The 7th International Festival of Operatic Singers “Marie Kraja”

This Festival took place in Tirana on 27, 28 and 29 October 2005 in the Academy of the Fine Arts. 76 singers from four continents took place in this Festival, competing in two phases. The first phase took place in May-June 2005, and it qualified 18 singers to continue their competition during the 3 days of the Festival.

Philharmonic Orchestra of the Academy of Arts with Martin Andre (UK) as conductor accompanied the singers. The three concerts were broadcast LIVE on the Albanian Public Television through a terrestrial and a satellite broadcast in Europe and North America.

This Festival introduced a new additional price, which was called “Singer of the Future: InvaMula”, which was offered by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Sports.

During the three concerts of this Festival, many Albanian distinguished artists were invited to perform. Through their performance, they demonstrated high levels of interpretation in the genres of music and ballet. Like in the past, this Festival attracted the special attention of printed and electronic media. They prepared 62 news articles and TV reports, ranking this Festival as one of the highest levels of the Albanian stage.

The Prize winners of the 7th Festival were:

First Prize “Marie Kraja” Mr. Simone Piazzola, baritone (Italy)
Second Prize Ms. Catherine Hunold, soprano (France)
Third Prize Mr. ArmaldoKllogjeri, tenor (Albania)
Singer of the Future InvaMula Prize Ms. EmilianaPalushaj, soprano (Albania)

The Jury of the 7th Festival:

  • Mr. Kim Von BINZER, Director, Royal Opera Academy (Copenhagen), Chair
  • Mr. Menno Feenstra, Artistic Director of the Royal Opera House (Stockholm)
  • Ms. Nancy RHODES, Director of Encompass New Opera Theater (New York)
  • Mr. Pompei Harasteanu, Artistic Director of the Bucharest Opera (Romania)
  • Mr. Rainer Zagovec, President of “Zagovec Concert” Company (Frankfurt)
  • Mr. Burhan SPAHIU, professor of canto, (Albania)
  • Ms. Nina Mula, professor of canto, (Albania)
  • Mr. Martin ANDRE, conductor (London)

President of the Festival:

Mr. Edi RAMA
Mayor of Tirana

Artistic Director and Producer:

Mrs. Zana ÇELA

Director:

Pali KUKE

Conductor:

Martin ANDRE (UK)