The 20th International Festival of Operatic Singers “Marie Kraja”

The 20th Festival took place in Tirana at the Theatre of Opera and Ballet on March 27, 28, and 29, 2024.  Around 300 singers applied for their participation, and joined our auditions. 16 singers were qualified to the semifinals phase of the Festival that took place in Tirana. During the semifinals on March 28th and 29thall singers presented one aria in each of the two semi final nights. The final took place on March 29 with 8 qualified singers from the semifinals competing with their best aria. In parallel to this competition, singers also competed for a song prize with the most famous repertoire of world classic song legends. During the whole competition, singers were accompanied by the National Radio & televiziosion station Orchestra directed by the british conductor, Martin André.

This Festival was broadcast live on the Top Channel through a terrestrial and satellite broadcast for Europe and North America. Famous guest artists were invited to perform during the Festival. Media dedicated great interest, and promoted the Festival through TV reports and interviews with the artists, producers, etc.

The Prize winners of the 20th Festival were:

The Jury of the 20th Festival:

• Ms. Cecilia Gasdia, General Manager and Artistic Director of Arena di Verona Foundation
• Ms. Zana Çela, Founder of the International Opera Festival “Marie Kraja”, Tirana
• Mr. Alessandro Ariosi, President of “Ariosi Artists Management”, Los Angeles
• Mr. Christoph Seuferle , Director of the Deutsche Oper of Berlin
• Mr. Tobias Hasan, Director of the Staatsoper Unter Den Linden of Berlin
• Ms. Karen Stone, Director General of “Opera Europa”, Brussels
• Ms. Julia Lagahuzère, Director General of “Opera for Peace”, Paris
• Ms. Ervis Gega, Artistic Director of the Foundation Villa Musica Rheinland-Pfalz
• Mr. John Allison, Editor of the Opera Magazine, London 
• Ms. Vikena Kamenica, first soloist of the National Theatre of Opera of Albania

President of the Festival: Zana Çela

Director of Festival: Klejvis Saliaj

Artistic Director and Conductor: Martin André (UK)

Producer: Association "Culture-Media- Arts" ©2024

Stage Director: Redi Treni