TKOB’s symphony orchestra was established in 1950, together with the State Philharmonic part of which were instrumentalists prepared at the gymnasiums and high schools, at the Army Spirit Orchestra and then at the “Jordan Misja” Artistic Lyceum. Its first artistic activities where the concerts and performances provided by the State Philharmonic. In 1953 it became part of the National Theater of Opera and Ballet.
This sector has an important role in all the stage activities of TKOB from the beginning until today. In the lasts years, orchestra was enriched with instrumentalists prepared in the Eastern Conservatives of Prague, Leipzig, Sofia and then by the State Conservatory of Tirana. The TOB Symphony Orchestra has given and gives a valuable contribution to the interpretation of the stage creativity of our composers and the world. This orchestra has been directed from the first conductor of TOB, master Mustafa Krantja and later from conductors such as Rifat Teqja, Simon Gjoni, Ermir Krantja, Fiqiri Kraja, Bujar Llapaj, Edmond Doko that has been part of the institution.
The orchestra has been and remains the foundation of opera productions, ballet performances, with the correct stage performances of hundreds of symphonic, vocal symphonic, instrumental and symphonic programs of the most famous Albanian and foreign artists
The orchestra’s performances has been rated as : a pure and fin sound; unlimited colorful melodies
After the 1990s it has been honored and welcome by the audience in the tours in Italy, France, Turkey, Greece, Macedonia, Kosovo, Croatia, Bosnia, Switzerland, Belgium etc.,
From this orchestra have emerged talented soloists, instrumentalists.
In the collection of musical recordings available by the Albanian TV, a significant part is taken of the recorded and filmed parts is played by symphony orchestra and TKOB artists. In addition to the repertoire of our composers such as Zadeja, Zoraqi, Daija, Harapi, Ibrahimi, Dizdari, Peçi, Laro, etc. This orchestra has successfully played many symphonic works of great world composers such as Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Brahms, Dvorak, Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, Strauss, Rossini, etc.
The TKOB’s Symphony Orchestra has in its composition about 60 instrumentalists. For its artistic interpretation values, TKOB’s symphony orchestra has been honored with prizes and considerations.
The orchestra has only Albanian artists in its composition. Its formation contains: bows (V1, V2, Vl, Vlc, Cb), breathing instruments (picc, Fl1, Fl2, 2 Ob, 2 Cl, 2 Fg, Ingl.corn, 2Tr, 3 Cor, 3 Trb, Bt ), percussion and harp instruments.
Conductor: Edmond Doko
Assistant/Conductor: Florian Hysa
First Violine
Gëzim Bulçari – Concert Master
Nikola Kondakçi – Principal
Anduena Sula, Migena Kreci, Mimoza Kolpeja, Arenc Guri, Gerd Cinxo
Second Violine
Hilda Çekani – Principal
Rina Cekaj, Gent Jazexhiu, Vilma Cara, Edlira Prosi
Violas
Flobens Zyma – Principal
Albana Leka, Arjan Konçi, Alkena Shuteriqi, Adrian Prosi, Xhanina Çela
Cellos
Gëzim Hysi, Loreta Memaj, Teuta Krypçi, Mario Guralumi, Jona Çegrani, Ejona Nako
Double-Basses
Saimir Katroshi – Principal
Oltjon Lila, Adnan Mumajesi
Flute
Enalda Gjoni – Principal
Dorela Ujkani – Flute II
Oboes
Erik Tauzi – Principal
Ilir Gjoka – Oboe II
Clarinets
Elton Katroshi – Principal
Erenik Behlula – Clarinet II
Bassoons
Sidrit Çarçiu – Principal
Sadik Mëniku – Bassoon II
Horns
Vildan Mumajesi – Horn II
Denis Shegaj – Horn III
Trumpets
Xhino Daja – Principal
Roland Llupa – Trumpet II
Trombones
Ilir Vorpsi – Principal
Alban Zadeja – Trombone II
Edmond Kiri – Trombone III
Timpani
Edris Kraja – Principal
Percussion
Eldi Smaja
Harp
Aida Kasmi – Principal
Concert Master – Pianists – Corepetitor
Enina Selenica – Concert Master
Etrita Ibrahimi – Pianist Corepetitor
Herta Cane – Pianist Coaching
Ingrid Pulizo – Pianist Coaching
Thanas Paskali – Pianist Corepetitor