In Korça, the Artistic Society “Bandë e Lirisë” (“Freedom band”) was founded, among the first artistic societies established on the threshold of Independence. The initiator for its creation was the “Dituria” (“Knowledge”) Club. It consisted of about 40 instrumentalists, apart from other members of the society. All musical activities were directed by music master Paskal Anibale. The society, in cooperation with the “Dituria” Club, gave several theater performances. It also took care of the preparation of young instrumentalists, the formation of the dance group and the musical education of the citizens. It played an important role in the propagation of national ideals and in the interpretation of musical pieces and patriotic songs. It was closed by the Ottoman authorities in December 1911. (In the photo: List of members of the “Dituria” Club.)
Text: Albanian encyclopedic dictionary – Vol. 3 , Academy of Sciences of Albania, “Kristalina-KH”, Tirana, 2009, page 2505.
Photo: © Central State Archives
Graphic processing: AHCF
