Beginning Sunday, February 15th, The Success Stories turns its attention to the Radio Academic Choir, which in 2025 celebrated 85 years of official existence, though in reality its history stretches even further back. Our guest is Ciprian Ţuţu, the eleventh conductor in the ensemble's history, who in 2026 takes stock of his first decade at its helm.

November 5th, 1940 is the date when the Radio Academic Choir began its activity, becoming Romania's first professional choral ensemble. It therefore predates both the "George Enescu" Philharmonic Choir and the Iași Philharmonic Choir, established in 1950, by an entire decade. For those interested in such milestones, it is worth noting that the Timișoara Philharmonic founded a similar ensemble in 1951, while the Cluj-Napoca Philharmonic Choir was created in 1972.

The need to cover the vocal-symphonic repertoire within the Radio Musical Seasons was, naturally, one of the key reasons behind the Choir's establishment. During its first four years, the ensemble was led by conductor Ioan Croitoru. It is important to recall that, given the specific circumstances of that period, live broadcasts were not the exception but rather the rule, as recording possibilities were relatively limited. One feature that distinguishes the Radio Academic Choir within Romania's classical music landscape is the fact that it can be heard live by audiences from the Radio Hall, through the channels of Radio România, most notably on Radio România Muzical.

Fortunately, records of the Choir's original line-up, comprising 48 members, have been preserved. Among them were Zenaida Pally, who would later become a celebrated figure of the Bucharest Opera, Ion Vanica, future founder of the Radio Children's Choir, and Dumitru D. Stancu.

The Choir's 85th anniversary also offers an opportunity for reflection for its current conductor, Ciprian Ţuţu. Since winning the competition and being appointed to lead the ensemble in 2016, the Radio Choir has taken part in 102 vocal-symphonic concerts and 29 a cappella performances, an average of more than three per season. The ensemble has been a constant presence at some of Romania's most prestigious musical events: the George Enescu Festival, the RadiRo Festival, and the International Week of New Music.

Particular care has been devoted to shaping clearly themed programmes for the a cappella appearances. The first such concert, Spring Voices, in April 2016, set the tone for this artistic direction envisioned by Ciprian Ţuţu. Other notable projects include the Grieg Choral Concert in 2023; a French music concert in 2024 honouring ten French composers; a Romanian contemporary music concert, also in 2024; and the 2018 concert dedicated to the Centenary of the Great Union. Gospel and spiritual programmes, always vibrant and warmly received, have likewise become a regular feature.

We explore the history, identity, present and future of this ensemble, one of the most representative and respected in Romania. Sundays, starting February 15th, at 1:00 p.m., with a rebroadcast at 11:00 p.m., on Radio România Muzical.