For several years, composer Jani Papadhimitri has lived away from Albania, yet his works resonate deeply in his homeland, where he enjoyed a long career at the Opera and Ballet Theater and with the Albanian Radio Television Orchestra.

In an interview with RTSH 24, Mr. Papadhimitri shared his close connection with the Albanian community in Greece and Canada, where he emigrated.

“I started [emigration] in Greece, and in 2001, I moved to Canada. I have always been interested in writing Albanian compositions and distributing them as books. I have performed trios with my daughters and given concerts in Canada and various states.

The Albanian community in Toronto is very organized, as well as in Montreal and other cities. On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Independence, we held a magnificent concert with all the professional and amateur artistic resources we have in Toronto,” recounted the renowned composer.

Mr. Papadhimitri has collaborated with famous Albanian orchestra directors, including Ferdinand Deda and Eno Koço.

Recently, he published “Three Melodic Pieces,” a book illustrated by his mother, who is a painter.

“‘Valsi i Vanesës’ (‘Waltz of Vanesa’), ‘Me varkë në Pogradec’ (‘On a Boat in Pogradec’), and ‘Vals’ (‘Waltz’)” are the three melodies inspired by family and friends.

“‘Valsi i Vanesës’ holds special emotion, as it is composed for ‘honey from honey.’ The work is dedicated to my granddaughter, who also plays the violin. ‘Me varkë në Pogradec’ is dedicated to the painter Anastas Kostandini. Meanwhile, the third ‘Waltz’ concludes the album on a lively note,” said Papadhimitri.

He advises the younger generation to play the works of Albanian classics, the famous sonatas of Çesk Zadesa, Toni Arapi, Limo Dizdari, and others.

Looking ahead, the Albanian composer plans to create a rhapsody for violin and piano, a piece he originally composed in 1979.

/a.p./