General Sponsor:
Fotini Allteni Kokeri
Supporting Organization:
Albanian-American Women Organization “Motrat Qiriazi”
Artistic Directors:
Inva Mula
Deshira Ahmeti
Author :
Nevila Dudaj & Belisa Vneshta
At Cipriani NYC, stars unite to celebrate the life and birthday of a cultural icon.
It was a night that shimmered with emotion, artistry, and deep cultural pride inside the grand walls of Cipriani at 25 Broadway in New York City. The occasion: a gala honoring the life, legacy, and birthday of Fadil Berisha-a world-renowned photographer and cherished cultural icon in the Albanian community. More than a celebration, the Fadil Berisha Gala became a musical love letter to a man whose camera has captured global stars, presidents, supermodels, and royalty-but whose heart has always remained rooted in his culture. Over the years, Fadil has not only chronicled beauty through his lens but has played a pivotal role in uplifting Albanian artists around the world. Fittingly, many of those artists-some internationally famous, others rising voices-came together and performed without compensation, offering their voices as a tribute to the man who has done so much for them, and for Albanian art.
The evening began with the powerful soprano Inva Mula, who delivered a stunning rendition of “Shqipëri O Vendi Im”-her voice soaring through the opulent venue, stirring national pride and setting an emotional tone for the night ahead. Later, she joined renowned violinist Olen Cezari and pianist/composer Genc Tukiçi for “Te Volio Bene Assai,” blending classical mastery with heartfelt emotion. Olen and Genc followed with a passionate performance of Vittorio Monti’s Czardas, which drew enthusiastic applause from the crowd. Renowned soprano Deshira Ahmeti graced the stage with elegance and power, delivering a stirring performance of “O Mio Babbino Caro”. She followed with “Baresha,” accompanied by a stunning visual backdrop of Rugova and Kosovo landscapes. Her voice, rich with experience and emotion, created one of the night’s most evocative moments-celebrating homeland, heritage, and heart.
Later, famed Albanian singer Elsa Lila performed while a slideshow of Fadil’s own portraits of her played in the background-an emotional, full-circle moment. Elsa then introduced Dea Krliu, a rising talent who delivered a powerful version of “Listen”. Her poise and vocal strength left the audience breathless, marking her as one to watch. In one of the evening’s most emotional highlights, Parashqevi Simaku returned to the stage after years away from public performance. The moment she appeared, the entire room rose to its feet. Her performance was met with a standing ovation, a tribute to her enduring place in Albanian music and memory. A deeply personal moment came when Genc Tukiçi and Inva Mula performed an original composition, written by Genc as a musical gift to Fadil. They presented him with the framed lyrics on stage-a heartfelt gesture between artist and muse, friend and visionary.
Igli Tuga, on clarinet, and Genc Tukiçi, on piano, honored Albania’s musical roots with a soul-stirring Kaba performance, rich in emotional depth. Celebrated vocalists continued to light up the stage throughout the evening: ● Merita Halili and her husband Raif Hyseni performed together with signature warmth and passion. ● Alberie Hadergjonaj, Yllka Kuqi, Mira Konçi, and Arian Krilou & his band added their voices to the celebration, each bringing unique styles and stories to the stage. ● Gezim Nika delivered a moving performance of “Shqipëri O Nena Ime,” a heartfelt ode to homeland and heritage. To close the night, all of the evening’s performers returned to the stage for a collective rendition of “Xhamadani Vija Vija.” It was a powerful finale-voices rising together, in harmony and unity, to honor not only Fadil Berisha, but the community he continues to inspire. The Fadil Berisha Gala was more than a birthday-it was a tribute to a life dedicated to elevating others. Through his lens, Fadil has told the stories of his people. And through this night, those very people told his. It was a night of gratitude, music, and memories. And above all, it was a reminder that when art meets heart, legacy lives on.
