The first Albanian opera, “Mrika,” will celebrate its fiftieth anniversary. In order to honor the first Albanian opera and its composer, “Prenk Jakova,” the association has organized a series of concerts as part of the strings ensemble “Classic Sounds” in Shkodra. The musicians will perform parts from “Mrika” and other works from Prenk Jakova.
“We’ll try to bring back the atmosphere of fifty years ago. The activity will be a week-long and aims to honor those who gave “life” to this opera. We are trying to bring together all the persons who first performed “Mrika” back in 1958, though some of them are either abroad or have passed away,” said Gjon Shllaku, director of “Prenk Jakova” association.
Prenka Jakova and the musicians of the House of Culture in Shkodra started working on “Mrika” on May 2, 1958. The premiere was to be held on November 29th but the sudden death of Zef Jubani forced the organizers postpone it until December 1st. After the premiere, “Mrika” was seen in the “Migjeni” theater in Shkodra 18 times and a year after that it was performed in Tirana. The libbreto was composed by another famous artist from Shkodra, Lazar Siliqi. The subject of the work is adapted to the philosophy of the time, where a young girl, Mrika, punishes the prejudices and old fashioned customs. The work is written in a form of classical opera with close musical sections and it is distinguished by the simple and harmonious language, with the orchestra following it. “Mrika” remains one of the most widely staged operas on the Albanian Stage.
The composer, Prenk Jakova
Prenk Jakova (1917-1969), studied clarinet at the Conservatory “Santa Cecilia” in Rome. While studying clarinet, he also learned composing. Jakova mostly wrote vocal music. With his operas “Mrika” (1958) and later “Scanderbeg” (1968), he is known as the creator of the Albanian national opera. As a composer with lyric inspiration, he wrote under the influence of the traditional Italian opera of the 19th century and in the operatic style of belcanto, at the same time involving the intonations of Albanian songs and dances.
Interesting facts about “Mrika”
It took the composer some two years to finish this opera. He started composing it on July 1956 and finished it on October 1958.
The premiere was first shown on December l, l958.
The opera was conducted by the author himself and the director of the opera was Andrea Skanjeti.
“Mrika” was staged in Tirana for the first time in February 1959, performed by the artists of the Culture House in Shkodra
The first artist to play Mrika’s role were Klotilde Shantoja and Florinda Gjergji.
The first artist of the National Opera and Ballet to play Mrika’s role was Marie Karaja.
Since 1966, the opera “Mrika” was shown in a shorter version of three acts instead of four.
Artictic program December 1st -6th 2008
Monday, December 1st 2008
18.00 hrs “Migjeni” theater Shkodra, press conference of the organizers of the jubilee
Tuesday, December 2nd 2008
17.00 hrs “Migjeni” theater, concert of the string ensemble “Classic Sound’s” – Shkodra, conducted by Anton Kaftalli
Wednesday December 3rd 2008
17.00 hrs “Migjeni” theater, concert of well-known artists from Shkodra
Thursday December 4th 2008
11.00 -18.00 hrs first night of the 8th edition of “Pjeter Gaci” contest, organized by “Pjeter Gaci” Cultural Center in Shkodra
18.00 hrs “Marin Barleti” library Shkodra concert of various invited artists
Friday December 5th 2008
17.30 – 19.00 hrs “Migjeni” theater, second night of the 8th edition of “Pjeter Gaci” contest, organized by “Pjeter Gaci” Cultural Center in Shkodra
Saturday December 6th 2008
17.00 hrs Shkodra musical band performing
18.00 hrs concert at the “Migjeni” theater, Shkodra
