Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Symphony

 

The Hungarian Radio Children's Choir is a renowned classical music artist that has been captivating audiences with their angelic voices for over 70 years. The choir was founded in 1948 by conductor Ilona Andor, who aimed to create a children's choir that would represent the highest standards of choral music in Hungary. The choir started with only 24 members, but quickly grew in popularity and size. By the 1950s, the choir had over 100 members and was performing regularly on Hungarian radio and television. The choir's repertoire included a wide range of classical music, from Bach and Mozart to Hungarian folk songs and contemporary compositions. One of the highlights of the choir's early years was their performance at the 1956 World Youth Festival in Moscow. The choir's performance was so well-received that they were invited to perform at the festival's closing ceremony, which was attended by over 100,000 people. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the Hungarian Radio Children's Choir continued to gain international recognition for their exceptional performances. They performed in numerous countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan, and throughout Europe. In 1972, the choir won first prize at the International Choral Competition in Arezzo, Italy, solidifying their reputation as one of the world's premier children's choirs. In the 1980s, the choir underwent a period of transition as Ilona Andor retired and was replaced by conductor Árpád Tóth. Under Tóth's leadership, the choir continued to thrive and expand their repertoire. They began to incorporate more contemporary music into their performances, including works by Hungarian composers such as György Orbán and Zoltán Kodály. One of the choir's most memorable performances during this time was their rendition of Kodály's "Te Deum" at the 1989 inauguration of Hungary's first democratically elected president, Árpád Göncz. The performance was broadcast live on Hungarian television and was seen by millions of viewers. In the 1990s and 2000s, the Hungarian Radio Children's Choir continued to perform at major international festivals and events. They performed at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia, and at the 2000 World Expo in Hanover, Germany. They also collaborated with numerous orchestras and conductors, including the Budapest Festival Orchestra and Iván Fischer. In 2018, the choir celebrated their 70th anniversary with a series of concerts and events throughout Hungary. The anniversary celebrations included a performance at the Palace of Arts in Budapest, where the choir was joined by the Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. Over the years, the Hungarian Radio Children's Choir has received numerous awards and accolades for their exceptional performances. In addition to their 1972 win at the International Choral Competition in Arezzo, they have also won first prize at the International Children's Choir Festival in Neerpelt, Belgium, and the International Choral Competition in Debrecen, Hungary. The choir's recordings have also been widely praised, with their album "Hungarian Folk Songs for Children" winning the Grand Prix du Disque in 1981. They have also released albums featuring works by Bach, Mozart, and Kodály, among others. Today, the Hungarian Radio Children's Choir continues to be one of the world's most respected and beloved children's choirs.

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