The talent and dedication of the young instrumentalists, as well as the culture of the country, with the Pristina children’s orchestra “Amadeus” under the direction of Vehbi Shosholli, are now recognized worldwide. Confirmation also comes from Vienna, at the 11th edition of the World Orchestra Festival where this orchestra received the Silver Medal. The interpretation of Lorenc Antoni’s “Malësore” was the decisive point of this success. “Like any other musician, I dream of visiting such halls, let alone performing here, it is fulfillment, achievement, pleasure and pride, for myself and my students,” said Shosholli
The Pristina Children’s Orchestra “Amadeus” has excelled in one of the world’s centers of classical music. In Vienna, at the World Orchestra Festival, it ranked second, receiving the Silver Medal. Under the leadership of conductor Vehbi Shosholli, the talent and dedication of the young instrumentalists, as well as the culture of the country, have been rewarded.
One of the three works played in the competition program, has revealed the Albanian tradition not only through melodies, but also through clothing. The orchestra in the prestigious “Golden Hall” of the “Musikverein” in Vienna first performed “Palladio” by Karl Jenkins, then the first and last movements of Haydn’s “45th Symphony”. Then, the members of the Orchestra left the stage, when they returned, their clothing was completely different. On the classical music stage, they appeared in traditional Albanian clothing.
“They are dressed in our traditional costumes from different regions and have returned to the stage to perform Lorenc Antoni’s ‘Malsore’. This is how we have created a kind of interweaving of classical music with our traditional music,” the conductor of the “Amadeus” orchestra announced.
According to conductor Vehbi Shosholli, the performance of “Amadeus” has touched the hearts of the audience and the international jury.
“The halls were full, we had parents of the instrumentalists who came to watch, but there was also an audience from different countries, especially from Vienna. This city has a culture of listening to music and the giant halls were filled with audiences. After each piece there were standing ovations, especially after ‘Malësores’,” he said in a response to KOHĦA from the Austrian capital, where they triumphed on Sunday night.
This performance has intertwined classical music and cultural identity. According to Shosholli, it was Lorenc Antoni’s “Malësorja” that was praised by the international jury.
The acting Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, has also written about the success of the “Amadeus” orchestra.
“Among dozens of orchestras from around the world, their interpretation of Lorenc Antoni’s work ‘Malësorja’, accompanied by traditional costumes from all Albanian regions, was evaluated by a prestigious international jury in a close competition and with a high artistic level,” he wrote, considering the award as proof of the dedication and level achieved by the country’s musical youth.
“The Republic of Kosovo and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports are deeply proud and committed to supporting young talents who, with passion and discipline, are taking the name of Kosovo ever higher. When our children take the stage, there is no need for big words, it is enough to hear the applause,” Kurti’s announcement on social networks further reads.
Conductor Vehbi Shosholli accepting the trophy of the World Orchestra Festival in Vienna (Photo: Arben Llapashtica)
The World Orchestra Festival was held from July 10 to 13. During this time, the orchestra from Pristina also gave concerts in famous halls in Vienna such as the “Wiener Konzerthaus”, “House of Strauss” and “KulturGarage”.
“The first concert was held at the ‘Wiener Konzerthaus’ and culminated with the one at the ‘Golden Hall’ with ten other orchestras,” said conductor Shosholli.
For him, the opportunity to perform in these prestigious institutions is a special thrill.
“Since December when we knew we were coming here, it has been an emotion indescribable in words.
Like any other musician, I dream of visiting such halls, let alone performing here, it is fulfillment, achievement, pleasure and pride, with myself and my students. The concerts have been very important. The halls where we have performed completely changed the sound of the Orchestra. The details, the finesse of the instrumentalists were heard with precision”, said Shosholli.
In other concerts, the repertoire of “Amadeus” has included “Love theme from Romeo and Juliet” by Nino Rota, “March in D major, K.215” by Mozart, “Waltz jazz suite, no.2” by Shostakovich and “And the waltz goes on” by Anthony Hopkins.
The World Orchestra Festival is organized every year in Vienna, in the summer, supported by the Austrian federal government authorities and those of the capital.
Since the first edition of the World Orchestra Festival in Vienna in 2013, orchestras from more than 40 countries such as Armenia, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, India and many others have participated in the festival.
“Since December when we knew we would be coming here, it has been an emotion indescribable in words,” said conductor Vehbi Shosholli (center).
As announced by the event itself, it “welcomes symphony orchestras, chamber music orchestras, folk music orchestras, musical bands, percussion ensembles, jazz groups, ensembles of various types to join in the rich activities of the festival.”
“Although competition is not the ultimate goal of the World Orchestra Festival, to encourage the further development of orchestras and their members, the festival offers an open and fair chance for orchestras, of their own free will, to present themselves in a competitive manner. The jury is composed of world-renowned musicians and music educators,” it further writes.
© KOHA Daily