Tenor Rame Lahaj stands out as the leading figure among his contemporaries. Hailing from Kosovo, he embarked on his artistic path at the tender age of 21, propelling himself toward a career that swiftly ascended to the global spotlight. He was the only Kosovar tenor before and after the war who stood out for his unique timbre, personality, and talent. Throughout his remarkable journey, it is noteworthy to highlight several significant accomplishments that not only serve as a testament to the talent of tenor Lahaj but also provide inspiration for the new generation.

The winner of the “Operalia” competition in 2016, directed by opera legend Placido Domingo

subsequently graced the most prominent European and international stages with his extraordinary talent. Among those are: the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, National Opera of Paris, Bolshoi Theater Moscow, Arena di Verona, Gran Teatre del Liceu, Opera Los Angeles, Teatro Real-Madrid, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Staatsoper Berlin, Haus Für Mozart-Salzburg, Opera Australia Sydney, Royal Albert Hall, Semperoper Dresden, Opera Tel Aviv, Teatro Massimo di Palermo, Teatro Petruzzelli, La Monnaie de Munt, Staatsoper Hamburg, Polish National Opera, Hungarian State Opera, Opera House in Oslo, the Finnish National Opera and others.

Mr. Lahaj received the Medal from the President of the Republic of Kosovo in recognition of his efforts in promoting Kosovo’s presence in the international opera scene, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of Independence. Additionally, the Prime Minister of Kosovo bestowed upon him the title of “Gjergj Kastrioti Skenderbeu” and appointed him as the “Global Cultural Ambassador of Kosovo to the World.”

Besides his solo career, Mr. Lahaj always aims to nurture new talent, a motive that led him to organize the first Opera Festival in the region, the Rame Lahaj International Opera Festival, the first edition of which was held in 2021, with the intention of becoming a tradition of opera culture in the country and the region. In the continuation of promoting opera culture, supporting young talents, and above all, transmitting the echo of Kosovo throughout the international arena, Tenor Lahaj established the Rame Lahaj Foundation.

Besmir Vokopola is a seasoned arts professional based in Berlin, Germany, currently serving as Institutional Partnership Manager at Enote – digital music score project.

Prior to this, he held a pivotal role as Deputy to the Artistic Direction at Palau Les Arts Reina Sofia in Valencia, Spain. His responsibilities included cultivating external relations, managing collaborations, and contributing to the long-term development of the theater’s artistic project.

In Milan, Italy, Besmir was an Artist Associate Manager at In Art Management, managing a roster of 162 artists and actively contributing to the career development of young talents through the InArt Academy project.

He has also demonstrated communication and marketing expertise at the Accademia Teatro alla Scala in Milan, contributing to fundraising events. Besmir has further international experience as an Artist Coordinator at Vox Baroque in Albania.

With a rich background that includes experiences at Teatro alla Scala, Milan, and Teatro Regio di Torino, Besmir continues to shape the cultural landscape with a commitment to excellence and innovation in classical music and the performing arts.

Rona Kokaj is a dynamic and accomplished marketing professional with a fervent dedication to event planning and community engagement. She has a degree in Marketing, she has seamlessly applied her skills and knowledge to make meaningful contributions during her time in duty as a valued employee of the Municipality of Prishtina. Rona’s commitment to driving positive change and uplifting her community is exemplified through her active participation in various events and initiatives.

In addition to her professional pursuits, Rona is the president of her own sci club, a testament to her leadership skills and commitment to fostering scientific curiosity within her community.

Furthermore, Rona brings a wealth of experience from her involvement in American projects with MCC, showcasing her versatility in working on diverse and impactful initiatives. Currently, she serves as a fundamental part of RLIOF, contributing her skills and passion for three years. Known for her curiosity and eagerness to learn, Rona demonstrates a keen interest in every aspect, going above and beyond to ensure that every detail is carefully attended to. Her unwavering commitment reflects her exceptional ability to align her professional expertise with her genuine passion for community advancement and event execution.

Blerta Sejdija is a women’s rights advocate, podcast host, and content producer. Blerta’s traditional liberal arts background complements her outstanding research expertise at the Czech Academy of Sciences. Her commitment to making a positive impact in the world is reflected in her ongoing search for novel methods to apply her knowledge and benefit the society.

The major Italian newspaper La Repubblica has defined him as a “sumptuous” bass with a “noble tone” and a “homogenous singing line.”

The Italian bass Dario Russo is specialized in Belcanto repertoire and in Teatro alla Scala (Milan), Bayerische Staatsoper (München) , Teatro San Carlo (Naples), Teatro Carlo Felice (Genoa), Gran Teatru al Liceu (Barcelona), Israeli Opera ( Tel- Aviv), Oper Köln, Aalto Theater (Essen), Teatro dell’Opera (Roma), ROH (Muscat), Teatro Regio di Parma, Concertgebouw (Amsterdam), Bela Bartok National Concert Hall (Budapest) under the baton of renowned conductors such as Fabio Luisi, Donato Renzetti, Nello Santi, Sebastian Weigle, Pier Giorgio Morandi, Jesus Lopez-Cobos, Charles Dutoit and the guidance of stage-directors like Laurent Pelly, Robert Carsen, Klaus Guth, Christof Loy, Leo Muscato, Gabriele Lavia, Davide Livermore and Damiano Michieletto he sang roles like Attila in the title role, Zaccaria (Nabucco), Conte di Walter (Luisa Miller), Henry VIII (Anna Bolena), Colline (La Boheme), Sir Giorgio (I Puritani), Timur (Turandot), Banco (Macbeth), Ramfis (Aida), Raimondo (Lucia di Lammermoor), Conte Rodolfo (La Sonnambula), Oroveso (Norma), Ferrando (Il Trovatore), Capulet (Romeo et Juliette), Padre guardiano (La forza del destino), Sparafucile (Rigoletto), Polibio (Demetrio e Polibio), Un vieillard hebreu (Samson et Dalila).

Besides the operatic activity, Dario Russo leads a prolific concert career, performing works like Puccini’s Messa di Gloria, Verdi’s Requiem, Dvorak’s Stabat Mater, Rossini’s Messe solennelle and Stabat Mater, Mozart’s Requiem, Schubert’s Winterreise and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D minor Op. 125, Mendelssohn’s Die erste Walpurgisnacht Op. 60.

Renowned artist Elda Laro, a versatile talent in conducting, piano, and chamber music, began her prodigious journey as a child prodigy in Scutari, Albania. With an early performance of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto no.1 at 11, Elda emerged as one of Albania’s most promising musicians.

Recipient of an overseas scholarship, Elda studied under renowned pianist Remo Remoli in Turin, Italy. Currently, she serves as a coach, pianist, and staff conductor at Deutsche Oper, Berlin, collaborating with world-class musicians.

Elda’s diverse experiences include conducting at Teatro Massimo Bellini, debuting operas, and directing from the harpsichord. Fluent in five languages and equipped with extensive training, her contributions extend to solo performances, acclaimed recordings, and collaborations with distinguished artists.

Elda Laro’s upcoming engagements include live-streamed concerts, a return to the Opera Theater of Tirana, and performances at the Festival “Mik” in Korça. Her commitment to sharing expertise is reflected in regular masterclasses.

In brief, Elda Laro’s prodigious talent, early achievements, and ongoing contributions make her a distinguished figure in the classical music landscape.

Distinguished composer, musicologist, and ethno-musicologist of Albanian-national and international renown. His creative work and research appear in all genres and types of musical expression: vocal, instrumental, symphonic etc. Winner of some of the most important national and international musical prizes. Outstanding representative and promoter of musical developments in Albania and abroad during the last three decades, as the country shed its totalitarian past. For his musical creations, he has chosen to explore major themes related to the mythological concept of human justice (his opera, Eumenides, is based on motifs from Eschylus’ well-known play, as they are expressed in Ismail Kadare’s Albanian translation); to heroic European Renaissance characters (his opera, Gjergj Kastrioti – Skënderbeu kryezot, based on motifs from archbishop Fan S. Noli’s historiographic work, was awarded first prize in the pan-Albanian competition held on the occasion of the 550th anniversary of Gjergj Kastrioti’s death). The musical language of his work revisits, with striking originality, the archaic European polyphony models (isopolyphony) included in UNESCO’s human cultural heritage list. He is especially known for the creative use of cluster iso, hidden polyphony, folk serialism, rigid polypentatonies, fractuses and kabas, prefabricated melodic cells and other musical techniques, which he has deployed in a series of works, from 1993 to today. A renowned musicologist and member of the Academy of Sciences of Albania since 2008, he holds a Doctor of Science degree in the field (1994) and the title of Professor in composition. He has authored over 20 research books and dozens of scientific articles published in Albanian and other languages, forging new paths in musicology and ethnomusicology. Professor of folk music in both undergraduate and graduate programs and advisor of a series of doctorate theses, he has also directed several national and international projects. For many years, he has led national and international institutions, such as the Music Council (member of IMC/UNESCO), ODEA, Academy of Arts and Heritage and been a board member of similar organizations. His life and work are included in: MGG-Die Musik in Geschichte und Gegenwart, the biographical encyclopedia in 17 volumes, Bärenreiter, Gjermani (2009); The Harvard Dictionary of Music (by Michael Randel, Harvard University Press Reference Library, November 2003); The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians (second edition, by George Leotsakos, 2001, London Macmillan, 2001), “Albanian Encyclopaedic Dictionary” etc.

David Lomelí is a trailblazing Latino artist who has achieved several historic firsts in the world of opera. He was the first Hispanic to hold the position of Head of Casting at a top 5 opera company in the world, and the first Latino to occupy a top artistic position at a Level 1 opera company in the US. Lomelí has also been recognized for his work as Chief Artistic Officer at the Santa Fe Opera, where he oversaw the company’s artistic output and helped win “Festival of the Year” at the International Opera Awards in 2022. As a world-renowned tenor, Lomelí has performed with many leading companies and received numerous awards and honors. He is also proud of his work with The Dallas Opera’s Hart Institute for Women Conductors, which recruited hundreds of conductors and administrators from around the world.

The artist, originally from Hong Kong, has performed in the most renowned opera houses, and his impressive repertoire includes over 60 roles. In 2012, he was part of the tour of the ‘Three Tenors’ that promoted Chinese culture worldwide, along with Dai Yuqiang and Wei Song.
He is the Artistic Director of Opera Hong Kong and the Fujian Grand Theater and Zhuhai Huafa Grand Theater. Mok is a recipient of prestigious awards and honorary titles from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and Hong Kong Baptist University, as well as international awards from Italy and France.

Inva Mula (born 27 June 1963) is an Albanian opera lyric soprano. She began her soprano career at a very early age. She is also known for providing the voice of the diva Plavalaguna in the film The Fifth Element. She received an award at Plácido Domingo’s first Operalia International Opera Competition in Paris, 1993.

Sascha Goetzel is an accomplished conductor with a dynamic and charismatic presence on stage. He is recognized for his multifaceted abilities as an orchestra builder, creative programmer, entrepreneur, educator, and advocate for musicians and artists. His remarkable talents have led to numerous appointments, including his recent selection as Music Director of the Orchestre National des Pays de la Loire in late 2021, where he will serve for an initial four-year term beginning in September 2022. Additionally, he has been chosen as the Music Director of the NYO-CAN, the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, and will take up the post starting in the summer of 2022.

Sislej Xhafa (born 1970 in Peja, Kosovo) is an Kosovar contemporary artist, based in New York. In a Hatje Cantz Verlag monograph about the artist, art critic Guido Molinari writes “The condition of relentless traveler, throughout the West and beyond, allows Sislej Xhafa to keep in constant touch with current social, economic and aesthetic shifts and pour these back into his own works. The relationship between him and these international mutations is void of any rhetoric or politically correct solutions. It takes shape, rather, through the development of complex, but mainly light, conceptual strategies. Approaching humor at times, by means of a clear-cut point of view reversal or unexpected elaboration on a simple stereotype, the work offers an insight into the core of social unease without triggering rejection mechanisms. Xhafa’s aim, indeed, is to give our minds tiny rushes of energy, without the deadlock of excess shock value.” He is represented by Galleria Continua, San Gimignano / Beijing / Le Moulin.

Fadil Berisha is an Albanian-American photographer based in New York City. Fadil was born in Kosovo in 1960, and migrated to New York City at the age of nine where he would soon discover his passion for photography, fashion and beauty. Prior to his arrival in NYC, Fadil moved to Italy for a year in 1968 where he started to develop his passion for beauty and art. Fadil attended the Fashion Institute of Technology and studied Men’s Fashion Design and Photography. Following college, Fadil met a photographer by the name of Donna DeMari, who would later change his life. She further helped Fadil realize his passion and love for beauty. After meeting and working with Donna, Fadil moved back to Italy and worked as a fashion stylist for a year – where he discovered his true eye for photography. After migrating back to New York City in 1982, Fadil began his successful career as a fashion and beauty photographer. Alongside his 35+ year profession as a photographer, Fadil has cultivated a career as a philanthropist, humanitarian, creative director and editor.

Born in Pfeffikon, Switzerland, on September 30, 1958, Thomas Kolly is a seasoned diplomat with extensive international experience. He holds a Master’s in Law from the University of Fribourg, a Master’s in European Studies from the College of Europe in Bruges, and is an Attorney-at-Law.

From 2020 to 2023, Mr. Kolly served as the Swiss Ambassador to Kosovo, following roles as Ambassador to Pakistan and Afghanistan (2017–2020), Spain and Andorra (2013–2017), and Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador (2010–2013). He also led the International Affairs Department at the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (2005–2010) and was Head of Division at the Directorate of European Affairs (2002–2005).

With fluency in German, French, English, Spanish, and Dutch, Mr. Kolly’s career reflects a deep commitment to diplomacy and fostering international relations across the globe

Admir Doçi is one of the most innovative guitarists of his generation. His interpretations are acclaimed for their virtuosity, their big dynamic range, the technical mastery and for their artistic maturity from the press all over the world. From 2018 he works as a guest professor at Conservatorio Statale di Musica “Giuseppe Verdi” di Torino (Italy) and on 2019 he has been appointed professor of the didactic of the guitar at Conservatorio della Svizzera italiana in Lugano.

Lorik Agim Cana is an Albanian former professional footballer. He is currently the Grassroots ambassador for children’s football in Albania, named by the Albanian Football Association on 26 October 2017.

Nora Visoka-Weller is an internationally renowned expert on cultural heritage protection and art law. She is based at the University of Cambridge, Division of Archaeology and the Cultural Heritage Research Centre. She holds a distinguished position as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) in London, and serves as an advisor to the United Nations, the European Union and the Vatican’s Sant’Edigio Community. She has spent long periods in the Balkans, Middle East, Cyprus, Italy and South Africa, professionally affiliated with the governments and international organisations. Nora has directed and curated several international exhibitions and worked closely with artists from United Kingdom, USA, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Serbia, Kosovo and Italy. She has published internationally on the state of arts and museums in post-war countries, cultural heritage and conflict, and creative spaces in war zones. She is passionate about music and language as a means to become closely intimate with a new culture. Nora studied Law at Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge, Archaeological Heritage and Museums at Selwyn College, University of Cambridge, Conflict Transformation at School for International Training Graduate Institute in Vermont (USA), Transitional Justice at University of Capetown and Art Law with Sotheby’s Institute in Los Angeles.

Jean-Romain Vesperini is a successful stage director who studied acting and singing in Paris and London. He collaborated with renowned directors and worked in major Opera Houses such as La Scala, Paris and Lyon Opera, Bolshoi Opera, and Salzburg Festspiele. In 2012, he started his own company and became a producer of his own theatrical shows, staging productions of The Lady from the sea, Two Brothers, The Labour of life, Quadrille, among others. He also became artistic director of Les Nuits de Corté festival in Corsica and staged several operas. He is known for his expertise in music and dramaturgy and has worked with famous artists such as Sir Antonio Pappano, Zubin Mehta, and Myung-Whun Chung.

Vito Maria Brunetti was the vocal coach of the “New Generation” Masterclass on singing techniques and operistic interpretation on behalf of RLIOF 1st edition. He worked with the young aspiring opera singers giving individual and collective lessons about breathing, movement and repertoire. Mr. Brunetti started his teaching career in 1980 near the Conservatory of Bolzano. As a lyric soloist he has had his debut in “Così fan tutte” at “La Fenice” theater in Venice and has performed in productions of operas such as “Don Carlo”, “Don Pasquale”, “Lucia di Lammermoor”, “Macbeth” amongst others.

Matteo Pais is an accomplished pianist and vocal coach who currently serves as the Artistic Coordinator at the Arturo Toscanini Foundation in Parma. He is also a regular coach for young singers and pianists on Italian operatic repertoire with the Opera Studio of the Opera di Firenze and the Semperoper Dresden. In his previous roles, he has worked as a guest repetiteur at the Semperoper Dresden, collaborated with the Baden Baden Festspiele, and served as the Assistant to the Artistic Director at the Festival della Valle d’Itria. He has given masterclasses for young artists at the Theater an der Wien studio and Oberlin College of arts, and was a vocal coach for the Young Singers’ Project of the Salzburger Festspiele.

Qëndrim Gashi is an associate professor of Mathematics at the University of Prishtina. He has given talks on his research at many universities. He is the founder and first President (2008-2012) of the Kosovar Mathematical Society. From 2016-2021 he was Kosovo’s ambassador to France. In 2011 he served as a foreign policy advisor to the President of Kosovo, Ms. Atifete Jahjaga. Qëndrim has served in supervisory boards of various private and state institutions and think tanks. He has won scholarships, awards and honors for his research and teaching. In 2022 he received the insignia of Commander of the French Legion of Honor. He has a PhD (2008) and MS (2004) from the University of Chicago, an MA St (2003) from the University of Cambridge, and a Diploma (2002) from the University of Prishtina, all in mathematics.

Michael Morelli is the CEO and Owner of Crescendi Artists, an acclaimed international agency of leading opera singers, instrumentalists, conductors and stage directors working on large international scale collaborating with many of the world’s leading opera houses, festivals and orchestras since more than 15 years. Morelli is also working as author, teacher and coach, being among others the co-author of the first book ever written in Danish language of famous Italian opera composer Giacomo Puccini.

Ilze Sprancmane is an opera casting adviser from Riga, Latvia. She worked as a Casting Director at the Latvian National Opera in Riga from 2005 to 2020 and has served as a jury member and casting manager in numerous international auditions for vocalists. Ms Sprancmane has casted several renowned performances and worked with many prominent singers. She is a graduate of the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music and has a MA degree in Cultural Management from the Latvian Academy of Culture.

Rasim Merlaku is a visionary serial entrepreneur and the founder and co-owner of Marigona Group, a diverse business conglomerate comprising over 20 companies across multiple industries, including food, construction, sanitary products, furniture, hospitality, professional services, tourism, transportation, and education.

Under his leadership, Marigona Group has launched landmark projects such as Marigona Residence, Marigona Tower, Marigona Hill, Marigona Sun, and Sarajeva Steakhouse, further cementing his reputation as a leading investor in Kosovo and the region.

Rasim has also guided his family business, Vitaminka Trade, to become one of the most important distribution companies for food and confectionery products in the region. Additionally, he established a modern production facility dedicated to creating healthy, wellness-focused products for global markets.

Beyond his business accomplishments, Rasim serves as the Honorary Consul of the Republic of North Macedonia in Kosovo. He is also a passionate art collector, a committed supporter of humanitarian and sports initiatives, and an active ultra-marathon runner and mountaineer.

Shaip Mikullovci, born in Vushtrri on January 6, 1984, is an Albanian entrepreneur with a business tradition. He is the chairman of the Board of the Group in the companies he owns: Interex, Emona Group, IP Petrol, and Shell Kosovo, as well as the shopping centers in Pristina, Peja, and Drenas. He is known for his innovation and humanitarian efforts, playing a key role in the economic development of Kosovo. He and the Mikullovci family are recognized for their significant philanthropic and humanitarian contributions to improving local communities.

Aida is a soul with a deep passion for storytelling and artistic expression. With a background in psychology and a master’s degree in journalism, she combines analytical insight with creativity to craft compelling narratives.

Her experience as a translator and interpreter has further refined her ability to bridge languages and cultures, ensuring clarity and nuance in communication. Beyond her professional work, her love for poetry and music serves as a powerful outlet for exploring emotions and the human experience. She believes in the fusion of different creative forms and actively seeks ways to blend journalism, literature, and artistic collaboration.

Whether through insightful reporting, precise translation, or evocative poetry, her work aims to inform, connect, and inspire.

Bujar Musa is a prominent Kosovar entrepreneur and investor known for his impactful contributions across telecommunications, insurance, and media sectors. He is the co-founder and co-owner of Fundway LLC, a diversified investment company with stakes in several influential ventures, including SCARDIAN J.S.C., a leading insurance provider in Kosovo. Musa’s strategic vision and business acumen have positioned him as a key figure in Kosovo's economic and media landscape.