Albanian soprano Ermonela Jaho graced the stage of the National Theater of Opera and Ballet last night for the lyrical concert titled “Return of the Swallow” joined by American tenor Charles Castronovo.

The concert’s title “Return of the Swallow” symbolized Jaho’s homecoming after a global career, marking her return to the place where it all began: Albania. The internationally acclaimed soprano viewed this performance as a way to give back to the public that has shown her so much love and gratitude over the years.

The program featured some of the most celebrated arias from the global operatic repertoire, performed by the virtuosos of the National Theater of Opera and Ballet’s orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Jacopo Sipari di Pescasseroli.

The concert delivered a powerful emotional experience to those in attendance. To accommodate the overwhelming demand for tickets, the Tirana Municipality set up an outdoor screen to broadcast the event to those unable to secure a seat inside, as tickets sold out in record time.

Ermonela Jaho is an acclaimed Albanian soprano known for her powerful and expressive voice. She has received widespread recognition for her performances in major opera houses around the world. Notably, Jaho has been praised for her roles in operas by Puccini, Verdi, and Bellini, among others. Her portrayal of Violetta in La Traviata and the title role in Norma have been particularly celebrated. Jaho has also been awarded several prestigious prizes, including the International Opera Award for Best Female Singer. Additionally, she was honored with the “Best Foreign Artist” award for 2023, recognizing her exceptional performance as Suor Angelica in Barcelona.