By Albert Vataj

The "Luleborë" Song Festival lowered the curtain of its tenth edition, transforming for two nights in a row, on October 27 and 28, the stage of the "Migjeni" Theater into a garden of light, colors and emotions, where music became the language of the soul and Shkodra returned to its traditional role, the capital of Albanian cultural harmony and elegance.

The jubilee edition of “Luleborës” came as a great celebration of musical creativity, with 15 songs, 15 creations and 15 voices, which gave life and sound to a rare artistic experience. In this competition of the beauty of words and melody, Glerdit Turmetaj emerged victorious, with the song “Ta dish”, a creation with lyrics and music by Leon Lekaj and orchestration by Ilirian Zoga. This song stood out for its melodic finesse, inner emotion and interpretation full of sensitivity, winning the hearts of the audience and the appreciation of the jury.

The competition in this edition was strong and noble, a showdown of talents and creators representing different generations of Albanian music. Well-known and new names took to the stage, bringing songs with rich melodic structure and deep spiritual messages:

Denis Skura, with "No, no tyranny" (Petrit Sinamati, composition and lyrics; orchestration Alfred Kaçinari)

Ea Zoga, with "Where Are You Now" (composition Ilir Zoga; lyrics Arjola Zadrima; orchestration Ilirian Zoga)

Edmond Mancaku, with "I Saved You" (text and composition by David Boseta; orchestration by the author himself)

Eni Guçi, with "I Invite You to Love" (text and music Franc Koruni; orchestration Laert Rapi)
Irian Taraboshi, with "Asaj" (orchestrated by Shpëtim Saraçi)
Klajdi Musabelliu, with "Why Don't They Stop" (composition Suela Tukaj; lyrics and orchestration Jetmir Mehmedaj)

Kristi Ndoja, with "I Miss You" (composition Zaim Merkulaj; lyrics Gjovalin Ndoja; orchestration Andi Unaza)

Laorian Ejlli, with "Shkodër loce" (lyrics Melita Vjerdha; orchestration Markelian Kapedani)

Lauresha Ramadani, with “Peng” (text, composition and orchestration Gent Myftaraj)
Martina Sarreqi, with "In the alleys of Shkodra" (composition and orchestration Florent Boshnjaku; lyrics Arjola Zadrima)

Orjeta Laro and the children's group, with "The world is too small for borders" (composition and orchestration Roland Guli; lyrics Meri Guli)
Ylber Tahiri, with "Kiss of the Waves" (text and composition Alban Krajni; orchestration Andi Unaza)

Mario Gjergji & Blerta Cina, with “Where is the snowdrop fly” (text and music Mario Gjergji; orchestration Markelian Kapedani)
Megi Toma & Serxho Toma, with "Two thin eyes and a black braid" — inspired by the verses of Ernest Koliqi, with music by Halit Shpuza and orchestration by Roland Guli.

This variety of creations transformed the festival into a mosaic of emotions, where new music met tradition, and where each song became a testament to the dedication to Albanian art, language, and identity.
The “Luleborë” Song Festival, founded to preserve and develop the musical tradition of Shkodra, is today one of the most important cultural events in Albania. It is organized by the Municipality of Shkodra and aims to keep the creative spirit of the city alive, promoting talent, professionalism and “live” performance.
This format has made “Luleborë” a true laboratory of musical art, where every note and word passes through the filter of authenticity. Each song is performed live with an orchestra, turning the stage into a living space of communication between the artist and the audience. This “living” experience is the soul of the festival, an embrace between music and emotions, where art happens in its purest moment.
A special merit goes to the Shkodra audience, who for two consecutive nights filled the hall of the “Migjeni” Theater, transforming the festival into a rare emotional experience. Their reactions, applause, and warm involvement testify to the strong connection that this city has with art and song.
Another element that gave this edition a special brilliance was the artistic direction of the world-famous soprano Inva Mula and the great master Zef Çoba. Under their care, the festival took on the dimensions of an international-level event, where professionalism, elegance and respect for art merged into a perfect unity.
In honor of the 10th anniversary, the return of the Symphony Orchestra to the “Migjen” stage gave a new dimension to musical interpretation, making the sound more complete and the experience deeper. This return symbolizes a return to the roots, an organic connection between the past and the future of Albanian music.
In conclusion, “Luleborë” remains more than a festival, it is a metaphor for Shkodra’s aesthetic resilience, a testament to its love for music and fine art. Every year, this “snow flower” blooms on the stage of “Migjeni” to remind us that art never dies, as long as there are voices that sing with soul and people who listen with heart.
In this tenth anniversary, "Luleborë" confirmed that Shkodra does not sing only with nostalgia, but with the awareness of a city that knows how to preserve its heritage and make it sound new. And as the festival lights went out, the echo of the songs remains, like a winter scent that never fades, like a melody that carries the eternity of the Shkodra spirit.