Tirana, the European Capital of Youth, will host on the stage of the National Theater of Opera and Ballet, in two evenings, the 18th edition of the International Festival of Opera Vocal “Marie Kraja”. This time, the director of the festival, which is attended by 16 young stars from 4 continents, will be the deputy director of the Kiev Opera, Anatoliy Solovianenko, who has left the war in Ukraine.

 

The Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, received the jury of the Festival composed of directors of well-known European theaters, and presented the Clock Tower to the well-known Ukrainian director, Anatoliy Solovianenko.

 

” I know Ukraine is going through difficult times, but time will pass, the country will be rebuilt and we will return to normal. We have an expression: Rebuild better, bigger and more beautiful – not just buildings, bridges, or any other destruction from war, but also the soul. I think that your work and mission, with this fantastic group of friends, will play a great role for the spiritual reconstruction of the people, “said Veliaj.

 

The Deputy Director of the Kiev Opera, Anatoliy Solovianenko, expressed his gratitude that a small country like Albania has stood by, not only in words but also in deeds.

 

“I know how Albanians and Tirana are supporting Ukraine. The big countries are talking about making some decisions to offer weapons, while Albania, instead of just words, is doing many, many things. I am very happy to be here and to have made new friends, but also that Ukraine has made real friends in Albania, with the Albanians, with the Albanian state. So, I want to thank you for this support and for this cooperation, because when everything is going well, you have a lot of friends, but when something goes wrong in your family, in your city, in your country, you can see who your true friend is and who is supporting you with real deeds, not just saying “We are with you”. “I thank the mayor once again, I thank Albania and all Albanians for what you are doing now for Ukraine,” said Solovianenko, among others.

 

Veliaj closed his speech, emphasizing that the year when Tirana is the European Capital of Youth, is a moment to elevate talented young people, not only from Albania, but from all over the world.

/Klara Ruci/