Welcome to this Second Edition of ‘Notes on Albania’
Welcome to this Second Edition of ‘Notes on Albania’ which comes on the 102nd anniversary of Albanian Independence. The First Edition, held at the Royal College of Music, consisted of a group of renowned British and Albanian artists who captured the public imagination and attention.(Kliko ketu per te download Programin)
I am proud that this year’s edition will be led by the magnificent Soprano, Inva Mula, alongside British artists who are tightly linked with Albanian art and culture. The Albanian Embassy is making all of its efforts to turn ‘Notes on Albania’ in an annual event, in order to present talented, up-and-coming Albanian artists to a uniquely diverse British audience.
Through this event, the Embassy aims to exhibit a ‘Fantastic Albania’, which has through its history preserved and cultivated an ancient set of cultural influences and traditions.
I wish to express my special thanks to The Rt Hon Lord Maclennan of Rogart for sharing my dedication and enthusiasm to make this event possible. I am extremely grateful to our artists who have kindly accepted to perform for us tonight, and to demonstrate the European roots and affinities of the Albanian people and their aspiration to be fully re-united with the rest of Europe in the shortest possible period of time. Albania was granted European Union candidate status in June 2014, and the people of Albania look forward enthusiastically to full EU membership. Each of us, as an individual European, inherits a distinct cultural tradition; but these traditions are inextricably interwoven, and our respect and delight in the enjoyment of art unites us. I wish every success to the artists, and a very enjoyable evening to you, our distinguished audience.
Mal Berisha
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Albania to the Court of St. James’s
