TIRANA, November 11 – A poetic symphonic concert titled “Sounds of Grandeur” took place last night at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. It opened the activities of British Cultural Week in Albania.

The British conductor James Ross led the Symphony Orchestra of the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. He created a magical atmosphere filled with symphonic sounds.

The concert combined the elegance of British tradition with the artistic energy of Albania. It offered the audience a musical journey full of emotion, finesse, and inspiration.

During the concert, the orchestra performed the Suite for Orchestra and Strings by Albanian composer Gjon Simoni. This suite comes from the opera “Mrika” by Prenk Jakova, composed between 1917 and 1949. Simoni’s suite has four movements. It preserves the opera’s melodies and Jakova’s dramatic energy.

In addition, James Ross conducted works by British and Albanian composers including Henry Purcell, Peter Warlock, Gerald Finzi, Endri Sina, and Edward Elgar.

The event highlighted cultural collaboration and demonstrated music’s power to connect different worlds.

James Ross has conducted over 1,500 works in twenty countries across Western and Eastern Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia. He also led performances at Westminster Abbey and major concert halls in the United Kingdom, including the Royal Festival Hall.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sports supported the event. This week will transform the city into a lively space for dialogue, collaboration, and creativity. British tradition and Albanian energy will meet naturally.

/a.p./