Eighth Edition

8^th Edition (2023)

Guest Artists

Thomas Gansch - Austria

Thomas Gansch is an internationally acclaimed Austrian trumpeter renowned for his exceptional versatility, creativity, and innovative approach to music. Born in St. Pölten, he has built a distinguished career that bridges jazz, classical, improvisation, brass, and world music, establishing himself as one of Austria’s most influential contemporary musicians. Known for his virtuosic technique and distinctive artistic voice, Gansch has performed in a wide range of settings, from intimate duos to large ensembles, continually pushing musical boundaries. A recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the Hans Koller Jazz Award for Newcomer of the Year, he is celebrated for his ability to blend diverse musical styles while constantly reinventing his artistic expression. His performances continue to captivate audiences worldwide with originality, energy, and technical brilliance.

Keli Band - Albania

Keli Band is a well-known group created more than 11 years ago. This group consists of very important artists of the Albanian scene who are part of various events in the country such as the cultural institutions like National Theater of Opera, Radio Television Symphonic Orchestra, professors at the University of Arts in Tirana, etc.. Keli Band has been part in many famous programs at the national televisions or even the most important cultural events in the country and abroad.

The aim of this band is to preserve folk music by intertwining it with centuries-old instruments together with modern elements and electronic equipment.

Kamela Islamaj - Albania (singer,pianist,vocal coach)

Kamela Islamaj is an acclaimed Albanian singer, pianist, and vocal coach recognized for her versatility across pop, jazz, soul, and contemporary music. Born in Korçë, she began studying piano at an early age before expanding her artistic career as a vocalist. After completing her music studies in Tirana, she established herself as one of Albania’s leading performers, earning awards at major festivals including Festivali i Këngës, Top Fest, Shkodra Jazz Festival, and Tirana Jazz Festival. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with numerous bands and musical projects while performing regularly on television and at concerts. In addition to her performing career, Kamela is a respected vocal educator, teaching at Akademia Hollywood and serving as a vocal coach and talent scout for The Voice of Albania.

Giuseppe Panepinto - Italy

Giuseppe Panepinto is an acclaimed Italian horn player, educator, and conductor with an extensive career spanning orchestral performance, chamber music, and music education. After graduating from the Conservatory of Palermo, he joined the National Band of the Italian Army, where he currently serves as Principal Horn. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with prestigious ensembles including the Orchestra of the National Academy of Saint Cecilia, Roma Sinfonietta, Teatro San Carlo, and numerous renowned conductors, recording both classical and film music. An active chamber musician, he performs with the Lux Brass Quintet and has led masterclasses and advanced training courses throughout Europe. Panepinto is also the author of educational publications for horn players and remains internationally recognized for his artistic excellence, teaching, and contributions to brass performance.

Albanian Horn Ensemble

Albanian Horn Ensemble it is an ensemble created 10 years before by the horn professors Andrea Canaj and Ilir Kodhima. Mostly of the artists in this ensemble are students but also colleagues from differenc orchestras in Albania. The capacity of this ensemble its really rare regarding to the technique and the range of the register, so it has been a inspiration for many composers from Albania or abroad. Also one strong point of this group, it’s the capacity of playing different arias or overtures arranged especially for them.