Music as a tool for humanitarian action

On Sunday evening, in the Atelier of the Palace of Youth and Sports, sound ensembles formed works that were developed into humanitarian action. It started with “Four Wedding Songs and a Dance” for clarinet and piano by Thoma Simaku. Astrit Mustafa on the clarinet gave beauty to the work with the colors of traditional Albanian music, while the piano kept the rhythm by breaking it with a kind of classical coloring.

Traditional classical music and contemporary creations in a festive end-of-year atmosphere aim to illuminate the hearts of children with hope. Music has become a cause for awareness and help for children with cancer. It comes as a gift from the organization "Action for Health" and the cast of musicians. 
On Sunday evening, in the Atelier of the Palace of Youth and Sports, sound ensembles formed works that were developed into humanitarian action. 

It started with “Four Wedding Songs and a Dance” for clarinet and piano by Thoma Simaku. Astrit Mustafa on the clarinet gave beauty to the work with the colors of traditional Albanian music, while the piano kept the rhythm by breaking it with a kind of classical coloring. There were contrasts between them. Some were much more rhythmic, with a fast tempo and where the clarinet and piano, played by Iliriana Kuriu-Mustafa, seemed independent of each other, each bringing their own version of the story with songs. 

Clarinetist Astrit Mustafa said that their works were chosen in such a way as to be acceptable to the public, but also to fit the festive atmosphere of the end of the year. 

"The characteristic of these works is that they are acceptable to the public. We have long tried to present the works of our composers to the public during concerts. They are the works of Thoma Simaku and Vincent Gjin. They are selected for a festive atmosphere, to be attractive to the public, to adapt and to be closer to the public. That is why they have been so acceptable," he said. 

“Variations on a Folk Theme” by Vinçenc Gjini is based on the theme of the folk song “Laje ti moj goce”. There are six variations and each is a separate chapter.

"Clarinet Sonata in E-flat major" for clarinet and piano by Felix Mendelssohn was like a romantic dialogue between the two instruments. Clarinetist Mustafa was joined by pianist Nezahate Shala-Zeka. The latter was joined by pianist Zana Badivuku-Basha for the interpretation of "Spring in Prishtina" by Musa Piperku, arranged by Kreshnik Aliçkaj. 

Four hands on the piano have brought all the colors of this work. As illustrations of the landscapes of the capital. While one has kept the rhythm and the other has played the central theme, these roles have often been changed. This has also happened in the work “Winter” by Astor Piazzolla, which has sounded magical in this formation. With all the beautiful rhythms, there is also a virtuoso side that the two pianists reveal in dialogue, on the same instrument and in perfect sync for the same rhythms. 
Pianist Nezahate Shala-Zeka has said that playing in such a formation creates more opportunities for expression. 

"Playing in a duet is always very dear to every instrumentalist, because it offers more possibilities for expression. I really like playing in duets and trios. This concert, for its own messages, I think was very important, dedicated to children with health problems. We are pleased that we were able to contribute, even a little, with our art to raise funds to help children," she said. 

“Little Viennese March” by Fritz Kreisler was performed in a duet between two sisters, prominent musicians of the classical scene, even beyond the country. Violinist Sihana Badivuku and pianist Zana Badivuku brought the soft sounds of the work. “Beautiful Rosemary”, also by Kreisler, was full of musical finesse from the violin. “Hungarian Dance No.2” by Johannes Brahms was full of traditional elements. 

The Badivuku duo closed the concert with the work of their mother, Pranvera Badivuku. "I Remember That Meeting", arranged by Kreshnik Aliçkaj for this formation, was extremely aesthetic in its rhythms. 
Nezaqete Rukovci from the organization "Action for Health" addressed the purpose and nature of the concert. She said that they aim to become part of the history of those affected by cancer. A disease that she herself has experienced.

"Today is the first day of winter, but warm in our hearts for the cause of helping health. At the Pediatric Clinic in the Oncology Department, many cases are presented every year. They are not just numbers, but the story of each individual. We are becoming part of this story of theirs to help in their recovery," she said. 

The program was curated by music professor, Besa Luzha. 

"As a music professor, I have been happy to join in by helping with the artistic program, contacting our colleagues and telling them about the organization more as a symbol and as an occasion where through art we can show solidarity for an issue that we often talk about, but without experiencing it yourself you cannot understand the challenges," she said. 

Last year, the organization "Action for Health" collaborated with the National Ballet of Kosovo to bring the show "Hope" choreographed by Sead Vuniqi on World Cancer Day.