Çesk Zadeja

Çesk Zadeja (born Françesk Zadeja; 8 June 1927 – 15 August 1997) was an Albanian composer, conductor and music educator. He is often described as the “father of Albanian classical music” or “father of Albanian professional music” because of his role in the formation of Albania’s cultivated music tradition after the Second World War. Zadeja studied in Italy and the Soviet Union, worked in radio and military ensembles, and later held leading posts in major Albanian musical institutions. He was associated with the development of the National Ensemble of Folk Songs and Dances, the Higher Institute of Arts in Tirana, and the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania. His works include symphonic music, concertos, chamber works, piano music, ballets, vocal music and film scores. Music Zadeja’s music has been described as combining European art-music forms with Albanian folk elements. His Symphony No. 1, written in 1956, is widely cited as the first Albanian symphony. Tirana Times described him as the author of more than 100 works of concert music, including ballets, chamber music, symphonies and songs. Selected works Orchestral and concert works * Symphony No. 1 (1956) * Concerto fo