Yesterday evening, the Central State Film Archive hosted the presentation of the piano album “Echo of a Distant Time”. Ardita Bufaj curated the album, featuring film scores by the renowned composer Haig Zacharian.

The concert honored Zacharian, one of Albania’s most treasured musicians. The album pays tribute to his work, with delicate melodies full of spirit and memory. Under the pianist’s touch, these pieces gain new life.

The performance offered more than a promotion. It became a journey through collective memory, recalling emotions Zacharian’s music has shaped over decades. Pianists Ardita Bufaj and Merita Balliu performed, accompanied on oboe by Xhovana Marku.

Haig Zacharian was born in Durrës to an Armenian family. He graduated from the Higher Institute of Arts in Tirana, studying composition under Prof. Tonin Harapi. Zacharian composed in many genres, including children’s songs, choral music, and film scores. He also arranged classical and romantic works for various ensembles. After 1990, his focus shifted primarily to chamber music.

Some of the films scored by Zacharian include:

• Ilegalët (1976)
• Dollia e dasmës sime (1978)
• Yjet mbi Drin (1978)
• Dorina (1979)
• Një natë pa dritë (1981)
• Njeriu i mirë (1982)
• Kohë e largët (1983)
• I paharruari (1984)
• Pranverë e hidhur (1985)
• Tre ditë nga një jetë (1986)
• Familja ime (1987)
• Djali Elastik (1989)
• Maya (2010)

The album and concert highlighted Zacharian’s contribution to Albanian music and film.

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