TIRANA, February 5 – Ferdinand Deda, a prominent composer and conductor, was born on February 5, 1941.

He dedicated his 62-year life to music. After graduating from the Tirana Artistic High School in 1960, he studied conducting at the Prague Conservatory of Music.

During the tensions between Albania and the former Soviet Union, Deda and other students abroad were forced to leave their studies. He resumed his education at the Tirana Conservatory. Later, he led the orchestra of Albanian Radio and Television (RTSH).

From 1964, Deda performed in over 300 concerts at home and abroad. He composed the soundtracks for several Albanian films and worked with the RTSH Symphony Orchestra. As a composer, he created a rich musical legacy, including three symphonic dances, four piano sketches, a trio for violin, cello, and piano, a sung prelude, piano and string orchestra impromptu, a xylophone fantasy with orchestra, a horn concertino with orchestra, and a concertino for bassoon, clarinet, and flute.

In 1997, Deda received the “Golden Disc” award. He was also honored with the titles “Merited Artist” and “Grand Master.”

The RTSH Symphony Orchestra hall now bears his name in his memory.

He passed away on August 24, 2003.

/a.p./