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Documentary about Nikolla Zoraqin shown in Korça/ Brings attention to the figure of the composer

2026-03-26 11:10:00, Kulturë CNA

Documentary about Nikolla Zoraqin shown in Korça/ Brings attention to the

The documentary "Nikolla i zemrës së Tiranës" (Nikolla of the Heart of Tirana), a documentary film dedicated to the life and work of the distinguished composer Nikolla Zoraqi, was screened at the Andon Zako Çajupi Theater.

The film, directed by Mevlan Shanaj, came to the Korça public as a special homage, bringing back to attention the figure of an artist who has left deep traces in Albanian music, but also his strong connection with the city of Korça.

Through archival materials, testimonies and personal accounts, the documentary brings a complete portrait of Zoraq, not only as an elite composer with a rich creativity in ballet, opera and symphonic music, but also as a figure with a broad human and intellectual dimension.

The focus is also on his contribution to Albanian artistic life, as well as the influence he had on the development of professional music in the country.

Director Shanaj emphasized that the choice to bring this documentary to Korça is closely related to the composer's own family roots and history.

“The documentary 'Nikola of the Heart of Tirana' comes to Korça because in the story of Nikolla Zoraq, his grandfather came from Voskopoja to Tirana. They were Aromanians and gave another dimension to the culture, trade and art of Tirana. Nikolla Zoraq has lived in Korça for several years, having worked there. His radiation and work is so multiplied, an elite and distinguished composer, like an aristocrat. He has written 100 works, he has 8 stage works, mainly ballet, opera, symphonic music. I worked for a year with this great figure, but I did not know that he was so great. Working with him, I discovered his human, intellectual and creative greatness. It is fortunate for Albania that there was a Nikolla Zoraq, who passed away in 1991.”

It also conveyed special emotions to the composer's family, who experienced this performance as a return to their roots and memories.

"It's the third time I've seen the film and I like it more than the second and first times. Korça is part of my roots; my family came to Tirana from Voskopoja in the 18th or 19th century. Korça is the coldest city in Albania, but the warmest because of the love it gives. I feel very good here," said Enkel Zoraqi.

This event was also attended by well-known figures of art and music, who praised Zoraq's contribution to Albanian culture. Conductor Zhani Ciko focused on the emotional and artistic dimension conveyed by this documentary.

“A film about a musician, an impressive composer in his creativity, with a dramatic life, brings emotions. These emotions in Korça increase because of my and Nikola's family ties to Korça. Nikola loved Korça very much, he contributed here by working for several years; this makes it even more emotional. Some of Nikola's works are emblematic.”

The screening of the documentary was received with interest by the Korçë audience, who had the opportunity to get to know an important figure of Albanian art more closely, reflecting on the legacy he left behind. Through this film, not only is Zoraq's rich creativity recalled, but his role in shaping the Albanian musical identity is also appreciated.

"Nicolas of the Heart of Tirana" remains a living testament to the contribution of a great artist, turning this performance in Korça into a valuable cultural event, connecting the past with the present and bringing to mind the figures who have built the country's artistic history./ CNA