TIRANA, December 28 – The first night of the 64th Festival of Song at RTSH opened last evening, marking the start of Albania’s most important music event. Meanwhile, audiences enjoyed nearly two and a half hours of spectacle and elegance, confirming Fest 64 as a leading voice of professional music.

Under the hosting of Arilena Ara and Salsano Rrapi, the night combined music, performance, and class. Modern staging and light design created the perfect setting for the 14 opening performers.

The artists presented songs from emotional ballads to contemporary styles. In addition, careful costumes and stage choreography enhanced the show, adding excitement to the competition.

The night balanced experience and new talent. Veteran artists confirmed their vocal maturity, while newcomers used the festival as a platform to start careers and showcase Albanian music internationally.

A standout moment came from Arilena Ara, who delivered a heartfelt monologue dedicated to her mother, drawing long applause. Then, Kroni Pula performed “Fruta Perime,” Albania’s Junior Eurovision entry, bringing international-style energy to the stage.

The jury included seven prominent figures from music and media. They began selecting finalists, balancing professional judgment with public votes. The Eurovision representative will be decided by 50% jury votes and 50% public votes via SMS.

Meanwhile, journalists captured the artists’ preparation and anticipation behind the scenes. The night ended with a special performance by Vlashent Sata, marking the event as a high-level artistic showcase.

Beyond the competition, the festival reaffirmed its status as a cultural institution. Each performance featured a live orchestra, proving that professional music continues to attract public attention. Excitement is expected to rise on the second night as more performers take the stage, joined by special guests.

/a.p./