We are borrowing it. an interview from the Suzanne podcast site with Rona Nishliu, director of the festival: Mitrovica International Jazz Days which will be held from August 22-24 in Mitrovica.
Mitrovica will host the largest jazz festival in Kosovo. Festival director Rona Nishliu took a few minutes to talk to us about the upcoming program with female performers this year.
Mitrovica International Jazz Days (MIJD) will bring a day of good music to the northern city of Kosovo.
As we have said in our list of weekly Monday Marks events, “Mitrovica is the city with the first jazz band in Kosovo – thanks to the English mining managers, who brought jazz, the first swimming pool and the first tennis courts, all before World War II. Even in later decades, Mitrovica has been a real source of jazz and rock music.”
Rona Nishliu is one of Kosovo's most famous performers, having brought Albania its best performance at Eurovision. For several years now, she has been committed to bringing the old musical brilliance to her hometown of Mitrovica. As director of MIJD, this year she has brought a rich program with mostly female performers, including singers who have won multiple Grammy awards. Although very busy, Rona found some time to talk to us about the program and her hopes for this year.
Arlinda: When are the Mitrovica Jazz Days this year? Who is coming? What are the locations?
Rona Nishliu: The second edition is dedicated to women and girls who have inspired with their power, talent and brilliance in the traditionally male-dominated music scene. Here comes Gunhild Carling – the female sensation of wind instruments – a family of instruments considered mainly “men's”, then Kinga Glyk – bass prodigy – young and powerful, Francesca Tandoi – the modern-day beboper from Italy, and many others, who for 3 nights, 22-24 August, will adorn the sky of Mitrovica. Concert location, Mehë Uka Square.
Arli: What would you like to hear from the audience visiting the festival, such as comments on social media or from conversations with people leaving the festival locations?
Rona Nishliu: My greatest desire is to live together 3 super special nights, with a program that has not been heard in Kosovo since last year. For me personally, it is very important for the audience to listen and enjoy.
Arli: Mitrovica has an extraordinary tradition of rock and jazz music. How is this Mitrovica experience absorbed into the festival?
Rona Nishliu: The Mitrovica audience is not only enthusiastic, but also well-informed. This has created a special bond between the musicians on stage and the audience. This synergy last year was created through a full and intelligent interaction, which went beyond just listening. The audience reacted to the smallest musical nuances, supporting the musicians and encouraging them to explore new interpretive depths. In the most complex moments of the performance, when the musicians explored new artistic territories, the Mitrovica audience was completely there, ready to follow and experience every dynamic and tonal change. This high level of interaction not only enriched the experience of both parties, but also raised the level of the performance, creating a very special experience.
Arli: After endless waiting, who did you invite to the festival?
Rona Nishliu: Hmmm, Herbie Hancock, Bobby McFerrin and Rachelle Ferrell.
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