Thursday, 7th of November 2024, an extraordinary anniversary concert takes place at Radio Hall held by the Academic Radio Chorus, celebrating 85 years of activity. Ciprian Țuțu, the conductor of the chorus, on this occasion, offers us more details in an interview with Ioana Țintea.

85 years of artistic activity of the Academic Radio Chorus, mister Ciprian Țuțu, an ensemble which you have been leading since 2016. What significance does this anniversary hold for you?

This is the most intense moment of my professional life. Since 2016, as you mentioned, I have had the privilege of being accepted into the conductors' competition to carry on the beautiful tradition of the great personalities who have held the conductor's baton for this ensemble, regarded as the country's oldest vocal-symphonic ensemble. I have always carried in my heart and mind both the honor and the duty to uphold this legacy as best as I can.

In a way, this anniversary is all the more special for us, as our previous celebration came during the unfortunate context of the pandemic. Although we had planned a series of events for the 80th anniversary, one by one, they disappeared from our agenda due to the progression of the pandemic.

However, we have since gained more experience together. The choir has also undergone a rejuvenation phase, with fresh talent joining our ranks following a competition two years ago. As a result, the Radio Academic Choir today feels a bit fresher, more eager to excel, and more driven to showcase its potential. Through the events we've prepared throughout this season and indeed over the entire upcoming calendar year, we hope to enjoy a variety of concerts together, both a cappella and vocal-symphonic, offering something challenging and inspiring for us and for our listening audience alike.

How do you feel your relationship has evolved regarding the musicians of the Academic Radio Choir?

Like in any family. I recall the beginning being wonderful, it's that dream-like period of time, a period of grace. I remember that it was something unusual for me. I came from the Brasov Opera Choir- an ensemble for which I have great respect and nostalgia, but coming here, in 2016, in the first few weeks, thy were great colleagues; because beyond the fresh new mission I was receiving, to be their conductor, they welcomed me with great warmth and friendliness. There was applause at the end of every rehearsal, there were words of encouragement and support, there was this ambition… what sort of projects to do, which changes to bring forward… Of course, some of the goals we set and discussed back then may have been achieved, though there is still room for improvement. On the other hand, there have certainly been tougher moments in our journey-not so much in terms of relationships, but as an ensemble. After all, we are aware of the times we live in and the pace and opportunities available for improvement in cultural organizations. This ongoing struggle to become better, to bring in new members, to diversify our repertoire has been a labor-intensive effort, a commitment shared equally by my colleagues, not just by myself. Perhaps even these behind-the-scenes challenges have, in some way, strengthened our bond, allowing us to truly function now like a family.

Going back to the 7th of November concert, as you have mentioned in the press release, the programme brings forth works of composers celebrated this year. What can the audience expect to hear at the Radio Hall?

This concert centers around one of the most significant composers in choral literature, Anton Bruckner. We couldn't miss this opportunity, especially after the joy of performing Bruckner's Third Mass with the National Orchestra and conductor Sascha Goetzel at the start of the year. Now, we present Bruckner in an a cappella program. Building on Bruckner, we've expanded the repertoire selection in a cohesive way, focusing on other composers with milestone anniversaries, especially his contemporaries, and emphasizing choral works from the Austro-German sphere. This way, we can also enjoy pieces by Richard Strauss-a composer rarely performed in a cappella repertoire. From his works, we chose Der Abend, part of a two-song cycle, Op. 34. This year we also celebrate Schoenberg- 150 years since his birth. Even though I knew him as a composer who belongs to Expressionism, I chose the last piece of his work, which is post-romantic, so to speak, which remains within the limits of tonality. It's about the Op.13 Friede auf Erden, Peace on Earth- a very strong message and so relevant for the times we are living in. And last but not least, Josef Rheinberger, a lesser known composer here. I chose here a quite well-known piece, Abendlied. And the final surprise is an arrangement, a transcription for choir of the famous Adagietto from the 5th Symphony of Gustav Mahler.

Please tell us about the evening's guest performers!

This is a demanding concert for the choir, as the entire program rests on their shoulders from start to finish, featuring intense, vocally challenging pieces. But we do have two guest performers. Marcel Costea will be joining us on the organ, and Georgiana Simonov, a soprano from the Radio Choir, will perform Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy's sacred hymn Hör mein Bitten.

And after the concert on November 7th, what's next for the Radio Academic Choir?

We have a busy schedule ahead, with an exciting December program. We're eagerly anticipating a concert with the Chamber Orchestra after a long break of over a season and a half without performing alongside our colleagues. With maestro Crescenzi conducting, we will perform the first three cantatas from Bach's Christmas Oratorio. Later that same week, on Friday, December 20th, we will join the National Orchestra to perform Beethoven's Choral Fantasy for piano, soloists, choir, and orchestra.

I should also mention a unique project: on December 1st at Sala Palatului, we'll participate in Home Alone-a project where we've been invited to perform alongside the National Radio Orchestra.