The fourth edition of the RLIOF Festival was a captivating celebration of music, featuring five distinct concert evenings and an art exhibition. The festival opened with the exhibition “Athua ëndërr ishe ti” showcasing some of the masterpieces of Kosovar Artists, from the private collection of the businessman Rasim Mrlaku. 

Following,  the “Nexhmije Pagarusha” night, where Egyptian mezzo-soprano Farrah El Dibany performed iconic Albanian songs, joined by Kosovo sopranos Adelina Thaçi and Kaltrina Miftari, and Albanian baritone Artur Vera. Accompanied by Keli band and their creative orchestrations of the iconic songs, we paid tribute to the legendary Artist of Kosovo. 

“Opera Night” was a special dedication to lyrical art and love. The Italian duo, soprano Sara Rossini and tenor Riccardo Della Sciucca, accompanied by pianist Ardita Bufaj, delivered an unforgettable performance celebrating the most sublime human emotion—love. This evening also honored the 100th anniversary of the passing of G. Puccini, one of the greatest composers of all time, whose masterpieces were devoted to love, aligning with this year’s RLIOF theme, “T’knoft zemra.” It was an emotional and artistic journey.

During the “Ensemble Evening,” the audience was treated to an exceptional performance of classic jazz and swing, led by the talented singer and pianist Sam Jewison. He was accompanied by Harry Evans on double bass and trumpet, and Joe Dessauer on drums, creating a memorable and captivating musical experience.

Another highlight was the “New Generation” evening, which showcased the rising stars of opera, concluding a masterclass led by Professor Dario Russo and guest Matteo Pais from ‘Academia del Maggio Musicale.’ This evening marked the culmination of an intensive week of work, where young talents, accompanied by pianist Laura Lila, brought a special repertoire to life, demonstrating their growth and potential on stage.

The festival culminated in the Gala Night “Rame Lahaj & Friends,” a spectacular three-hour event that offered the audience a rich program of classical music, featuring the most renowned operatic works performed by the three tenors: Rame Lahaj, Charles Castronovo, and Murat Karahan. In addition to these world-renowned singers, this year’s festival was honored by the presence of conductor Sascha Goetzel and the Kosovo Opera Orchestra. With high artistic interpretation and captivating energy, in the presence of a warm and appreciative audience, the three tenors delivered an unforgettable performance that will remain long in the memory of all who attended.