The “Marie Kraja” International Festival of Operatic Vocals was organized again this year in the capital, in its 20th edition, during March 27-28-29, bringing together young operatic voices from all over the world, in the most prestigious Albanian festival, dedicated to classical music. On the eve of the final night of this competition, the head of the Municipality of Tirana, Erion Veliaj hosted the members of the festival’s jury, important personalities of the World Opera, and described the festival as a tradition that has already become the heritage of the city.

“It is a very beautiful tradition of our city, a tradition that evidences talents from all over the world, a tradition which has become a heritage of the city. I am glad that as the city prepares to be the “Mediterranean City of Culture” next year and we already have this edition of Marie Kraja Festival,” said Veliaj.

He thanked the jury members and appreciated the fact that well-known and prestigious institutions became part of the tradition of this festival, to ensure that Tirana is always more and more an epicenter of art and culture.

“I wanted to take a moment of appreciation to thank you and to appreciate beyond measure that, with the passion of Zana [Çela], you have also joined very humbly, since you direct some of the most important operas in Europe, “Arena di Verona”, “Berlin Opera”, teams coming from some of Europe’s most traditional and popular sets. It is truly a touching moment for me and I greatly appreciate the fact that you took time out of your very busy days and from your prestigious institutions to be a part of this beautiful tradition of “Marie Kraja” and to ensure that our small and modest Tirana will always be an epicenter of art and culture,” said Veliaj.

As a sign of gratitude, the head of Tirana Municipality presented the members of the jury with the “Clock Tower”, as a symbol of Tirana’s time that works and learns from the best. According to the Mayor, cities should promote their art and culture as a way to generate economy, recognition and reputation.

Cecilia Gasdia, General Director and Artistic Director of the “Arena di Verona Foundation”, president of the jury, considered it an honor to participate and return as part of the jury of the “Marie Kraja Festival”, highlighting the possibility of cooperation with the cultural institutions of the capital.

“We are very happy. We are here with the entire jury of the “Marie Kraja” contest. It is an extraordinary honor, especially for me to return after many years and I hope that “Arena di Verona” and these wonderful German theaters will have the opportunity to cooperate with the Theater of Tirana. So we hope very much. Thank you!,” stated the head of the festival jury.

/a.p./