21, 22, 23 and 26 December 1962
The First Song Festival was held in Tirana, under the presentation of Margarita Xhepa and Luigj Gurakuqi. Albanian light music had begun its journey on “Tirana” radio. The Radio Orchestra of “Tirana” had been established. Many young composers had returned from abroad, who would later set the tone for Albanian music. Inspired by the Italian Song Festival, Sanremo, which had been held in Italy for 9 years, Albanian composers thought to bring such a tradition to Albania. The success of the first festival was evident at that time. There was a high interest at the Higher Institute of Arts to follow this event of Albanian light music. Just as in music, so too in lyrics, the First Festival remains the boldest and most successful endeavor of Albanian artistic creation. Vaçe Zela was awarded the festival prize with the song “Fëmija i parë” (“The First Child”), composed by Abdulla Grimci and with lyrics by Dionis Budani. (In the photo: Vaçe Zela singing the song “The first child”.)
Text: https://festivali.rtsh.al/historiku/fituesit/fest-1
Photo: © Albanian Radio Television
Graphic processing: AHCF
