Composers' Union Opposes Conservatory Being Part of Other Entity: Statement

The Composers' Union is opposed to the idea of the Conservatory being part of another entity. This was announced by the Union in a statement circulated in Armenia.

“The fact that the issue of merging universities is still in draft form does not guarantee that it cannot become a reality. Included in the list of 'merging' universities is also the Yerevan State Conservatory named after Komitas, our country’s premier professional higher musical institution, which has repeatedly affirmed its high status and significant importance in both Armenian and global music over its century-long existence.

The building of this musical forge, constructed in the heart of the capital, complements the vast cultural complex that includes the city's main concert halls, music schools, and dance academies. Therefore, transferring the Conservatory to another location will directly impact the institution's organic functioning.

Furthermore, by merging with other universities, it will practically cease to operate as an independent entity, which would not benefit the institution in any way. Especially considering that the name of the founding figure of the Armenian national composition school, the renowned Komitas, would, to put it mildly, be sidelined in this case.

It is worth mentioning that many countries around the world have academic cities; however, this has not affected the closure of conservatories that are vitally important to the nation. On the contrary, governments have continued to provide high levels of care for these institutions. Ultimately, the high level of culture is the face of any state.

Efforts must be made to ensure that our national value, the Yerevan State Conservatory named after Komitas, develops anew in the 21st century, continuing to be one of the key educational centers of both our capital and our people.

Therefore, on this occasion, the Composers' Union of Armenia, whose members have nearly all graduated from this institution and some even work there, expresses its support for the idea that the Yerevan State Conservatory continues its operations in its current building and remains independent of any other entity,” the statement reads.