Zef Çoba

Zef Çoba (born 1951 in Shkoder, Albania) is a musical conductor. He completed his studies of choral conducting at the Art Academy in Tirana in 1974. After graduating he was appointed Music Director of Culture Centre in Peshkopi and then in Shkoder. He studied folklore, particularly of the regions where he worked, and in taught himself composition. In 1989 began working as a professional composer. In 1991 began to work at Radio Shkodra as a music redactor/editor, and after that, as a journalist and chief editor.
In 2003, he began working near the Art Academy in Tirana, teaching classes including orchestral conducting, chorus & choral conducting and chamber music. He conducted the Chorus “Dom Mikel Koliqi” of Shkoder Cathedral (1997-2001), the Chorus of Cathedral “Gjon Pali” Tirane (2004), and as of 2011 was the Conductor of Saint Francesco church chorus - Shkoder.
In 1999 he founded the Friends of Music Rozafa Expression. He is the composer of 16 Albanian films, musical, vocal works, instrumentals, theater (music) shows, chorus works, soloists and chorus, songs of Shkoder urban tradition and songs for children.
He has several honorary titles:
* Member of Choral Music of Balkan Forum Board
* Honor of Dibra Culture - awarded by Peshkopi Municipal Council
* Honor member of Artistic association “Besa” of Montenegro
* Honor member of Artistic association “Madonna di S. Giovanni” of Ripatransone - Italia
* “Madre Teresa” - Istituto Italiano di Cultura a Tirana
* Honor member of Association “Rrok Jakaj" - Shkoder
* Member in UNION OF ALBANIA WRITERS AND ARTISTS since 1978
* Chairman of Association Friends of Music “Rozafa Expression” - Shkoder
Friends of Music "Rozafa Expression”
The Friends of Music Rozafa Expression initiates and participates in artistic activity at national and international levels. The denomination synthesizes members’ civic and artistic duty. “Rozafa” is the castle, a testimony of the 2400 years civilized history - the myth of Shkoder, a legend that symbolizes the Sacrifice, which is an expression of civic duty. The music tradition in Shkoder is the basis of this movement. A practice that serves the consolidation and integration of good musical values is the space created after the 90s. This repertoire is expanded with Albanian traditional songs, arrangements, and selected works from choral music of several styles, epochs and countries.
Çoba was part of many activities in Albania and abroad, including the International festival of chorus in Tirana (2000), Andros (Greece-2000), Cetinje (Montenegro-2007), Karditsa (Greece-2000) Avola (Italy 2000), Vibo Valentia (Italy - 2001), Shkodra Jazz (2007) Tuz (Montenegro-2007), Tetove (Macedonia-2007,2009,2011) Ripatransone (Italy-2007), Tirana (2009), Cuneo Saluzzo, Svilgiano (Italy 2009), and various tours in Naples (2007). These activity are possible thanks to the members’ passionate work, to donators valuable contributions and to the revitalization of cultural and artistic life.
Xhamadani song
In 1993 Çoba composed Xhamadani vija vija, a song that has become the theme of the supporters of Albania national football team.

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