International Festival of Operatic Singers “Marie Kraja”
10th Edition
The 10th International Festival of Operatic Singers “Marie Kraja”

The Festival took place in Tirana on 7 and 8November 2009under the patronage of the Prime Minister, SaliBerisha. More than100 singers from five continents competed during the several phases of selection. The first phase, which was the applications phase, took place from May to September 2009. The selection phase qualified 18 singers to continue their competition during the two days of the Festival in Tirana. The first night of the Festival was a competition of all 18 singers accompanied by the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Academy of Arts directed by the Austrian conductor, Claudio Buschler. 10 singers competed in the final night for three big Prizes.

Distinguished guest artists who were invited to the Festival, performed for the public with high standards. The Festival was put live on the Albanian Public Television through a terrestrial and satellite transmission in Europe and North America.

The Prize winners of the 10th Festival were:

First Prize “Marie Kraja”Ms. Evis Mula, soprano (Albania)
Second PrizeMr. Francesco Landolfi, baritone (Italy)
Third PrizeMs. Michelle Trovato, soprano (USA)

The Jury of the 10th Festival:

  • Mr. Joan MATABOSCH, Director of Gran TeatredelLiceu of Barcelona, Chair
  • Mr. Luca TARGETTI, Artistic Director of Teatro La Scalla (Milan)
  • Mr. Hein MULDERS, Artistic Director of the Dutch Opera (Amsterdam)
  • Mr. Nicholas PAYNE, Director of Opera Europa (Brussels)
  • Ms. Giovanna LOMAZZI, Vice President of ASLICO (Milan)
  • Ms. Danusa LUKNISOVA, “Arte Musica Italia” Agency, (Italy)
  • Mr. Burhan SPAHIU, professor of canto, (Albania)
  • Mr. Andreas TSELIKAS, conductor of Athens Philharmonic Orchestra (Greece)
  • Mr. Baki JASHARI, Director of Pristina Philharmonics, (Kosovo)
  • Ms. Suzana FRASHERI, professor of canto, (Albania)

President of the Festival:

Mr. Ferdinand XHAFERRI
Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports

Artistic Director and Producer:

Mrs. Zana ÇELA

Director:

Pali KUKE

Conductor:

Claudio BUSCHLER (Austria)