A violin can change the world kicks off in Le Havre

Violins presented at inaugural ceremony

For 86 children from Valmy and Lamartine Schools in Le Havre, March 10, 2022 will be a day to remember. On that date, Mayor and former French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe welcomed them and their families to the reception rooms at City Hall, where the students received their violins in a relaxed ceremony that gave them a starring role.

The program opened with remarks by Mr. Philippe, Hélène and Pierre Vareille, and Olivier Wambecke, Director of Education Services for the département of Seine-Maritime. They spoke to the assembled families, teachers, elected officials and journalists of their commitment to helping the students succeed in school, and their conviction that A violin can change the world will deliver powerful benefits for its participants.

The project partners then presented an instrument to each awed but smiling 4-year-old. The ceremony continued with a concert by Cristina Vata and Annie Melconian, the violin teachers for the Le Havre schools, and then everyone gathered to mix, mingle and enjoy refreshments.