The Armenian government has allocated nearly 665 million drams ($1.7 million) for the organization of the 22nd edition of the Eurovision Young Musicians competition, set to take place in Yerevan on June 6.
The event will be held through the joint efforts of Armenia’s Public Television and the European Broadcasting Union, under the patronage of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports. The funding decision was approved during the government’s meeting on Thursday.
Presenting the proposal, Armenian Education, Science, Culture and Sports Minister Zhanna Andreasyan said hosting the competition would provide another opportunity to strengthen Armenia’s international profile, particularly in the field of classical arts.
“The government is pursuing an active policy aimed at turning Armenia into a platform for various international competitions, contests and events. Such initiatives contribute to the country’s visibility and recognition, and Eurovision Young Musicians undoubtedly joins that list,” Andreasyan said.
The minister also described the competition date as symbolic, as June 6 marks the birthday of world-renowned Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian. She said the event would help once again highlight the significance of Khachaturian’s name and artistic legacy through classical music.
The competition will be staged at the Alexander Spendiaryan National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. According to Andreasyan, the event will also serve as a landmark occasion marking the centenary of the Opera House building itself.
Organizers plan to use not only the interior spaces of the theater but also rooftop platforms, where ballet and other performances are expected to take place, emphasizing both the cultural and architectural significance of the venue.
The competition will be broadcast live in 11 participating countries — Portugal, Serbia, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Poland, Latvia, Sweden and Armenia — a move officials say will further increase the country’s international visibility.
Additional cultural programs are planned for international guests, showcasing Armenia’s museums, art centers and broader cultural heritage, with officials hoping the initiative will also help stimulate tourism.
Armenia’s representative at the competition will be 15-year-old flutist Elen Virabyan, who has already gained international recognition and performed with prominent orchestras on various stages.
Government funding will cover organizational, technical and production-related expenses. Officials said further information on ticket sales will be announced later. Given the Opera House’s seating capacity of approximately 1,200, organizers also plan to install outdoor screens to broadcast the concert live, allowing larger audiences to follow the event from public viewing areas.
