The government has adopted a decision requiring the national anthem to be performed live during state events.
Education, Science, Culture and Sports Minister Zhanna Andreasyan said that any event organized by state bodies, particularly ceremonial occasions, must ensure the possibility of a live performance of the anthem, whether instrumental, instrumental and choral, or purely choral, Radar Armenia reports.
The minister also noted that existing legislation already stipulates that the anthem must be played at the beginning of each week in educational institutions.
“The procedure for performing the anthem clarifies that it must be accompanied by live singing by the institution’s students. In other words, we are making it mandatory for the performance to involve all participants, and this has a very specific purpose,” she said.
According to Andreasyan, the initiative serves as an important guideline for strengthening awareness of statehood. She added that listening to and singing the anthem should be conducted in a solemn manner, with the right hand placed over the chest.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan also addressed the issue, noting that a number of government agencies already have orchestras and choirs, while those that do not may invite appropriate ensembles.
“If it is an event where the anthem must be performed, it means the event has a budget. Funds allocated to other attributes can be reduced and choirs and orchestras invited,” the prime minister said, adding that this involves redirecting certain financial flows toward culture and the arts.
He also said that ensembles and choirs could be formed within state institutions to perform the anthem.
“Of course, there is a question of singing ability and talent, but this could also introduce an interesting element into the sometimes routine daily work within the public administration system,” he added.
