The activity of the “Doina” choral chapel during 1963-1975 based on archive materials from the special depository of the Republic of Moldova

The “Doina” Academic Choral Chapel is considered the most renowned and long-lived choral ensemble in the Republic of Moldova. The history of this collective as part of the National Philharmonic has gone through different stages, each stage being characterized by the key aspects of its activity. The present article analyzes the period between 1963 and 1975 – the first twelve years of management of the chapel by Veronica Garștea until the team became part of the General Directorate of the State Philharmonic of Moldova and of the October Palace. For the purpose of research, the qualitative and quantitative composition of the team and the geography of concert tours are investigated, the selection, complexity and variety of repertoire are analyzed, as well as the interaction of the administration with the leaders of other cultural organizations. Special attention is paid to the personality of the artistic director and issues related to the mission of the Choral Chapel “Doina” in the cultural space of the Republic of Moldova. For this purpose we used all available materials from the archives of the Republic of Moldova: the National Archive of the Republic of Moldova, the archives of the Moldova-Concert Directorate and the National Library of the Republic of Moldova. The present article considers a vast number of heterogeneous documents that are used in order to recreate an objective panorama of the ensemble in the determined period. In conclusion, it is mentioned that the artistic activity of the most famous choral collective is an integral part of the cultural life of the country and, together with other artistic groups of the National Philharmonic, it contributes significantly to the promotion of national cultural policy.