French festival showcases Albania’s rich musical tradition

Albania is the guest of honor at the 43rd edition of the International Classical Music Festival “Périgord Noir,” held in the picturesque Dordogne region of France.

Last weekend, the Quartet of the Armed Forces Symphony Orchestra, together with mezzo-soprano Flaka Goranci, performed at this event, which gathers artists and ensembles from around the world. Alongside Flaka Goranci, performers included Vilson Guri, Erbi Piranaj, Stela Bello, and Bashkim Kupi, CE Report quotes ATA.

“The Albanian melodies, beautifully interpreted by mezzo-soprano Flaka Goranci and the sensitive strings of the TOGHA Quartet, revealed a sound universe deeply rooted in the soul of the people. This folk repertoire celebrates love, nature, and life—universal themes conveyed through rich musical writing that is both ornate, free, and full of nostalgia,” the festival organizers said about the Albanian artists.

On August 16, the festival has reserved a literary meeting focused on the work of writer Ismail Kadare, which will be attended by Tedi Papavrami and Ornela Vorpsi. This time, Papavrami, besides being an instrumentalist, will also act as the translator of the great Albanian writer Ismail Kadare’s work. The literary discussion will be preceded by a mini concert by the young Albanian violinist (13 years old), Vesa Dume.

The concerts of this festival are held in historic churches and cultural monuments, blending music with the architectural heritage of the region.

Since 2016, the musical direction of the Périgord Noir Academy has been entrusted to the young conductor Iñaki Encina Oyón. Since 2023, the artistic direction of the festival has been entrusted to Julien Kieffer.

Périgord Noir is a region in the southeastern part of the Dordogne department in France, known for its dark forests, rich history, and cultural attractions. It is a popular tourist destination, famous for its medieval towns, castles, prehistoric sites, and gastronomy.