New Delhi: French President Emmanuel Macron sat at the piano and belted out the song ‘La Boheme’, accompanied by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on drums, during his state visit to Armenia Monday. Sitting next to Macron, on the keys, was Armenian jazz pianist and composer Vahagn Hayrapetyan. The dinner was held in Macron’s honour at the presidential palace in the capital, Yerevan.
The iconic song is by French-Armenian singer Charles Aznavour. Macron also sang ‘Les Feuilles Mortes’ by Yves Montand.
The minute-long video was posted on X by Agnès Vahramian, editor of a French media outlet.
“Emmanuel Macron sings ‘La Bohème’ accompanied on drums by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. State dinner in Yerevan. Music in friendship,” she wrote in the caption.
Emmanuel Macron chante « la bohème » accompagné à la batterie par le premier ministre Nikol pachinyan . Dîner d’état à Erevan. La musique en amitié. pic.twitter.com/v5vacqZlVv
— Agnès Vahramian (@AgnesVahramian) May 4, 2026
Macron, along with other EU leaders, is in Yerevan for the first-ever bilateral summit with Armenia, a traditional Russian ally.
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Ever-viral Macron
As Macron sang, Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan stood by his side while Pashinyan joined him on drums. Pashinyan recently formed a musical group called Varchaband, which held its debut concert in Yerevan at the end of January.
“In the nearby cafes, we were a few who waited for glory,” Macron sang in French as the hall filled with the audience clapping. “And though miserable, with empty stomachs, we never stopped believing.”
This is not the first time Macron has sung this song. He also sang ‘La Boheme’ during a dinner at the Elysee Palace in 2023.
The video went viral soon, and internet users applauded the performance.
“Macron singing La Bohème, it’s beautiful like Attal reciting Les Misérables. Here’s hoping for ‘The Deserter’ as a duet with pianobite,” said one user on X.
“It’s nice to see him having a bit of fun. Beautiful voice!” posted another.
Some criticised him for enjoying himself in a different country instead of focusing on the issues in France.
“The PRESIDENT is HAPPY! He’s out strolling, singing elsewhere while FRANCE and the French people can barely put GASOLINE in their cars to go to work… He really doesn’t deserve his salary!” read a post.
Macron’s public appearances frequently generate online attention, often blending diplomacy with pop culture. Macron previously went viral for his “for sure” catchphrase at the World Economic Forum in Davos this year. His Top Gun sunglasses also drew immense attention.
(Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)