Ensemble ‘Shota’, the most dignified representative of our spiritual heritage

In a formal academy, National Ensemble of Songs and Dancing ‘Shota’ marked tonight in Prishtina, at the National Theatre of Kosovo, its 50th anniversary of establishment as a professional ensemble.

In this formal event, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Memli Krasniqi, leading staff of the ensemble, former leading staff, former dancers and singers, Rifat Jashari from the family of Legendary Commander Adem Jashari, artists and guests of different fields of life were present.

In this academy many personalities who have worked and helped the ensemble were honoured.

Minister Memli Krasniqi, in his speech said that the Ensemble ‘Shota’ celebrates the most important journey of the people of Kosovo and remains the most dignified representative of the rich spiritual heritage of our nation.

“We are a new state, but we are the oldest people of this territory. 50 years of “Shota” ensemble is not little. Moreover they are the most important years of our history. They are years of our journey towards freedom”, he said.

Below you may find the full speech of Minister Krasniqi held in this academy:

It is difficult to find the appropriate words to describe the 50 year journey of the National Ensemble of Songs and Dancing “Shota”, as a professional ensemble which for decades has been and remains the most dignified representative of the rich spiritual culture of our people.

Better than any speech, for our “Shota” speaks the half century creation and performance of hundreds of dancers, instrument players, singers and administrators who with their talent, with their work and titanic dedication made this ensemble as a representative institution of Kosovo also at the most difficult times for our people, and even today. “Shota”, better than anybody cultivated and preserved our national tradition, the melody and our unique folklore and has promoted the Albanian spiritual heritage all over the world.

All those people who made “Shota” ensemble to achieve the highest artistic levels, where it is today, fairly deserve our gratitude and appreciation, the respect and institutional support.

So, allow me to pass on my most sincere thanks for your outstanding contribution, and wholeheartedly congratulate you for this 50th anniversary, for this very special jubilee. Congratulations!

When you just recall that nearly every day in your life, you the members of the Ensemble, dance and sing, it makes you believe that you are the happiest people in the world. And undoubtedly the others may envy you for that.

But I have had the chance to work in these nearly four years with you, I know very well that behind your smiling, behind the sounds and your voices, an untiring work lays behind, a serious dedication, but also a great sacrifice, which enables us as a public to experience from you the bright values which you transmit through song, dancing and traditional wearing. This work you are doing is really a noble work which protects and preserves our national identity.

We are a new state, but we are the oldest people of this territory. 50 years of “Shota” ensemble is not little. Moreover they are the most important years of our history. They are years of our journey towards freedom. This Ensemble has undoubtedly played an important role into this journey. Through you as well, we were able not to forget the history of our forefathers at any time and at the same time we have built the vision for the Kosovo we love.

Of course you members, young and old know the most accurate storey bearing more emotions for the journey of our and your Ensemble. And undoubtedly there are numerous names in this journey. But today, in this jubilee, in a special manner we express the respect for all those who gave a lot to “Shota” Ensemble, who are not with us any longer.

“Shota” Ensemble has been and will remain forever a treasure of our nation and state. It is our image and symbol in any representation. State institutions have continuously expressed and paid a high care for the Ensemble. But beyond this, it is our people the one who always showed the highest respect for you, because you have always been close to them. You have stepped in every town of Kosovo and you have provided endless emotions.

“Shota” Ensemble has also represented Kosovo in the most dignified manner everywhere in the world, wherever it performed. I am proud that in these recent years we have jointly experienced happy moments and many international successes. Almost wherever you have been travelling to, in international festivals, you came back home with culminant prizes and appreciations, in the same way just as before many years and decades.

Honoured guests, dear members of “Shota” Ensemble, you have always deserved the support of your state. And I feel honoured that we have managed to increase this support from year to year, by fulfilling many of your requests and significantly improving conditions for artistic work. In the future too, for “Shota” Ensemble increased care shall be paid, because it is an obligation of ours and you deserve it.

Finally, thanking all of you for your work for many years, for the great dedication you have even today for building 50 other bright years, I congratulate you for this jubilee with the best wishes and congratulations. Continue with your already paved way, with so much motivation and love and undoubtedly whoever marks 100th anniversary of “Shota” Ensemble after 50 years, will have nothing to say but thanking and appreciation for you and your successors.

Thank you!