The European Java is Closing in Albania, European values are brought through art and culture

In Albania, the Europe Week (May 19-31) concluded with the final event that brought together artists, representatives of the Diplomatic Corps, and many cultural institutions and organizations in dialogue.

Present in the dialogue space were also the Albanian Minister of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, Blendi Gonxhja, along with the ambassador of the European Union, Silvio Gonzato.

Gonxhja emphasized that, under the motto “A space to BE,” this final moment embodied European values, cooperation, creativity, belonging, and human rights through art and culture.

“The EU is more than a geographical position; it is a joint project where Albania feels an active part of the European family,” said Minister Gonxhja.

The final performance of Europe Week took place in Tirana, where contemporary dance was brought outside the traditional stage and into the public spaces of the city. “Between steps and shadows” by was bleibt kollektiv and choreographer Gentian Doda was showcased in the square behind the Puppet Theatre, giving a new spirit to the surrounding environment.

The moving bodies became one with the city, reacting to the architecture, space, and people who stopped to watch, to feel, to think. It was not an ordinary performance: it was a new way to see art and to live the city.

Meanwhile, among many activities during Europe Week, the JALBOZ group stopped in several cities, culminating in the Black Box hall of the Academy of Arts in Tirana, concluding a special journey that brought jazz and traditional Albanian music closer.

And it turned out to be a successful combination, as Rona Nishliu and Gent Rushi had the audience on their feet with a touching and beautifully created performance. With voice, piano, drums, and other traditional instruments, they brought old songs to life in a completely new form, showing that traditional music can still be just as powerful today.

A special classical music concert was held at the University of Arts in Tirana, as part of Europe Week.

Organized by the Embassy of the Czech Republic in collaboration with the University of Arts, the concert featured Albanian piano virtuosos Silvana Skenderi and Fjorda Veizaj, who performed classical works by Dvořák, Ravel, Schubert, Smetana, and others.

Also, at Europe House, artists, musicians, and directors gathered for a special edition of TalkArt, part of Europe Week. Moderated by Mikaela Minga, the panel included Harlen Nikolli, Lorin Terezi, and Mardit B. Lleshi, each with a unique perspective on the meaning of creating music and film in today’s Albania.

From the creative process and production challenges to the role of memory, place, and collaboration, the discussion offered valuable reflections on how art shapes and is influenced by our reality. It also addressed how traditional elements, such as folk music, continue to find a place in today’s artistic expression, building bridges between generations.

A special evening featured “Vëndçe” by Lorin Terezi, a documentary that brought the voices of Piluri to the heart of Tirana.

As part of Europe Week, the documentary provided a sincere and unrefined narrative about tradition, identity, and the deep connection between voice and place. Through trials and everyday life, it reminded of the values that still keep Albanians connected to their roots.

The documentary was accompanied by a conversation with the director and a live performance by the group itself, just as a true “Vëndçe” evening deserves to conclude. (June 2)