The National Academic Choir of Armenia was officially named after its irreplaceable artistic director, outstanding conductor and national hero of Armenia Hovhannes Chekijyan. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan was present at the opening ceremony of the name board, and in his speech he raised the most important issue of access to high art for the broad sections of society.

This significant event for Armenian culture took place in the historical choir building on Pushkini street. According to the government’s decision, the naming of the collective is a unique tribute to the maestro’s decades of titanic work. The official ceremony was preceded by a rehearsal, during which Chekijian once again demonstrated his unsurpassed mastery of working with the choir.

The head of the government expressed his deep gratitude to the maestro, emphasizing that the cultural value he created is one of the most significant achievements of the Armenian people in the last century. Pashinyan noted that awarding Chekijian the highest title of National Hero is a logical recognition of his merits before the state. At the same time, the Prime Minister regretfully noted that the fruits of such high art are not yet ripe for every citizen.

Speaking about the role of art in human life, the prime minister clearly separated the concepts of biological survival and real well-being. According to him, the availability of basic conditions, such as food and water, ensures only physical existence, while the real quality of life is inextricably linked to the communication of cultural wealth.

Pashinyan summarized that the main indicator of poverty is people’s detachment from cultural life, expressing hope that the government’s targeted policy will be able to fill this gap.

The National Academic Choir, which began in 1937 as a modest ensemble of thirty performers, has grown into a world-class choral ensemble under the leadership of Chekijian (who took over in 1961). Thanks to decades of tireless work, the choir has been awarded “Academic”, “Merit”, and “National” titles.

The voices of Armenian performers were heard on 184 prestigious stages of Paris, London, New York and other cultural capitals, within the framework of about 866 foreign concerts, which were accompanied by the accompaniment of 69 leading symphony orchestras of the world.

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