded more than 1,200 songs in several languages and appeared in more than 80 films. He did much for Armenia: after the 1988 Spitak earthquake he set up a charitable foundation, and from 2009 he was Armenia's ambassador to Switzerland.

Concerts and exhibitions are taking place in Yerevan throughout the anniversary week. Commemorations are also being held at the Charles Aznavour Centre on the square that bears his name.

In France a commemorative coin has been issued for the anniversary, and a biopic, Monsieur Aznavour, will be released in the autumn.