French officials say famed musician Yo-Yo Ma will perform at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris in a World War I anniversary event.
The war ended 100 years ago on November 11, 1918. More than 16 million people were killed, 9 million of them soldiers.
The fighting lasted almost four years, four months. At the time of the fighting, World War I was often spoken of as “the war to end all wars.” Now, it is often called “The Great War.”
Joseph Zimet is director of France’s First World War Centenary Mission. He says Ma will lead a field of "great international artists" during the November 11 ceremony close to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
FILE - Cellist Yo-Yo Ma at a rehearsal of Rhode Island Philharmonic at the VMA Arts & Cultural Center in Providence, R.I., March 7, 2006.
The Chinese-American artist Ma, who received the United States Presidential Medal of Freedom back in 2010, was born in Paris in 1955.
A group of young musicians, called The European Union Youth Orchestra, has also been invited to perform. They will play Ravel's “Bolero” at the event.
Beninese artist Angelique Kidjo is to sing in honor of the colonial troops who fought for France during the war.
I’m Dorothy Gundy.
VOA News reported this story. Caty Weaver adapted it for Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor.
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Words in This Story
centenary - adj. the 100th anniversary of something
mission - n. a project or operation