"Prizreni" in a unique spirit harmonizes world masterpieces and Albanian music

They are world-renowned works and pearls of Albanian music, but in the spirit of the "Prizreni" wind orchestra, they come with a special sound. Under the direction of Edon Ramadani, the orchestra made its debut in Pristina and such a formation has been described as fresh for the music scene in Kosovo.

About twenty instrumentalists in the "red and blue" uniform lined up in front of the public in Pristina. Everyone had a wind instrument next to them. To make the sounds of the instruments they play together, they created the first wind orchestra, "Prizreni". They give the works a special sound through the specifics required by the instruments they play on. After the concert on Sunday night at the house of culture "Xhemajli Berisha" in Prizren, the orchestra performed for the first time in front of the public in the capital on Monday night.

In the "Bogdani Polis" hall in the "Mother Teresa" cathedral, the orchestra presented a rich and attractive program. Under the direction of Edon Ramadani, the orchestra through sound has traversed different styles, bringing in a special version the world's most popular works. Popular Albanian songs have been a temporary stop. On purpose, the evening started with the work "Mal'sorja" by the composer Lorenc Antoni arranged by Tomor Berisha. From the very first performance, the audience embraced their concert with applause. On the day of the beginning of spring, the orchestra tried to manifest the harmony of this season through interpretation. He did this with the interpretation of the Shkodra song "Spring began with arrival" arranged by Kreshnik Aliçkaj. Processing of well-known works such as "Theme from the Godfather" by Nino Rota, "The second waltz" by Dimitri Shostakovich, "Libertango" by Astor Piazolles have come with a special color in the harmony of the playing of the most distinguished instrumentalists of wind instruments in Kosovo. The members of the orchestra, which debuted in Prizren in 2021, have already started getting to know each other and the public. In the three concerts this orchestra has performed, the well-known conductor, Edon Ramadani, has led the game.

"It is a pleasure and a privilege for me to be the conductor of this orchestra, knowing that here we have the most distinguished instrumentalists in the country. We have a wide program, starting from the most classical pieces to the modern ones, but never forgetting the Albanian works, especially for the young audience, so that they are not forgotten, but developed even more", Ramadani told TIME, starting after the concert which lasted about an hour.

The well-known popular song "Open your eyes" was also performed in front of the audience, prepared by the trumpeter Avni Krasniqi. The work was elaborated seven years ago by Krasniqi for a smaller ensemble. Now for the orchestra where he also plays, it comes with a more dynamic color.

"I tried to style it for this formation and I believe I succeeded. I am privileged to be in this orchestra. It is more important that the city of Prizren has created such an orchestra, which is developing more and more", said trumpeter Krasniqi for KOĖN.

For conductor Ramadani, leading such an orchestra is both a privilege and a challenge due to the specifics of the instruments. But, according to him, the continuous work and testimony of this orchestra in front of the public shows that they are ready, but that they need more adequate halls where the playing of the instrumentalists can sound better.

"The very change of temperature can change the intonation of these instruments. We are trying to fix the intonation in the long term, despite the fact that we do not have the best instruments and halls in the world. We do not have adequate halls to perform in, this hall is not designed for a musical environment. We are very ready, we don't have proper halls to show our art", said Ramadani.

also Culture 29 January 2023 "Prizreni" in a unique spirit of melodies conquers Pristina

Long applause from the audience that occupied almost every seat of the hall welcomed the rich and varied program performed by the brass instrumentalists. Thus, the capital city public has already welcomed the formation of this orchestra that was presented for the first time in Pristina. By the composer Valton Beqiri, the activities of this orchestra have been appreciated as freshness in the Kosovar cultural life.

"Every such initiative should be supported. This orchestral formation has different presentation spaces of different styles. The orchestra has managed to represent Albanian songs, foreign and artistic songs in such an outfit. The program was defined quite clearly and was liked by the public", said Beqiri for KOĖN.

The brass band "Prizreni" was founded in 2020 in this city and aims to strengthen relations with different communities through concerts and cultural projects. In the description of this orchestra it is said that the orchestra was formed by the will and desire to create an orchestra through which the public is offered a higher artistic quality and more special than others. Through interpretations, the orchestra aims to interweave different musical styles in its concerts and to create a special connection with the public.