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In the bustling streets of Yerevan, amid the relentless pace of city life, there lies a small, enchanting musical sanctuary. Walking along Alek Manukyan Street, one might suddenly find themselves enveloped in a soundscape that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly present. Standing proudly in front of the Public Radio of Armenia building is a unique sculpture that has, for years, gifted passersby with an unforgettable musical experience.
This is not merely a statue; it is the “singing heart” of the city. It does not just serve as a monument to the Public Radio’s long history; it actively continues that legacy, bridging the past and the present through the universal language of melody.
A Musical Stop in Time
The sculpture acts as a momentary pause in the city’s noise, compelling pedestrians to slow down, catch their breath, and listen to beloved tunes emanating from a symbolic radio device. Music here knows no clock; it plays day and night, regardless of the season or the hour.
Created by architect David Minasyan and installed in 2016 to mark the 90th anniversary of Public Radio and the 60th anniversary of Public Television, the statue was quickly dubbed the “singing statue” by the public-a name that stuck and perfectly captures its essence.
Curating the Soundtrack of a Nation
Alisa Kalantaryan, editor of musical programs at the Public Radio, explains that what seems like a simple pleasure for the passerby requires immense effort behind the scenes. Curating a 24-hour musical mosaic is no small feat. “We pull from our vast archives, selecting pop, folk, and traditional songs that have graced our airwaves for decades,” she says. For many, sitting on the benches nearby and listening to these songs from the symbolic statue is a poignant moment of nostalgia.
The repertoire is carefully curated to reflect the calendar, shifting for holidays and commemorative days. “On April 24, we play calm, spiritual, or gentle instrumental melodies. On Charles Aznavour’s birthday, the statue sings only Aznavour,” Kalantaryan notes.
A Symbol of Connection
Artur Ispiryan, head of the Public Radio’s digitization department, emphasizes that the statue’s design is rooted in the concepts of family, television, and radio-three symbols united in one sculpture. The aperture in the statue is intentionally designed to act like a television screen, allowing people to stand behind it and take photos, further connecting the public to the history of broadcasting.
As evening falls and the city continues its frantic pace, a different rhythm takes hold near the radio building. Passersby stop, listen, and capture memories. Whether they are locals, tourists, or visitors from the regions, few can pass by without being moved by the enduring, melodic history of Yerevan.
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