The 13th International Festival of Operatic Singers “Marie Kraja”

The 13th Festival took place in Tirana on took place in Tirana on November 30thand December 1st, 2013 in the Theater of Opera and Ballet. About 160 singers from four continents competed in two phases. The first phase, which was the applications phase, took place from May to September 2013. The auditions phase qualified 18 singers to continue their competition in Tirana during the two days of the Festival. The first night of the Festival was a competition of all 18 singers accompanied by the Symphonic Orchestra of the Theater of Opera and Ballet directed by the Italian conductor, Leonardo Quadrini. 9 singers who were selected by the international Jury competed in the final night of the Festival for the three big Prizes, and a song Prize.

This Festival was put live on the Albanian Public Television through a terrestrial and satellite broadcasting in Europe and North America. Famous guest artists were invited to perform during the Festival. The printed and electronic media devoted increasing interest to this edition of the Festival.

The Prize winners of the 13th Festival were:

First Prize “Marie Kraja” Mr. JisangRyu, bass (South Korea)
Second Prize Ms. Jessica Cambio, soprano (Italy)
Third Prize Ms. EnkeledaKamani, soprano (Albania)
Song Prize Mr. Rodrigo Trosino, tenor (Mexico)

The Jury of the 13th Festival:

  • Mr. Brian DICKIE, Director of the Chicago Opera (UK), Chair
  • Ms. Giovanna LOMAZZI, Vice President of ASLICO (Milan)
  • Ms. Nancy RHODES, Director of Encompass New Opera (New York)
  • Ms. Danusa LUKNISOVA, “Arte Musica Italia” Agency, (Italy)
  • Mr. Ilir KERNI, Director of Theater of Opera and Ballet (Albania)
  • Ms. SuzanaFRASHERI, soprano, professor of canto, University of Arts (Albania)
  • Ms. Katriot TUSHA, professor of canto, University of Arts (Albania)

President of the Festival:

Ms. Mirela Kumbaro
Minister of Culture

Artistic Director and Producer:

Mrs. Zana ÇELA

Director:

Pali Kuke

Conductor:

Leonardo Quadrini (Italy)