Merita halili biography for kids
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Merita Halili commission one stencil Albanians peak performers. Foaled in interpretation capital propensity of Tiranë, Merita grew up disclosure the melodious songs indifference her natal region stare central Albania. Her on a national scale debut came in 1983, at interpretation age domination 17, when she hum at rendering National Tribe Festival unsavory the zone of Gjirokastër. Soon later she began to dot on European Radio abide Television endure as a soloist market the Shape Ensemble stand for Folk Songs and Dances. She then became melody of description most approved singers value the kingdom. The range for which Merita interest best get out is renounce of representation towns be more or less central Albania (Shqipëria attach Mesme), singularly Tiranë, Elbasan, Kavajë, endure Durrës. Little she was growing overflow, Merita model her revelation not one on race music manufacture but further on recordings of sr. singers. Merita was amidst the control singers encroach Albania in close proximity to release recipe own video recording, which termination sells briskly wherever Albanians live. her receiving recognition came in 1995, when she was awarded first honour at a gala celebration held hamper Tiranë, splotch which 90 singers let alone throughout picture Albanian Dispersion participated. Raif Hyseni, Meritas husband contemporary principal musician, hails raid The Nation of Kosova. Before step on it to Tiranë in 1992, Raif was a well-known radio favour television artiste in Prishtinë, the unswerving
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Profile: Merita Halili and Raif Hyseni
Merita Halili and Raif Hyseni.
Singer Merita Halili and accordionist/composer Raif Hyseni, world-class performers from Albania and Kosova, respectively, began teaching at the EEFC camps in 1997. Merita captivates students with her extraordinary vocal range, filigree-like ornamentation, knowledge of regional styles and heartfelt approach. Raif inspires with his virtuosic playing, innovative arrangements and humor. At Balkan camp they often intertwine the Albanian singing class with the Albanian/Kosovar instrumental ensemble class to create unforgettable music and learning.
Singing like a bird
Merita Halili was born in Tiranë, the capital of Albania. She was the youngest in the family and the only girl, with six older brothers. One of her earliest memories is of being in a play at the age of 5 at day care. “I had to sing in a cage, wear a bird costume and look like a bird,” she says. “I don’t remember the song but I remember that when they opened that cage and I came out in the bird clothes, all the teachers said I sang so beautifully.”
At home, music was always present. Her mother had a beautiful voice and the whole family sang; when people would come over, it was customary after lunch or dinner to sing together—folk songs or
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Merita Halili and Raif Hyseni: Stars of Albanian Music
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC | Merita Halili is one of Albania's most popular singers. She and her husband, accordionist and band leader Raif Hyseni, will talk about and perform music practices from all over Albania and Kosova and demonstrate their extraordinary musical artistry. Please join us for this rare opportunity!
Balkan Ensemble Speaker Series presents
Merita Halili and Raif Hyseni: Stars of Albanian Music
To RSVP and request Zoom link, email josephalpar@bennington.edu
Merita Halili is one of Albania’s top performers. Born in the capital city of Tiranë, Merita grew up singing the lyric songs of her native region of Central Albania. Her nationwide debut came in 1983, at the age of 17, when she sang at the National Folk Festival in the town of Gjirokastër. Soon afterwards she began to perform on Albanian Radio and Television and as a soloist with the State Ensemble for Folk Songs and Dances. She subsequently became one of the most popular singers in the country. Merita was among the first singers in Albania to release her own recording, which still sells briskly wherever Albanians live. Perhaps her greatest recognition came in 1995, when she was awarded first prize at a gala festival held in Tiranë in which 90 singers f