Albanian investor Sadik Llapashtica, one of the organizers of the much-expected Vienna Philharmonic Ensemble concert in Tirana, says it was not tough convincing Shkelzen Doli when it comes to contributing to Albanian art.
Below is an interview Mr. Llapashtica gave with Tirana Times.
– Violin virtuoso Shkelzen Doli returns to Tirana with a performance on Jan. 2, soon after the famous Vienna Philharmonic concert. How did you manage to convince Shkelzen and the other artists for this performance after a tight agenda only 24 hours after the world’s most watched concert?
It is not tough convincing Shkelzen Doli when it comes to contributing to Albanian art. Shkelzen is in love with Albanian music and culture and this strong desire makes him overcome every difficulty and barrier. I would like to stress that the support by the Albanian ministry of culture and the Austrian embassy in Tirana through its ambassador Mr. Johann Sattler was key in this achievement to bring Doli to Tirana.
How is this concert being received and is it a good omen to have more high-level performances in Tirana during 2017 by Albanian artists shining on international stage?
As expected and as it’s actually happening, the expectations are very high. This is once again proof that our nation and its love for arts and music can be home to wonderful world-class artists such as Shkelzen Doli. Of course, I am hopeful we will have more classy performances in Tirana.
What is the message the concert conveys and as far as you’re informed how much are Albanian motifs involved in it?
The message is clear and perfect. Classical music and the Vienna New Year atmosphere in Tirana so that we can mark the New Year with more hope and inspiration for a happier and more optimistic life toward European integration. At the concert break, there will be some video shootings from Albanian territories and landscape accompanied by the wonderful sounds of Doli’s violin including his Arberesha (The Arberesh woman), Albanian Soul and Baresha (The Shepherdess). Not wanting to unveil more details about what exactly is going to happen at the concert, I would like to assure you that it will be something amazing.
What’s the impact of this concert on Albania as a business and tourist destination, especially from the point of view of Austria as one of the key supporters of Albania from its independence to present day in its road to Euro-Atlantic integration?
The impact will undoubtedly be positive in all aspects including promoting Albania as a tourist destination. I would once again like to stress that the Austrian embassy’s support has been fundamental and this makes me hopeful that we must try to turn this unique art event into an annual tradition and through the transfer of Vienna’s multidimensional atmosphere to Tirana also meet our obligations in the Euro-Atlantic integration.
