Considered as the “Albanian Tchaikovsky,” Nikolla Zoraqi made a significant contribution in his relatively short life. He had the ability to appreciate and make the most of his creative time. His diverse creative opus, consisting of over a hundred works in various forms and genres of music, attests to this, making him one of the most important figures in Albanian music during the second half of the 20th century. On the occasion of the 95th anniversary of his birth, several artistic activities have been organized, mostly planned throughout the year.

Nikolla Zoraqi studied at the Artistic Lyceum of Tirana during the years 1946-1950, where he stood out, among other things, for his dedication and commitment to his studies. Thanks to the talent bestowed upon him by nature, he grew and developed as a violinist.

Nikolla Zoraqi appeared as a violinist and conductor, simultaneously composing small pieces for the violin. Due to his outstanding achievements, after completing his high school studies, Nikolla Zoraqi worked briefly as a teacher at the “Jordan Misja” school.

In the years 1950-51, Zoraqi worked in the People’s Army with the Army Ensemble, initially playing the first violin in the orchestra led by Gaqo Avrazi, and later as an assistant conductor to him. He stayed in the ensemble until 1958 when his first creations became known. In 1955, the Army Ensemble went to China to perform concerts. There, the Albanian delegation was asked for a cantata to celebrate Albanian-Chinese friendship, and the creation of this piece was proposed to Nikolla. Without hesitation, he dedicated himself to the task and managed to write the song within a day, which he orchestrated and conducted himself.

Despite tireless work and long hours of studying the instrument, his dream of becoming a violinist was not approved, as he was not granted the right to study the violin but composition at the “P.I. Tchaikovsky” Conservatory in Moscow. The journey to Moscow brought a new and important phase in Nikolla’s life.

Upon returning to Tirana, Nikolla Zoraqi was entrusted with various responsibilities. He worked as the music director at the Central House of Folk Creativity (1961-64), as the head of the music department at Radio-Tirana (1966-71), and contributed to the Higher Institute of Arts as an external lecturer (until 1983), and from 1971 until the end of his life, he was a freelance composer.

Nikolla Zoraqi has written hundreds of pages of music, identifying him as one of the most productive composers in Albanian music. In his works, he explored all musical genres, ranging from simple songs, chamber music, symphonic concerts, and even large scenic genres such as opera and ballet. The 1960s and 1970s can be seen as decisive in his development as a composer, now in a mature phase. During this time, he composed about 30 compositions, songs, and romances, each with different poetic inspirations, from heroic or march-like tones to passionate lyricism or urban folk music of middle Albania.

Among them stands out one of the outstanding achievements of Albanian song, “Gift for a Birthday,” with lyrics by poet Fatos Arapi. Regarding this mature creative phase, one of the well-known works, “Festive Overture” (1968), is included. Nikolla Zoraqi passed away on September 9, 1991, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy for future generations of music.

/k.s/