# Chœur de Radio France
**Wikidata**: [Q2972161](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2972161)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/chur-de-radio-france

## Summary
The Chœur de Radio France is a professional choir based in Paris, founded in 1947 as part of the public broadcasting organization Radio France. It is renowned for performing classical and contemporary choral music, both in France and internationally, and is recognized as one of the nation's premier vocal ensembles. The choir collaborates with major orchestras and participates in radio broadcasts, concerts, and recordings.

## Key Facts
- Founded in **1947** by **René Alix** under the auspices of Radio France.
- Based in **Paris**, France, with **93 members** as of recent data.
- Current musical conductors include **Matthias Brauer** and **Sofi Jeannin**.
- Classified as a **choir** and **musical group**, specializing in **choral music** and **classical music**.
- Part of the **Radio France** organization, with a dedicated website and presence on platforms like MusicBrainz (ID: d723f673-ecf9-43b7-8b59-963c3480f5a0) and Discogs (ID: 850894).
- Identifiers include VIAF ID **131272728**, BnF ID **13906148v**, and Library of Congress authority ID **n82090433**.
- Active in radio broadcasting, concerts, and educational programs, with a repertoire spanning sacred, secular, and contemporary works.

## FAQs
### Q: When was the Chœur de Radio France established?
A: The choir was founded in **1947** by conductor **René Alix** as part of the post-war reorganization of French public broadcasting.

### Q: What type of music does the choir perform?
A: The ensemble specializes in **classical and contemporary choral music**, including sacred works, symphonic repertoire, and commissions from modern composers.

### Q: How many singers are in the choir?
A: The choir comprises **93 members**, organized into standard vocal sections (sopranos, altos, tenors, basses).

### Q: What organizations is the choir affiliated with?
A: It is a permanent ensemble of **Radio France**, collaborating frequently with the **Orchestre National de France** and **Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France**.

### Q: Where does the choir perform?
A: Primary venues include the **Maison de la Radio** in Paris, as well as international tours and festivals. Performances are often broadcast on French radio.

## Why It Matters
The Chœur de Radio France is a cornerstone of France's cultural landscape, embodying the nation's rich choral tradition while championing contemporary music. As a flagship ensemble of Radio France, it ensures the preservation and promotion of classical repertoire through high-profile performances, recordings, and broadcasts. The choir's dual role as a concert ensemble and broadcasting entity makes it a unique bridge between artistic excellence and public outreach. Its collaborations with leading orchestras and composers contribute to the evolution of choral music, while its educational initiatives and international tours enhance cross-cultural exchange. As one of the most recorded and toured French choirs, it serves as a global ambassador for French musical heritage.

## Notable For
- **Premier French choir**: Recognized internationally as one of France's foremost vocal ensembles.
- **Broadcasting heritage**: Integral to Radio France's cultural mission since its founding.
- **Diverse repertoire**: Performs works from the Renaissance to contemporary commissions.
- **Collaborations**: Regularly partners with major orchestras and renowned conductors.
- **Educational outreach**: Engages in workshops, masterclasses, and youth programs.

## Body
### Historical Context
The Chœur de Radio France was established in **1947** under the direction of **René Alix**, emerging from the reorganization of French public broadcasting post-World War II. Initially part of the **ORTF** (Office de Radiodiffusion-Télévision Française), it became a permanent ensemble of **Radio France** in 1975. The choir's inception aimed to provide high-quality choral music for radio broadcasts, a mission that expanded to include public concerts and international tours.

### Artistic Leadership
The choir has been led by distinguished conductors, including **Sofi Jeannin** (appointed in 2015) and **Matthias Brauer**. Previous directors, such as **Jean-Marc Aymes** and **Yves Prin**, have shaped its artistic identity. The ensemble's musical direction emphasizes precision, versatility, and a commitment to both historical performance practices and modern works.

### Repertoire and Performances
The choir's repertoire spans **sacred music** (e.g., Bach, Mozart), **symphonic choral works** (e.g., Mahler, Stravinsky), and **contemporary compositions**. It frequently performs a cappella programs and collaborates with orchestras such as the **Orchestre National de France**. Notable engagements include annual performances of **Berlioz's *Roméo et Juliette*** and participation in festivals like the **Proms** in London.

### Organizational Structure
- **Conductors**: Artistic leadership is shared between **Matthias Brauer** and **Sofi Jeannin**.
- **Accompanists**: Collaborates with pianists and organists for rehearsals and performances.
- **Administration**: Managed under the **Radio France** umbrella, with dedicated logistical and production teams.

### Discography and Broadcasting
The choir has an extensive discography, including recordings for labels such as **Accord** and **Warner Classics**. Many performances are broadcast live on **France Musique** (Radio France's classical music station) and streamed online. Notable recordings feature works by **Debussy**, **Ravel**, and contemporary composers like **Arvo Pärt**.

### Collaborations and Education
The ensemble partners with international orchestras (e.g., **BBC Symphony Orchestra**) and participates in educational initiatives, such as workshops for young singers and composers. It also contributes to **Radio France's** cultural outreach programs, promoting choral music to diverse audiences.

### International Recognition
The choir tours globally, performing in venues such as **Carnegie Hall** (New York) and the **BBC Proms**. It has represented France at international festivals, including the **Salzburg Festival**, and has collaborated with conductors like **Sir Simon Rattle** and **Seiji Ozawa**.

### Awards and Legacy
While not explicitly awarded, the choir's reputation is reflected in its frequent invitations to prestigious events and its status as a **"Maison de la Radio"** staple. Its legacy includes premiering works by French composers and maintaining the highest standards of choral excellence, ensuring its continued relevance in the classical music world.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. CiNii Research
3. MusicBrainz
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File