AraratBank and Philharmonic Orchestra Bring Music to Children with Hearing Impairments
Yerevan, June 19 – Exactly one year ago, AraratBank initiated a program to enable children with hearing impairments to experience the rhythm and magic of music. This initiative began with an unprecedented cultural event: a performance by the world-renowned Belgian band Hooverphonic, as part of the 100th-anniversary celebration of the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra (Artistic Director and Principal Conductor: Eduard Topchyan).
The concert, sponsored by AraratBank, saw a portion of its proceeds allocated to the ‘Yerevan Special School-Resource Center for Children with Hearing Impairments’. The funds were designated to improve the educational and creative development conditions for the students.
Renovated Music Room for Enhanced Development
As a result of AraratBank’s funding and cooperation with the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra, the music room at the ‘Yerevan Special School-Resource Center for Children with Hearing Impairments’ has been renovated. The refurbished and re-equipped music room creates new opportunities for children’s development and self-expression. This bright and warm environment will now contribute to the safe, comfortable, and comprehensive development of the children, fostering their self-expression and creative abilities.
“A motivating educational environment helps children learn with greater pleasure, and teachers work with more enthusiasm. The goal of this important event was not only the renovation of the music room but also the creation of a modern, safe, and interesting educational environment for children, which will stimulate the discovery of their creative potential, self-expression, and new opportunities for development. I am confident that this environment will inspire children to learn, create, and believe in their own strengths with greater love,” said Armine Babayan, Director of the ‘Yerevan Special School-Resource Center for Children with Hearing Impairments’.
During the 2025-2026 academic year alone, the subject of “Rhythmics” was taught to approximately 70 children across 14 classes from grades 1-9 at the special school-resource center for children with hearing impairments.
Collaboration for Social Responsibility
Astghik Dallakyan, Press Secretary of the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra, commented, “It is symbolic that one of Armenia’s most important musical institutions, the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra, participated in the improvement of this beautiful music hall. Unfortunately, such socially responsible projects, which we implement with representatives of the business sector, are not very common. Therefore, we welcome AraratBank’s initiative, which we joined with great enthusiasm and joy.”
Anna Allahverdyan, Head of Communication and Social Responsibility Programs Coordination Department at AraratBank, added, “One year ago, in cooperation with the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra, during their anniversary year, the collaboration between AraratBank and the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra began around this initiative. The initiative was perhaps unique and original in that two structures united around one beautiful idea: to make music accessible to children with hearing impairments. This music room contributes to the more effective conduct of ‘Rhythmics’ classes, and today, teaching ‘Rhythmics’ to children with hearing impairments is important from the point of view of communication and socialization.”
The room’s design has also been given a special touch through artistic decoration, creating a warm, creative environment for children’s development and self-expression, granting them a new rhythm of life.
AraratBank is supervised by the Central Bank of Armenia.
