2017 marked the start of a new process of digitization of the audio fund of Armenian radio, in the “Golden Fund” of which are about 97,000 recordings, 28,000 of which are works by Armenian composers. The “Renaissance” cultural and intellectual foundation contributed to the process.
On February, 27 the opening ceremony of Armenian Public Radio’s “Golden Fund” took place. The unique gems of the largest Armenian audio archive, with more than 100,000 entries are now available online.
On the trilingual website, the audio recordings are linked to the date of recording, the authors of the music and lyrics, their biography, photos, etc. The recordings are presented by genres: classical, folk, pop, radio performances, special speeches, interviews, etc.
Today, it is not only possible to enjoy the gems of the “Golden Fund,” but also to create new ones. The recently reopened recording studio, i.e. the Radio Studio, where most of archive materials have been recorded for decades, enables to record works become an evidence of today’s cultural values. The size of the studio and the equipment allow large musical groups, such as symphonic or chamber orchestras, choirs, folk instruments ensembles, and jazz-bands to make recordings here. Voice-overs, soundtracks, film dubbing in 5.1-7.1 formats can be done in the newly refurbished studio, and this will be of key importance for filmmaking.
The Public Radio archive is Armenia’s largest audio repository. The Fund holds over 150,000 hours of performances, literary and artistic programs, recitals, radio performances It stores not only Armenian and Russian, but also Kurdish, Yezdi, Azerbaijani and Arabic recordings, music, cultural and children’s programs, radio performances, speeches by renowned Armenians, interviews, etc.
