Independence Day celebrations set new benchmark, says Zhanna Andreasyan

Armenian Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan has met representatives of organisations involved in events marking the 35th anniversary of Armenia’s independence.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister Tigran Virabyan, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra Sergey Smbatyan, as well as representatives of theatre and concert organisations involved in the programme and Background Production LLC.

According to the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, Andreasyan thanked those present for their efforts, responsible work and the results achieved. She said organising the Independence Day events had required a high degree of responsibility and extensive work.

“The programme celebrating the 35th anniversary of independence also brought new content. We had premieres and innovative solutions created especially for the day. It was important to convey a sense of being a citizen of the country and create a strong festive atmosphere,” the minister said, highlighting the scale of the organisational work involved.

Most of the specialists, services and resources required for the celebrations were provided through local capacity.

Andreasyan placed particular emphasis on holding high-quality cultural events in the regions, noting that concerts had taken place in four major cities – Ijevan, Vanadzor, Gyumri and Kapan – making the celebrations nationwide.

“It was important to make the festive atmosphere and content of Independence Day accessible to as wide an audience as possible, particularly people living in the regions,” she said, adding that major cultural events were also important because of the public discussion they generated.

The meeting heard that public reaction to the celebrations had been largely positive, with more than 60,000 people attending the event in Republic Square alone.

Sergey Smbatyan, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, said his experience working on similar projects in different countries allowed him to say that the organisational standards and working conditions provided at Republic Square had set a high benchmark.

He also highlighted the significance of the Symphony Orchestra’s participation in the main Independence Day event, saying it was not only an artistic choice but also an important cultural message.

During the meeting, representatives of the organisations involved in planning and delivering the events discussed the results of their joint work, the experience gained during the organisational process and other issues.