The Cultural Foundation “Societatea de Concerte” Bistrița was founded in 1996 with the aim of making up for the absence of professional institutions in Bistrița. Thus, the foundation has organized 35-40 chamber and symphonic concerts annually, to the satisfaction of the music-loving public and especially for the benefit of young people.

The coherence and consistency of the Foundation's cultural proposals have led to a significant audience at each concert (between 200 and 500 spectators)

Over the years, the Foundation's activities have diversified and multiplied. A publishing house has been established within the Foundation; CDs, music CDs, collections and music books have been produced, and poetry, prose, theatre, novels, art catalogues and albums about Bistrița have been published.

The International Poetry and Music Festival, “Poezia e la Bistrița”, one of the most respected festivals in Romania and Europe, was established 17 years ago.

The necessary steps were taken, and in 2005 the foundation obtained the Bistrița Synagogue from the Federation of Jewish Communities in Romania for 44 years (through a commodatum contract), a synagogue which it renovated inside and outside. The synagogue was in an advanced state of disrepair, the building not having been used for almost 50 years. The technical projects were carried out (renovation of the building, restoration of the electrical installation, gas and water networks - which never existed), the necessary expert appraisals, obtaining the necessary authorizations and permits to renovate the interior of the building and transform it into a performance hall.

The stage was built and the large hall for religious services was converted into a performance hall; the 150-year-old benches were repaired and the murals were repainted. A Yamaha C5 concert grand piano was also purchased.

The Bistrița Synagogue, built in 1856, has been on the List of Historical Monuments of Bistrita-Năsăud County since 2015 and has become one of the most important cultural landmarks of Bistrița.