Fifty-five years ago, on September 16, 1969, Albanian opera’s founding father, Prenk Jakova, passed away.

Born on June 27, 1917, into the renowned patriotic family of Kol Ded Jakova in Shkodër, Jakova made significant contributions to the Albanian musical landscape. He composed a range of works including romances, cantatas, and songs. His opera “Mrika” stands as the first opera in the history of Albanian music, while his songs “Syrin si qershia” and “Margjelo” remain popular, enduring through the decades since their composition.

Jakova’s opera “Gjergj Kastrioti-Skënderbeu” was met with acclaim from colleagues and art enthusiasts during its premiere in Tirana. However, the challenges encountered in bringing it to fruition left a profound impact on Jakova’s emotional state. On September 16, 1969, Prenk Jakova’s life ended tragically. His funeral was attended by the entire community of Shkodër.

Prenk Jakova’s musical legacy is extensive, encompassing numerous vocal works, choral arrangements, orchestral and band compositions, film scores, and operettas.

He is celebrated as one of the greatest figures in Albanian music history.

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