Renowned violinist Tedi Papavrami said he has never lost his connection with Albania, despite the difficult and contradictory chapters of his life linked to the country.
Papavrami spoke during a ceremony at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tirana, where Prime Minister Edi Rama presented him with the “Star of the Officer of the Supreme Order of the Eagle” on behalf of the President of the Republic.
The musician described the moment as emotional and deeply meaningful.
“It is a strange feeling of time passing and of the unpredictable paths of life,” Papavrami said as he addressed guests, friends, family members and figures from his childhood who attended the ceremony.
Speaking to Rama directly, Papavrami recalled him as “a protective figure” from his early years.
The violinist said his history in Albania has been deeply contradictory depending on the era.
“Here I first experienced the kindness and admiration of the public. Later, with a sudden contrast, I experienced the violence of rejection when my family’s departure turned us into enemies in the eyes of the regime,” he said.
Papavrami recalled the painful consequences his family faced after leaving the country during the communist period.
Despite those experiences, he said Albania always remained part of his identity.
“I never lost my connection with Albania,” Papavrami said.
He also highlighted his literary translation work with Ismail Kadare, describing it as an unexpected and beautiful stage in his life that reconnected him deeply with the Albanian language.
“The Albanian language touches me very deeply, and I have tried never to forget it,” he said.
Papavrami added that Albania, its language and his personal experiences have remained present throughout his life and music.
/a.c/
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