The Albanian Academy of Sciences (AAS) today named world-renowned soprano Ermonela Jaho a “Foreign Member.”

Jaho visited the AAS headquarters, where she met President Skënder Gjinushi, vice-chair of the Education and Public Media Committee Evis Kushi, vice-president Vasil Tole, scientific secretary Anila Hoda, other academy leaders, scholars, and guests.

President Gjinushi said the academy awards foreign membership to outstanding Albanians who work abroad in science, literature, art, and culture. He congratulated Jaho and expressed pride in welcoming her as a foreign member.

Jaho thanked the academy for the honor. She called it more than a formal recognition. “It is a spiritual touch, a symbolic return to my roots, a bridge linking my artistic journey with my homeland,” she said.

She added, “This honor invites me to stay close to my country and contribute to its cultural and spiritual life. I accept this responsibility with full dedication, despite geographical distance.”

Jaho also said the award carries special meaning because the academy represents the knowledge, vision, and memory of the nation. “It connects me to a tradition I wish to honor and enrich with everything I am,” she said.

 “I take this recognition as inspiration to continue contributing—not only as an artist but as an Albanian who believes in the transformative power of culture, dialogue, and our shared heritage,”jaho was quoted as saying.

Evis Kushi presented Jaho with the certificate of Foreign Member. The award recognizes her as an internationally acclaimed lyrical soprano and a leading figure in the arts.