The sixth edition of the Rame Lahaj International Opera Festival (RLIOF) was a vibrant celebration of music, art, and cultural exchange, presenting a diverse 26-day programme from 4 to 29 July 2026 across several cities in Kosovo. From opera and jazz to Albanian music, visual art, education, and performances in public spaces, the festival brought internationally acclaimed artists and emerging talents closer to audiences throughout the country.

Following the opening of the festival with a concert by the legendary Albanian rock band “Minatori” and the exhibition “Before Beauty / After Beauty” by internationally renowned photographer Fadil Berisha, the programme continued with a series of unique artistic experiences. As part of the festival’s educational programme, Fadil Berisha, in collaboration with Artan Korenica, led a Photography Masterclass dedicated to young photographers, providing a space for learning, creative exchange, and professional development.

“Open Mic Karaoke Night” – For the first time, RLIOF opened its stage directly to the public with an evening dedicated to participation, music, and community. At Zahir Pajaziti Square in Prishtina, audiences had the opportunity to perform their favourite songs alongside professional artists, creating an open and festive atmosphere where everyone could become part of the show.

“Nexhmije Pagarusha” Nights – One of the festival’s most beloved traditions continued with three special evenings dedicated to the legendary Nexhmije Pagarusha, travelling across Prishtina, Ferizaj, and Istog. Under the artistic arrangements of Shpëtim Saraçi, artists Alma Bektashi, Liridon Sadriu, Malvina Likaj, and Samir Shehu, accompanied by the Pagarusha Band, presented a carefully curated repertoire celebrating the legacy of one of the most iconic voices in Albanian music. The performances paid tribute to Pagarusha’s timeless artistic heritage, honouring the spirit of her original work while bringing her music to new audiences through a contemporary interpretation.

“Vocal Masterclass” with Dario Russo – The educational dimension of RLIOF continued with an intensive six-day masterclass led by Italian bass-baritone Dario Russo. Young singers from Kosovo, Albania, and beyond gathered in Prishtina to deepen their vocal technique, artistic expression, and stage presence, benefiting from the guidance and experience of an internationally established opera artist.

A new and distinctive element of this edition was the collaboration with Gerry Lanzafame, who guided the participants through a series of breathing, body-awareness, and physical preparation exercises. His work encouraged the young singers to explore the deeper connection between the body, breath, voice, and interpretation, offering them a broader perspective on the art and philosophy of singing.

“Young Classics” – The festival continued its commitment to emerging talent with an evening dedicated to young classical music performers. Young Classics created a platform where promising artists could share their talent, dedication, and artistic development with the public.

“Ensemble Evening” – Italian ensemble Cosimo and the Hot Coals brought the vibrant spirit of Hot Jazz and New Orleans Jazz to Prishtina. Their performance revisited the distinctive sounds and rhythms of the 1920s through an energetic contemporary interpretation, offering audiences a musical experience beyond the traditional opera repertoire.

“New Generation” – Following the completion of the intensive Vocal Masterclass with Dario Russo, the young participating artists took the stage for “New Generation”, presenting a selection of operatic repertoire and showcasing the progress, confidence, and artistic growth achieved throughout their training. The experience was further enriched by the work of Gerry Lanzafame, whose guidance on breathing, body awareness, and the connection between physical presence, voice, and interpretation offered the singers a deeper understanding of performance. The evening celebrated the emerging generation of opera artists and reflected RLIOF’s commitment to providing young voices with meaningful opportunities for artistic development and professional performance.

“Opera Night” – One of the central evenings of the festival brought together two distinguished voices of the international opera scene: Venezuelan tenor Jorge Puerta and Kosovo soprano Elbenita Kajtazi, accompanied on piano by Jess Rucinski. Their carefully curated programme celebrated the beauty and diversity of the classical operatic repertoire, creating an unforgettable evening for the Prishtina audience.

Gala Night “Rame Lahaj & Friends” – The sixth edition of RLIOF culminated in its signature event, “Rame Lahaj & Friends,” transforming Skënderbeu Square in Prishtina into a grand open-air stage. Under the direction of Italian conductor Giuseppe Finzi, internationally acclaimed artists Vanessa Goikoetxea, Štěpanka Pučálková, Luca Pisaroni, and Rame Lahaj came together for an extraordinary evening of opera.

The gala featured a selection of some of the most celebrated works from the international operatic repertoire, bringing together artists from different countries, musical traditions, and cultural backgrounds. Thousands of audience members gathered in the heart of Prishtina to experience an evening that celebrated the universal language of music.

With its combination of international excellence, emerging talent, Albanian musical heritage, education, and community engagement, the sixth edition of RLIOF once again demonstrated the festival’s vision of making art accessible, creating dialogue, and connecting Kosovo with the international cultural scene.

Under the festival’s powerful motto, “Play Music, Not War,” RLIOF reaffirmed its belief that music transcends borders, brings people together, inspires new generations, and builds bridges between cultures.