“Voices of Albania”: Music, Dance and Albanian Traditions in Lecce on 13 July

On 13 July 2025 at 9:00 p.m., the outdoor area of the Parish of Saint John the Baptist, at 73 Via Novara in Lecce, will host the opening event of “Voices of Albania”, as part of the Mediterranean Harmonies Festival.

Promoted by ASAL – MILOSAO in cooperation with the Albanian language school “Vatra Jonë”, the evening will celebrate Albanian culture through music, dance, theatre and popular traditions.

The initiative aims to present Albanian identity in its many artistic forms, bringing Arbëresh and Shqiptar traditions into dialogue with the contemporary cultural life of Salento.

An artistic dialogue between Albania and Salento

The Vatra Jonë Ensemble will be at the heart of the programme, offering a performance inspired by the connection between the two shores of the Adriatic.

Singer and dancer Meli Hajdëraj will perform alongside Fatbardh Capi on string instruments, Ekland Hasa on piano, keyboard and organ, and Salento percussionist Francesco De Donatis.

Together, the artists will create a fusion of traditional melodies and contemporary sounds, reflecting the richness and vitality of Albanian culture.

Albanian dance, pizzica and taranta

The choreography will be curated by Luigi Lanni, under the artistic direction of Irma Duka.

Performers Meli Hajdëraj, Irma Duka, Lavinia Mascialino and Luigi Lanni will alternate Albanian traditional dances with pizzica and taranta.

The interaction between these dance forms will highlight both the differences and the deep cultural connections found throughout the Mediterranean.

The programme will also include a belly dance performance by Lavinia Mascialino, adding another artistic influence to the evening.

Humour and contemporary Albanian culture

The event will conclude with performances by Vlora-based parody artists Agron Hamo and Afrim Agalliu, who will explore aspects of contemporary Albanian culture through humour and satire.

The evening will be hosted by Dorina Sulko, guiding the audience through music, stories, languages and shared identities.

An opportunity for the city to meet

“Voices of Albania” is intended to be more than a stage performance. It will offer the public an opportunity to discover Albanian culture, recognise the contribution of the Albanian community to Salento and strengthen intercultural dialogue.

Through the participation of artists, musicians and dancers, ASAL – MILOSAO and “Vatra Jonë” reaffirm their commitment to preserving traditions and building cultural connections between Albania and Salento.

Event information

Event: Voices of Albania – Lecce in Celebration
Date: 13 July 2025
Time: 9:00 p.m.
Venue: Outdoor area of the Parish of Saint John the Baptist
Address: 73 Via Novara, Lecce
Part of: Mediterranean Harmonies Festival
Promoted by: ASAL – MILOSAO
In cooperation with: “Vatra Jonë” Albanian Language School