A masterclass on Japanese songs was organized at the University of Tetova.

His Excellency Otsuka Kazuya, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of North Macedonia, and his wife, soprano Kyoko Otsuka, were warmly welcomed today by the Rector of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Jusuf Zejneli, on the occasion of a masterclass organized by the Music Arts program at the Faculty of Arts, titled “Japanese Songs.”

The meeting was also attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, full-time Professor Senad Abduli, the Vice Dean for Science of the Faculty, full-time Professor Nora Halimi, and the representative of the Japanese Embassy, Arbena Palloshi.

At this meeting, the Rector, together with the ambassador and attendees, emphasized the importance of such activities to promote dialogue and cultural exchange and to deepen our knowledge of the rich Japanese art and culture.

The masterclass commenced with a welcoming speech by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, full-time Professor Senad Abduli, who expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity offered by Ambassador Otsuka and Mrs. Otsuka to explore Japan’s musical creativity and the rich traditions it has shared with the world. He also extended his thanks to the head of the Music Arts program, full-time Professor Bajramali Idrizi, and full-time Professor Teuta Halimi for their efforts in organizing the event, as well as to the students in attendance.

The masterclass was led by soprano Otsuka, who also performed several pieces from a carefully curated repertoire of Japanese music, accompanied on the piano by Ёndra Ademi.

The masterclass was honored by a guitar performance from Ambassador Kazuya himself.

The event concluded with a musical performance by two of our students, Florentina Abazi and Abdulla Xhaferi.

The masterclass was inspiring and served as an excellent opportunity to further develop the cultural relations between our University and the diplomatic representatives in North Macedonia.