Albania marks 73 years since the premiere of the opera “Rusalka”, staged in November 1953.

The production marked the first opera staged by the Albanian Philharmonic. It also laid the foundations for the establishment of the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet and the Popular Ensemble.

The Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) archive preserves several photographs from the production, offering a glimpse into an important chapter of the country’s operatic history.

Based on Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin’s drama and set to music by Alexander Dargomyzhsky, “Rusalka” represented the tradition of Russian realist art at the time.

Several leading Albanian opera singers took part in the production, including Jorgjia Truja, Hysen Pelinku, Zihni Berati, Gjyzepina Kosturi, Marie Kraja, Haxhi Tafaj, Takuina Truja and Zeqir Agolli. Maestro Mustafa Krantja conducted the orchestra, while Panajot Kanaçi served as ballet master.

Soviet artists also contributed to the staging. Director Ilia Azhotkin, instructor Kostandin Rushev and ballet master Tatjana Rusheva helped bring the production to the stage. Renowned artist Hysen Devolli designed the sets.

Around 150 Albanian Philharmonic artists participated in the premiere. The production also marked a milestone for its ballet performers, who took to the stage on pointe for the first time.