Ladies and Gentlemen
History of Jazz music in Albania is relatively new on 21 century , with its starts on last century its pioneers such as: Krajka, Curcia, Shllaku ….etc. In its infancy Jazz music in Albania has a painful history, where talented musicians ended quite badly under the guillotine of the communist system. This festival is also homage for those martyrs of music of “Freedom”. This festival expresses a thanksgiving to all Albanian musicians that contribute over the years in the darkness of the communist system and then to democratic freedom after 1990. First professional Jazz music musician arrangements starts around 2000 with deputies of Elina Duni, Eda Zari, Gent Rushi, Fatos Qerimaj, Ilir Kola, Sokol Sejdo, Emilian & Ervin Dhimo brothers, Gjon Shllaku, Markelian Kapedani Rrok Jakaj etc.
JAZZinALBANIA international festival starts with its first edition of Tirana Jazz & World Music Festival on 2012 but on 2016 the festival name was transformed in “JAZZinALBANIA” because the festival now will be widespread in five cities of Albania (Tirana, Shkodra, Korca, Fier ,Elbasan) to enliven artistic life and to support cultural tourism at cultural heritage centers like Apollo in Fier and Ali Pasha castle in Porto Palermo Two social programs support the 2014 festival edition: 1 – Presentation of films & documentary with short feature, main topic “Environmental Protection” program which will be realized thanks to the collaboration with multimedia academy “Marubi” 2 – Volunteer program – young volunteer & assistance that with their valuable contribution will grace the festival, volunteers who will be the future fans of JAZZ music. Special thanks to festival partners: • Accredited Embassies in Albania: Austria, Czech Republic, France, Israel, Italian National Institution of Culture, Yonus Emre Institute and Albanian institutions: the Ministry of Culture, Municipality of Fier, Elbasan, Korca, Shkodra and Tirana. • Media Partner is Report TV
• Sponsors: Raiffeisen Bank, T-mobile Albania I hope that this international cultural mosaic of Jazz music, through the interpretation of world artists and Jazz music except entertainment will broadcast freedom & fantasy of thinking and care & love for the environment. Festival Director Besim Petrela