The Armenian Radio & Television Symphony Orchestra is a classical music ensemble that has been a prominent figure in the Armenian music scene for over 80 years. The orchestra was founded in 1936 by the Armenian Radio and Television Broadcasting Company, with the aim of promoting classical music in Armenia and showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage to the world. The orchestra's early years were marked by a series of challenges, including the outbreak of World War II and the Soviet Union's occupation of Armenia. Despite these difficulties, the orchestra persevered and continued to grow in popularity, thanks in large part to the dedication and talent of its members. Over the years, the Armenian Radio & Television Symphony Orchestra has been led by a number of distinguished conductors, including Aram Khachaturian, who served as the orchestra's artistic director from 1938 to 1948. Khachaturian was a celebrated composer in his own right, and his influence on the orchestra's repertoire and style can still be felt today. Other notable conductors who have led the Armenian Radio & Television Symphony Orchestra include Mikael Ter-Mikaelian, Ruben Vardanyan, and Eduard Topchyan. Under their leadership, the orchestra has continued to evolve and expand its repertoire, performing works by composers from around the world and collaborating with other musicians and ensembles. One of the highlights of the Armenian Radio & Television Symphony Orchestra's history was its performance at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada. The orchestra was invited to perform at the opening ceremony of the games, where it played a stirring rendition of the Armenian national anthem. The performance was widely praised for its beauty and emotional power, and helped to raise the profile of the orchestra on the international stage. In addition to its performance at the Olympics, the Armenian Radio & Television Symphony Orchestra has also been recognized for its excellence in a number of other ways. The orchestra has won numerous awards and accolades over the years, including the State Prize of Armenia, which it was awarded in 1976 for its contributions to the country's cultural heritage. The orchestra's repertoire is diverse and includes works by both Armenian and international composers. Some of the most famous pieces in the orchestra's repertoire include Khachaturian's "Gayane" ballet suite, which features the iconic "Sabre Dance," and Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" ballet. In recent years, the Armenian Radio & Television Symphony Orchestra has continued to build on its legacy of excellence, performing at venues around the world and collaborating with other musicians and ensembles. The orchestra's commitment to promoting classical music and showcasing Armenia's rich cultural heritage has made it a beloved institution in the country and beyond.

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