Gjon Simoni


Gjon Simoni, Albanian musicologist and composer, was born in Shkodër on 8 February 1936 into an Albanian family of long cultural tradition and died in Tirana on 2 July 1999. He was active in his city's musical life very early. In 1966 he graduated in composition and history of music from the Tirana State Conservatory. In 1966-1969 he was head of the Music Section in Gjirokastër, in 1969-1980 editor of musical programs at the Albanian Radio-Television, in 1980 head of the Composition Chair at the Academy of Arts in Tirana, in 1993-1994 teacher of music at the School of Music in Karditsa, in 1996-1997 dean of the Faculty of Music at the Academy of the arts in Tirana, in 1997 teacher of orchestration at the same Academy. He was holder of various prizes and titles.
His musical works are being played at various musical events in Albania and abroad. He also dealt with problems of music in the Albanian media and at various conferences and seminars.

Selection of musical works

Chamber music

Children's films
Feature films
During the 1986–1999 years he processed about 150 folk songs, orchestrated 300 songs, and made 50 arrangements of vocal and instrumental works of Albanian and world music. Among others, he orchestrated composer Pjetër Gaci's operas "Our Earth" and "Through Mist."

Publications