On May 23, 2024, Opera Rara made its way to the heart of London, performing at one of the city's oldest and most esteemed venues, Wigmore Hall. This event highlighted the rich operatic tradition of the British capital and featured the acclaimed Albanian artist Ermonela Jaho, recently honored with the title "The Best Female Singer 2024."
 |
| Cover of "Opera Rama", picture of Ermonela Jaho and Carlo Rizzi |
The concert was met with rapturous applause, thanks to the extraordinary performances by Jaho, accompanied on piano by maestro Carlo Rizzi and on violin by Marco Rizzi. This event was generously supported by donor Elena Baturina, in memory of Yury Luzhkov, underscoring the importance of patronage and collaboration in the arts.
The concert was part of the Donizetti Song Project, an initiative that began in 1989 and continues to thrive with the support of the Donizetti Society members up to the present day. Special thanks were extended to Opera Rara’s Donizetti Patron, the Ambassador of Italy, for his continuous support and contributions.
The program was divided into two segments: Ermonela Jaho's vocal performance, which captivated the audience with her powerful and emotive voice, accompanied by maestro Carlo Rizzi on piano, and a segment featuring violinist Marco Rizzi, also accompanied by maestro Carlo Rizzi on piano. The repertoire included pieces by great composers such as Donizetti, Bellini, Verdi, Gounod, Viardot, and texts/poems by renowned authors like Pietro Metastasio, Carlo Pepoli, Jacopo Vittorello, and Victor Hugo.
The audience at Wigmore Hall, including the board of the British Albania Culture Association (BACA), highly appreciated the performance, expressing their gratitude and admiration for Ermonela Jaho's talent and dedication. This splendid afternoon filled the hall with a unique atmosphere, where diverse art lovers enjoyed high-level interpretations and expressed their pride for an iconic figure in Albanian art.
The promotion and connection of Albanian art in the United Kingdom, through events like this concert, have become a valuable passion and mission for the British Albania Culture Association. These efforts help maintain strong cultural ties and promote distinguished Albanian talents on the international stage.