The 1st Radio Song Festival was held in 1962. 20 competing songs took part in this Song Festival under the conduction of the Artistic leader, Abdulla Grimci; Director: Luigj Gurakuqi; Scenographer: Shaban Hysa; Conductor: Kristo Kote; Orchestra of Radio Tirana; Presenter: Margarita Xhepa and Luigj Gurakuqi.

The first Song Festival was held on December 21, 22, 23 and 26, 1962, presented by Margarita Xhepa and Luigj Gurakuqi. The Albanian light song had started its journey on Radio Tirana. The Radio Tirana Orchestra was created. Many young composers had returned from abroad, and would set the tone for Albanian music afterwards. Inspired by the Italian Song Festival, Sanremo, which had been taking place in Italy for 9 years, our composers thought to bring such a tradition to Albania as well. The success of the first Festival was evident at that time. There was a high interest in the Institute of Fine Arts, to attend this event of Albanian light music. As regards music, as well as lyrics, the first festival remains the most courageous and successful attempt of Albanian artistic creativity of Dionis Budani.

/Klara Ruci/