TIRANA, September 6 /ATA/ The world-famous Albanian tenor Saimir Pirgu gave a concert last evening in Shiroka, a village located about 5 kilometers west of Shkodra in northern Albania.

He performed under the direction of maestro Elda Laro, accompanied by Shkodra Symphony Orchestra and Choir of the "Kujtim Alija" Children's Cultural Center.

Hundreds of citizens, tourists and well-wishers experienced a magical evening while Shiroka turned into a giant stage for world masterpieces and those of our music.

Besides, Pirgu sang for art lovers also pearls of Albanian operatic music.

Saimir Pirgu figures among the brightest stars in today’s international operatic firmament. He has been celebrated at every major international operatic venue, including the Metropolitan Opera New York, the Teatro alla Scala, the Vienna Staatsoper, The London Royal Opera House.

Last November, the tenor returned to the stage of the National Opera and Ballet Theater in Tirana after a 13-year absence for the “Tosca” by composer Giacomo Puccini in the role of Mario Cavaradossi.

He has given life to the main roles of the classical repertoire, such as Rodolfo in “La Bohème”, Cavaradossi in “Tosca”, Alfredo in “La Traviata” and Prince Calaf in “Turandot”.

In September of 2013 he was awarded the coveted “Pavarotti d'Oro” (Gold Pavarotti Award). /k.s/j.p/p.s./