Kadare Night – Celebrating the Timeless Works of Albania’s Literary Legend
Kadare Night is a new annual tradition created to honour the birthday of the great writer Ismail Kadare (28 January) and celebrate Albanian heritage.
This special evening brings together the richness of Albanian culture with poetry readings, music, traditional folk dancing, and authentic Albanian cuisine. Hosted in the prestigious Forsyth Room at the Royal Academy of Music, Kadare Night celebrates the timeless legacy of Ismail Kadare through a unique blend of artistry and tradition.
Event Highlights
📅 Date: Sunday, 2nd February 2025
🕖 Time: 5:30 PM
📍 Location: Forsyth Room, Royal Academy of Music, Marylebone Rd, London NW1 5HT
Dress Code: Full traditional Albanian attire or something celebrating Albania, such as a plis or red and black flag combination; or elegant evening attire.
A Celebration of Culture and Legacy
Kadare Night is a heartfelt celebration of Ismail Kadare’s contributions to literature, intrinsically linked with Albanian culture, history, and arts. Guests will experience an evening of joy, music, poetry, storytelling, and connection, embracing the Albanian tradition where the friend takes centre stage after God.
Proceeds from the event will support the Health Clinic of Fushë Arrëz in northern Albania, contributing to their vital work with babies, children, and families. Kadare Night is not just an event—it is a meaningful celebration of creativity, tradition, and community, fostering a positive impact for generations to come.
With Thanks To:
Tomorr Kokona (Concept and co-production)
Eduard Alia (Concept and co-production)
BACA (British Albanian Culture and Arts Association): Support and logistics
Illyrian Grill House: Sponsors
Royal Academy of Music: Venue
With the Participation of:
Alma Veria: Poetry
Greta Papa: Violin
Idlir Shyti: Cello
John Hodgson: Talk
Loresa Leka: Singing / Moderator
Mariela Çingo: Piano / Moderator
Robert Wilton: Poetry
A heartfelt thank you to all other supporters and BACA members for their contributions and support in making this event a success.
Guest artists and speakers
Alma Panajoti – Writer/Acting
Alma Verija Panajoti, an Albanian writer from Korça, has lived in the UK for over 25 years. A graduate in literature and creative writing from Brunel University, she has published poetry, prose, and essays, including her book Më Gjeni (Find Me.). She works as a social worker in Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, drawing inspiration from vulnerable communities.
Eduard Alia – Concept and Co-Producer
Eduard is a lawyer with a focus on commercial and regulatory matters working in the innovation sector. Eduard is one of the early founders of UKAP and remains an active member in growing the strength of the Albanian professional community in the UK. Eduard has a keen interest in all things to do with the Albanian diaspora. Outside of work he enjoys travelling, good food, running, good literature, history and classic rock music.
Greta Papa – Violin
Greta Papa, an Albanian violinist based in London, studied at Synchrono Conservatory, University of Macedonia, Guildhall School, and Trinity Laban, earning multiple distinctions. A former Thessaloniki State Orchestra member, Greta has performed as a soloist in major Greek venues and internationally and Is currently assistant Leader at the Oxford Philharmonic. She also excels in chamber music, forming ensembles like the Waldstein Trio and dissonArt, with extensive performance experience.
Idlir Shyti – Cello
Idlir Shyti began playing the cello at the age of six. He studied with Maurizio Gambini in Rome, Richard Lester in London, and Anssi Karttunen in Paris. He has performed at festivals across Europe and participated in masterclasses with renowned cellists. He plays a 1771 Ferdinandus Gagliano cello, generously loaned by the Maggini Foundation.
John Hodgson – Guest speaker
John Hodgson, born in 1951, studied English literature at Cambridge and Newcastle. He taught at the Universities of Pristina and Tirana before working as a translator and interpreter at the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. He has translated seven novels by Ismail Kadare, including The Traitor’s Niche, and works by Fatos Lubonja.
Loresa Leka – Acting/Singing
Loresa is a versatile artist and Trustee for the British Albanian Arts Association. With a background in acting, playwriting, directing, and music, she creates theatrical productions that celebrate Albanian culture and amplify diaspora voices. Dedicated to expanding Albanian representation in theatre, Loresa fosters community engagement and provides opportunities for artists and audiences to connect through the arts.
She has won various international competitions, performs as a soloist with various renounced orchestras such as BBC Ariel and Hillingdon Philharmonic and runs her own music academy for over 1500 students in London.
Mariela Çingo – Piano/Moderator
Mariela Cingo, an accomplished Albanian pianist from Korcë, began her musical journey at age six. By seven, she performed her first concert, and at twelve, she played the Haydn Piano Concerto in D with the Korcë Philharmonic Orchestra. Her exceptional talent and dedication have paved the way for a successful career, earning her international recognition.
Robert Wilton – Author/Acting
Robert Wilton is a prize-winning novelist and a translator of Albanian literature. He was advisor to the Prime Minister of Kosovo, head of a human rights mission in Albania, and Private Secretary to the UK Secretary of State for Defence. He co-founded The Ideas Partnership, supporting marginalized children in the Balkans. His translations include the first great Albanian novel, Spasse’s ‘Pse’, Apolloni’s ‘Glimmer of Hope, Glimmer of Flame’ exploring the emotional legacy of the Kosovo war, and a diversity of poetry – including Kadare.
Tomorr Kokona – Concept and Co-Producer
Tomorr is a London-based #1 Amazon Bestselling Author of Successful Artists Mean Business, an International Creative Leadership Consultant, and a mentor specializing in theatre, community engagement, movement, and choreography. Awarded “Nation’s Ambassador” by the Albanian Prime Minister, he promotes multiculturalism and Albanian tradition, working with institutions like The English National Opera, Scotland Yard, and various UK schools and social services.
