Alexandru Moraru was born in Slanic Moldova, Romania. As a youth, he learned to play the guitar from his father, and subsequently began to learn the trombone at age 15. His father, Petrache, is a fiddle guitarist, and his mother, Emilia, a waiter. From a very early age, his father used to take him to weeding gigs where he was playing the guitar. We do need to mention that a wedding in Romania starts on mid-day Saturday and ends on Sunday morning, or even afternoon. That experience was essential in developing a good harmonic hearing, but also a good sense for rhythm. His 7 years older brother, Cezar, is a professional tuba player, currently serving as principal tubist with the Arad Philharmonic. He also was Alex’s main inspiration and motivation to pursue a musical career.

Alexandru started studying the trombone with Adi Adjudeanu and Gheorghe Sofian at the “George Apostu” arts high school in Bacau. During these years, Alexandru displayed notable talent and participated in several competitions from which we mention a first prize at the “Spring of Arts” National competition in 2001.

In 2003, Alex was accepted at the “National Music Academy” in Cluj-Napoca where he studied with Mircea Neamtu and Vera Negreanu. In the same year, he was invited to act as Associate Principal/2nd Trombone player with the Hungarian Opera from Cluj-Napoca. One year later, as a sophomore, Alexandru won the 2nd trombone position with the Transylvania State Philharmonic Orchestra. During his college, Alex was lucky enough to be able to keep both of these jobs and perform weekly with one and the other orchestras. He also gained much chamber music experience playing with the Transylvania Brass Quintet for four years.

Moving to America was a big step forward in Alex’s career. In 2007, after college graduation, Bowling Green State University from Ohio became his new residence for the next three years. Here, he first completed an artist diploma, a one year program that got him the time to accommodate with the new culture and lifestyle, but also to significantly improve his English. Subsequently, Alex was accepted in the Master Degree Program as a Teacher Assistant. Thanks to his excellent teacher, William Mathis, who’s currently the Dean of the Music School, Alex started maturing as a trombonist, but also as an educator. It was during these years that Alex grew as an artist considerably, winning principal positions with Michigan based Adrian Symphony Orchestra and Southern Great Lakes Symphony. Additionally becoming the Trombone Teacher for the Owens Community College in Ohio. Nonetheless, in 2008, Alex made his solo debut with the Bowling Green Philharmonia after winning the “Concerto Competition” where he performed the Ferdinand David’s Trombone Concertino.

After graduating from the Master’s Degree program, Alexandru continued his education at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, pursuing a Doctoral Degree, also as a teacher assistant. Here he had the opportunity to study jazz trombone with James Pugh. During the two years spent at the University of Illinois, Alex continued to gain experience as an orchestral player, being the principal trombone with the Champaign-Urbana Symphony. In 2011, Alex was invited by James Pugh to be a part of his Trombone Ensemble. Together with this group, Alex enjoyed national, but also international acknowledgment winning the International Trombone Association’s “Kay Winding” competitions which consisted in a performance in Paris at the ITA’s conference in 2012, moreover winning the “Eastern Trombone Workshop” Jazz Trombone Ensemble Competition which included a performance at the ETW in Washington in the same year.

In 2012, Alex moved back to Romania and was appointed the Principal Trombone with the National Radio Orchestra in Bucharest. Since he is enjoying a beautiful and fulfilling performing schedule. Between 2013 and 2017 he extensively toured Germany with Philharmonie der Nationen. In addition, from 2015 he also often travels to the Middle East where he plays with the Majida el Roumi band.  From 2017 he toured the world for almost two years, having concerts in the most prestigious halls in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Hawaii, Switzerland, Italy, France, and Nederland.

The Bucharest Studio Orchestra

Besides the trombone playing, Alex is currently developing as a conductor a marvelous project entitled Bucharest Studio Orchestra. This is a professional, large, full-scale modern orchestra designed for studio recording. I encourage you to go on the “Media” page or YouTube and check it out. It’s pretty cool !

The Radio Trombones emerged as a creative endeavor amidst the challenging landscape of the pandemic, uniting the talents of Florian Radu, Catalin Bucerzan, and Vlad Leahu, the trombone section of the esteemed National Radio Orchestra. What began as humble home recordings swiftly evolved into a captivating online presence, resonating with audiences worldwide. As concert halls gradually reopened, our unique sound captured the attention of organizers, leading to coveted solo performances. Our journey is chronicled through captivating video recordings, now accessible on platforms like YouTube, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in our musical tapestry. Join us on a melodic odyssey, where each note resonates with passion and innovation.

In 2022, Alex delivered a remarkable solo concert under the baton of the esteemed Christian Lindberg. Taking center stage, he showcased his virtuosity by performing Lindberg’s concerto “Mandrake in the corner” with finesse. The entire performance has been preserved for audiences to enjoy, accessible on both Spotify and YouTube platforms.