Spiridon Ilo, musician and patriot, signatory of the Declaration of Independence of Albania, was born in Korça. Spiridon Ilo emigrated from an early age to the United States of America, where, in addition to his daily work, he also pursued higher studies in music. In New York, America, he opened a small cafe, where he founded the first record company with Albanian songs, in 1923. Under his leadership, the record company played an important role in the development of Albanian culture in the years 1920-1940. Ilo performed the first recording of the National Anthem of Albania. In this recording, with registration number E-3948, the hymn was sung by Spiridon Ilo and the Arbëresh tenor, Giuzeppe Mauro. In the 20s of the 20th century, he published and distributed postcards with a patriotic theme. In 1926, he finally settled in Korça. On April 1, 1945, he was granted a pension as a Patriot of the National Renaissance. Spiridon Ilo brought the molds of gramophone records to Albania and in 1946 donated them to the Executive Committee. He passed away in Korça, in 1950. (In the photo: Spiridon Ilo)
Text: Albanian Telegraphic Agency
Graphic processing: AHCF
