International Festival of Operatic Singers “Marie Kraja”
11th Edition
The 11th International Festival of Operatic Singers “Marie Kraja”

Under the Patronage of the Prime Minister Sali Berisha, the 11th Festival took place in Tirana on 30 and 31 October 2010 in the Academy of Fine Arts. About 120 singers from four continents competed in two phases. The first phase, which was the applications phase, took place from May to September 2010. 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 Radio Television 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.

All the competing singers brought to this Festival one traditional song from their original countries.

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 11th Festival were:

First Prize “Marie Kraja”Mr. Alessio Arduini, baritone (Italy)
Second PrizeMs. Pervin Chakar, soprano (Turkey)
Second PrizeMs. Alessandra Volpe, soprano (Italy)

The Jury of the 11th Festival:

  • Mr. Luca TARGETTI, Director of the Academy of La Scalla (Milan), Chair
  • Ms. Giovanna LOMAZZI, Vice President of ASLICO (Milan)
  • Ms. Danusa LUKNISOVA, “Arte Musica Italia” Agency, (Italy)
  • Mr. Hose Francisco CARRERES, Director of Murcia International Festival (Spain)
  • Ms. Mariana LEKA, soprano, Theater of Opera and Ballet (Albania)
  • Ms. Shqipe ZANI, professor of canto, Academy of Fine Arts (Albania)

President of the Festival:

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

Artistic Director and Producer:

Mrs. Zana ÇELA

Director:

Osman Mula

Conductor:

Leonardo Quadrini (Italy)