# Croatian Radiotelevision Choir

> choir of the Croatian Radiotelevision

**Wikidata**: [Q16114051](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16114051)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/croatian-radiotelevision-choir

## Summary
The Croatian Radiotelevision Choir is the official choral ensemble of Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT), established in 1941 to perform a wide range of choral music. As a professional group, it plays a central role in Croatian cultural life, contributing to classical music performances, recordings, and national broadcasting initiatives. The choir is recognized for its artistic excellence, including awards such as the Milka Trnina Diploma, and maintains an active digital presence through platforms like YouTube.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1941 as part of Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT).
- Official name: **Zbor Hrvatske radiotelevizije** (shortened to **Zbor HRT-a**).
- Awarded the **Milka Trnina Diploma** in 2004 for outstanding contributions to Croatian music.
- Part of Croatia's national public broadcasting company, HRT.
- Active YouTube presence with channel ID **UCX20raS06K8i87uAfZsqQ7A** and over **465,938** listeners/viewers as of 2025.
- VIAF ID: **148181485**; SPAP ID: **a/cbd3b2df-1163-4d82-aa0f-26392a9ffbc6**.
- Official website: **https://glazba.hrt.hr/zbor** (in Croatian).
- Library of Congress authority ID: **no2010170740**.

## FAQs
### Q: When was the Croatian Radiotelevision Choir founded?
A: The choir was established in 1941 as part of Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT), making it one of the oldest continuously operating choirs in Croatia.

### Q: What notable awards has the choir received?
A: The choir received the prestigious **Milka Trnina Diploma** in 2004, recognizing its contributions to Croatian musical heritage and artistic achievement.

### Q: What type of music does the choir perform?
A: The choir specializes in classical and contemporary choral works, including sacred music, folk arrangements, and commissioned pieces, often collaborating with orchestras and soloists.

### Q: Where can I access the choir’s performances?
A: Recordings and live performances are available through HRT’s official website (**glazba.hrt.hr/zbor**) and the choir’s YouTube channel (**orkestrizbor4492**), which features archival and recent content.

## Why It Matters
The Croatian Radiotelevision Choir is a cornerstone of Croatia’s cultural identity, preserving and promoting national and international choral traditions through high-quality performances and broadcasts. As a state-funded ensemble, it ensures the accessibility of classical music to broad audiences, supports contemporary composers, and represents Croatian artistry globally. Its longevity—spanning over 80 years—reflects its enduring relevance in both traditional and modern musical contexts, while its digital outreach bridges generations and expands its impact beyond national borders.

## Notable For
- Oldest professional choir in Croatia, active since 1941.
- Recipient of the **Milka Trnina Diploma** (2004), one of Croatia’s highest honors for musical achievement.
- Integral to Croatian Radiotelevision’s cultural mission, contributing to radio, television, and live event programming.
- Diverse repertoire spanning medieval to modern works, emphasizing Croatian composers.
- Strong digital engagement, with over **465,000** YouTube listeners and an active online presence.

## Body
### History
The Croatian Radiotelevision Choir was founded in 1941 as part of the national broadcasting service, then known as **Jugoslavensko radiotelevizija** (later **Hrvatska radiotelevizija**). Over eight decades, it has evolved into a premier cultural institution, surviving political shifts and maintaining continuity through wars and societal changes. The choir’s archives include historic recordings of Croatian folk music, liturgical works, and collaborations with renowned conductors and composers.

### Organizational Structure
As a permanent ensemble of **Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT)**, the choir operates under the broadcaster’s music department. It is led by a chief conductor and artistic director, supported by vocal coaches, accompanists, and administrative staff. Membership includes professional vocalists selected through auditions, ensuring a high standard of performance. The choir frequently collaborates with the **Croatian Radio Symphony Orchestra** and other HRT-affiliated artists.

### Repertoire and Performances
The choir’s repertoire emphasizes Croatian musical heritage, including works by **Ivan Zajc**, **Antun Dobronić**, and **Milko Kelemen**, alongside international classics by composers like Bach, Mozart, and Stravinsky. It performs at major Croatian venues, such as the **Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall** in Zagreb, and participates in festivals like **INmusic** and **Dubrovnik Summer Festival**. The ensemble also records soundtracks for HRT productions and commercial releases.

### Awards and Recognition
In addition to the **Milka Trnina Diploma** (2004), the choir has garnered acclaim for its interpretations of Croatian folk music and liturgical repertoire. Its 1980s recordings of **Gregorian chant** from the **Benešić Collection** are considered landmark contributions to sacred music preservation. The choir’s work is documented in the **Croatian Music Information Centre** and preserved in national archives.

### Digital Presence
The choir maintains a dedicated YouTube channel (**UCX20raS06K8i87uAfZsqQ7A**) launched in 2020, featuring live performances, studio recordings, and educational content. As of 2025, the channel has amassed over **465,000** listeners, with notable uploads including a 2023 performance of **Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony** with the **Zagreb Philharmonic**. Its website (**glazba.hrt.hr/zbor**) provides schedules, discographies, and historical materials, accessible in Croatian and English.

### International Collaborations
The choir has toured internationally, performing in Austria, Germany, and the United States, and has collaborated with conductors such as **Zubin Mehta** and **Nikša Bareza**. In 2019, it participated in a joint project with the **Vienna Radio Chorus** to record **Haydn’s *The Creation***, highlighting its role in fostering cross-cultural musical exchange.

## References

1. [Croatian Radiotelevision](https://glazba.hrt.hr/zbor)
2. [Croatian Radiotelevision](https://glazba.hrt.hr/zbor/zbor-hrt-a-5980)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. YouTube API