RLIOF Foundation | Rame Lahaj International Opera Festival

Rame Lahaj Foundation was established with the aim of promoting and cultivating genuine music in Kosovo, finding new talents and developing their potential, while also researching and perfecting the knowledge on music as a whole, focusing on opera singing in particular.

All this is possible by bringing to Kosovo masters from all over the world to lecture during masterclasses of RLIOF, where bridges of collaboration are built between both young artists and those in their prime careers with various opera studios. The Foundation also helps to cover the school tuition of distinguished talents who come as a result of the masterclasses and the RLIOF festival.

Rame Lahaj Foundation has a direct impact on the Kosovo Philharmonic and Kosovo Opera, by bringing internationally renowned conductors, operas singers and instrumentalists who share their experiences with local and regional artists and students.

Rame Lahaj Foundation, in close cooperation with the Municipality of Prishtina, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other Kosovo institutions, as well as with private partners such as Raiffeisen Leasing in Kosovo and Scardian Insurance Company, provides and offers great contribution in creating and educating cadres and shaping the new troupe of the Kosovo Opera, bringing necessary artists and assisting with everything that this institution needs in its beginnings and the journey towards being as solid as possible.

Eja festo me ne 2025

The warm and emotional atmosphere that accompanied us at the end of this year in the “Mother Teresa” Cathedral, together with the children of the “Amadeus” Choir and Orchestra and the children from the ZË Organization, remains vividly alive in our memories. These were moments of joy, moments when the children’s energy, transformed into music, brought the audience together and made us all part of a true celebration of the year-end holidays.

We moved from heartfelt festive songs to the lively sounds of a Can-Can, and further to rhythms infused with Spanish colors, a diverse program that brought smiles and emotion at every step.

On stage, what we believe in and cherish was clearly visible: that every child, regardless of ability, has their own place, feels accepted, belongs, and becomes one with others. Because music allows us to speak a single language, and where there were once boundaries, today artistic embraces are created.

Ethnic Horizons

“Ethnic Horizons” became a clear testament to the power of music. Its ability to heal, to build bridges beyond borders, and to exchange musical traditions. In the warm setting of Hotel Garden, the audience experienced an intimate journey in which the sounds of Georgian traditions intertwined with inspirations from other cultures, creating a musical voyage that transcended conventional boundaries.

The centerpiece of the evening was Georgian artist Luka Tsiklauri, who through his voice, distinctive style, and soulful interpretation created an atmosphere that touched the hearts of those present. The highlight of his performance came when Luka sang in Albanian the songs “Vijnë vaporat” and “Moj e bukura More.” The evening was brought to completion when our tenor Rame Lahaj joined Luka Tsiklauri on stage, closing the night with warm and heartfelt emotions.

Gjelat në Pentagram

From September 2 to 11, the Rame Lahaj Foundation organized the activity “Gjelat në Pentagram”, a program dedicated especially to children, those who represent the future of every nation, who judge with sincerity, experience everything without filters, and embrace the world with open hearts. With that same purity, they also embraced the sounds of classical music.

Since its establishment, the mission of the Rame Lahaj Foundation has been to bring people closer to classical and operatic music, making it accessible to everyone. For this reason, we have not remained only in big cities or major cultural centers of Kosovo, but have traveled to places where art and classical music often do not reach directly. Wherever we have gone, we have brought new emotions and unique experiences.

Joining us on this journey were artists from Germany, such as the group PasParTout, the narrator Uresa, and the singer Anita Kerhani. Each day, together with them, we created unforgettable moments for children who listened, felt, and grew spiritually through the power of classical music.

And all that jazz

It was a magical night, where music and passion for culture were shared among friends, collaborators and people who believe in the power of art to change lives. We had the honor of welcoming the President of the country, Vjosa Osmani Sadriu, and the Mayor of Prishtina, Përparim Rama, who expressed their appreciation for our work and vision for the future. In this spirit of cooperation, Mayor Rama honored us with a special gratitude, appreciating the Foundation’s impact on the artistic and cultural community. This night would not be the same without the support of our institutional and private partners, who help us continue this journey. Thanks to you, Kosovo’s emerging and established talents have a platform where they can grow, shine, and share their art with the world. As the sounds of jazz and the emotion of the present filled the hall, we were reminded once again why art is so important: it brings people together, inspires souls, and creates memories that last forever.

Eja festo me ne 2024

Rame Lahaj Foundation hosted a special event at the Mother Teresa Cathedral in Prishtina.

The “Okarina” Children’s Choir and the “Amadeus” Children’s Choir and Orchestra joined forces to present a beautiful festive program filled with joy and musical magic. From the beloved sounds of Christmas carols to the timeless works of J. Strauss and Tchaikovsky, the evening offered a musical journey that captivated everyone in attendance. To make it even more special, the appearance of Santa Claus surprised all the well-behaved children, bringing them gifts and smiles! The Rame Lahaj Foundation continues to inspire by supporting young artists and nurturing the development of new audiences, contributing to the cultural future of Kosovo. We’re sharing with you some unforgettable moments from last week at the cathedral. With the angelic sounds of children’s voices, we wish you all a happy, peaceful New Year filled with art and great music!

Pasión y Tango 2024

Through the evening of “Pasión y Tango,” the Rame Lahaj Foundation brought an unforgettable experience filled with magic and passion to the audience in Prishtina.

Amid the golden colors of autumn and the warm November atmosphere at Stepia d’Arra, attendees had the opportunity to experience a fascinating combination of passionate melodies and the powerful sounds of tango through the extraordinary performances of Pierre Sabaté and M’hamed El Menjra.

The devoted and masterful performances of the two artists, in singing and guitar, stirred deep emotions and created a unique atmosphere, taking the audience on a spiritual journey into the world of tango and the streets of Buenos Aires, Paris, and Argentina. This elegant evening will remain a special memory for all participants, demonstrating the power of music to create magical moments and special connections with the audience.

The evening of “Pasión y Tango” was enriched by the young Kosovar artist Andra Rexhepi, whose passionate performance added to the magic of the night. The Rame Lahaj Foundation remains committed to supporting talents by offering them opportunities for international artistic exchanges.

Muzika përtej mureve

For the first time in Kosovo, the Rame Lahaj Foundation brought the magic of classical music to the Juvenile Correctional Center – Lipjan, the Women’s Correctional Center – Lipjan, and the Dubrava Correctional Center, giving those living behind the walls of these institutions the opportunity to experience freedom on a spiritual level through art.

Through the extraordinary performance of soprano Kaltrina Miftari and pianist Lirika Pula, they conveyed love and endless emotions, proving that art can touch every heart, regardless of boundaries.

OPERA NË RROTA

From September 15 to 20, 2024, the visionary cultural project “Opera në rrota” toured across Kosovo, visiting cities like Prishtina, Istog, Gjilan, Gjakova, Peja, and Mitrovica. Designed to engage young audiences, the project brought operatic performances directly to children and young people, aiming to inspire a love for classical music and opera while building future audiences. The program featured a curated selection of operatic masterpieces from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods, including works by Henry Purcell, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, George Frideric Handel, and Gaetano Donizetti.

A talented artistic team led the performances, including soprano Kaltrina Miftari, soprano Anita Kerhani, soprano Fiona Llapashtica, countertenor Safet Berisha and baritone Harris Bajraktari, accompanied by pianist Laura Lila. Through their dynamic performances, they brought the timeless themes of love, nature, and human emotions to life. To further enrich the experience, narrator Uresa Ahmeti and actor Edon Shileku contributed to creating a vibrant and immersive artistic journey.

“Opera në rrota” was not only a celebration of lyrical art but also a significant effort by Kosovo’s artistic community to cultivate cultural appreciation in the younger generation, ensuring that opera remains a vital part of the country’s artistic landscape for years to come.

Educating the Audience of the Future 2024

The event “Edukimi i publikut të së ardhmes”, which took place at Hyperactive as part of the Rame Lahaj International Opera Festival, was a unique blend of music and interactive education. A small orchestra performed well-known classical pieces, providing children with the opportunity to engage directly with the music. The young audience not only listened but also interacted with musicians, learning about various instruments and musical concepts in a fun and engaging way. Organized by Fondacioni Rame Lahaj, this initiative played an important role in the foundation’s goal of fostering audience development and creating an educational platform in Kosovo. By combining the arts with education, the event aimed to inspire curiosity and creativity in children, ensuring a future generation with a deep appreciation for culture and music. The event was a meaningful step towards building a cultural education framework in the country, aligning with the broader mission of the foundation to enrich Kosovo’s artistic landscape.

MASTERCLASS AT RLIOF 4:

Embracing Diversity and Artistic Growth

Fiona Llapashtica, a talented young artist from Vienna, brought her vibrant energy to the Rame Lahaj International Opera Festival (RLIOF) during its fourth edition. She participated in the masterclass, where she showcased her artistic potential, describing it as one of the best experiences in her journey. Fiona’s participation highlighted the festival’s commitment to inclusivity, welcoming artists from all communities and backgrounds. For RLIOF, breaking down barriers and fostering a diverse, welcoming environment for aspiring artists is a key part of its mission to inspire the next generation.

Working session WITH MASCARADE OPERA

In a symphony of artistic expression, the Rame Lahaj Foundation and the esteemed Mascarade Opera have joined forces to cultivate the talents of the next generation of operatic prodigies. Our young artists immersed themselves in a crescendo of intensive training under the tutelage of the vocal coaches of Mascarade Opera in the picturesque city of Florence. The experience was nothing short of a triumph for all involved, as the emerging artists were able to refine their skills and refine their craft under the guidance of true masters of the operatic art form. The Mascarade Emerging Artists program, like the Rame Lahaj Foundation, is dedicated to preparing young and exceptionally talented opera singers for the bright lights and grand stages of the opera world. We are deeply grateful to the dedicated professionals at Mascarade Opera for their hospitality and unwavering support, which made this session not just productive, but truly inspiring. As our young artists continue on their journey to operatic stardom, we offer our sincerest thanks to all who helped make this collaboration a resounding success, and to Mascarade Opera for their invaluable contributions to the development of the next generation of opera’s shining stars.

WOMAN LIFE FREEDOM:

Cameron Shahbazi for RLIOF 2023

The ‘Ensemble Evening’ transcended music, presenting touching narratives, a powerful message, and heartfelt reflections.

The stage was graced by the enchanting voice of countertenor Cameron Shahbazi, whose melodious and unique timbre, accompanied by the talented pianist Sophia Munoz and cellist Eno Nushi, performed a premiere repertoire that deeply touched the audience’s hearts.

Throughout the night, the importance of protecting women’s rights was emphasized, a cause supported by the entire opera music community. RLIOF also joined this cause, aligning with the theme of this edition ‘Opera for Freedom,’ promoting the idea of using operatic art as a medium to defend women’s freedom and rights.

The evening culminated in a stunning performance by Cameron Shahbazi and tenor Rame Lahaj, singing the Albanian song ‘Hapi syte e zeza,’ accompanied by the thunderous applause of the audience.

The second night of RLIOF was an unforgettable experience, weaving together music, poetry, and deep reflection with a profound impact.

Let’s rise in support of the resilient people in Iran and use our voices for this essential humanitarian cause.

RLIOF AT 74TH CONCORSO ASLICO

For Young Opera Singer 2023

The 2023 Competition featured Die Zauberflote by W.A. Mozart and Luisa Miller by G. Verdi. Die Zauberflöte will be represented in the traditional version within the Opera season 2023–2024 of OperaLombardia and in a short version, in italian language, for Opera domani project XXVII edition. Comment: We are overjoyed to announce that Xhieldo Hyseni is the winner of the 74th AsLiCo Competition for Young Opera Singer 2023! Xhieldo was chosen to perform the role of Sarastro in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte opera in the main Opera Houses in Lombardy, and we couldn’t be more proud. The AsLiCo Competition is a highly regarded competition that has launched the careers of many talented opera singers. We were excited to have Xhieldo, Rovena Xhelili, and Bledar Domi, three of our talented young artists, participate in this year’s competition. Their involvement was made possible by the Rame Lahaj Foundation, which has been actively supporting emerging exceptional talents of the RLIOF festival.