Armenian president congratulates Michel Legrand on birthday jubilee

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan has congratulated French composer, arranger, conductor, pianist, and Knight of Armenia’s Medal of Honor Michel Legrand on the 80^th anniversary of his birthday.

In a greeting address sent to the musician earlier today, the president highly praises his talent and contribution to the development of modern music.

“Your music is played around the world. It is thanks to outstanding personalities like you that your two homelands - Armenia and France – have been able to strengthen their ties.

With great warmth I remember our Yerevan meeting in September 2009. I am sure we will have more and more meetings in future, especially in Yerevan, because the Armenian people love you and take pride in you.

Congratulating you once again on your jubilee, I wish you health and inexhaustible energy,” reads the congratulatory address.

Michel Legrand was born on February, 24 1932 in Paris.. His father Raymond Legrand was a conductor and composer renowned for hits such as Irma la douce and his mother, Marcelle Der Mikaëlian (sister of conductor Jacques Hélian), who married Legrand Senior in 1929, was descended from the Armenian bourgeoisie. Legrand is a prolific composer, having written over 200 film and television scores in addition to many memorable songs.[2] He is best known for his often haunting film music and scores, such as The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964) and The Thomas Crown Affair (1968) featuring the song "The Windmills of Your Mind" for which he won his first Academy Award.