The songs of Serenata Korçare (Korça Serenade) are a symbol, of the “soul” and “heart” of Korça city.

The strands of this event date back to a century and a half, around the end of the 19th century, and were originally adaptations or imitations of foreign serenades, mainly from Cephalonia in Greece, Italy, Spain, or even as far away as Argentina. They were adapted and enriched while performed by Korça artists.

The serenade is an expression of feelings through songs for a girl being courted, and beyond. Yet, it is from time to time seen as a form of a spectacular performance, a mise-en-scene with the boy singing or playing sweet tunes to the girl from under the window.

These songs feature a monodic (one voice) or two melodies and in some instances take choral form (up to four voices). A case in point is “Lira” choir.

Their songs unfold diverse themes. In line with the topicality reflected in their compositions, such songs also included social themes (e.g., the songs “Dua mëngjeset e Majit”/Yearn for the May mornings, “S’kam ç’e dua pasurinë”/I do not need wealth, or a sort of lampoon songs against vices or phenomena in the focus of criticism at the time, etc.)

The lyrics of the serenade songs were mainly written by the composers of melodies (to mention only a few among those numerous): Petro Dula, the sisters Olga and Dhimitra Maliqari, Vasilika Bimbli, Ligoraq Qano, Petrika and Naum Tërova, and so on. Additionally, poets or intellectuals of the time such as: Asdreni, Kristaq Cepa, etc., became lyricists of several serenades.

Among the most popular songwriters of serenades, are Thoma Nasi, Kristo Kono, and later, Abaz Hajro, Mihallaq Andrea, and so on.

The serenade was mainly sung by boys (men). Some of the different serenade groups are called: ‘Qirinxhinjtë’, ‘Zabunët’, ‘Bimbllarët’, ‘Peleshët’, and many other groups.

Yet, there are also cases of serenades performed by women (sisters Olga and Dhimitra Maliqari, Spanja Pipa, and so on.)

Serenade songs are accompanied by an orchestral formation, mainly stringed instruments (guitar, mandolin, but also other instruments such as flute, violin, accordion, etc.)

Nowadays, ‘Serenata Korçare’ has evolved by adapting to the current trends.

Actually, it has transformed into a musical genre that is performed on stage and in other settings and has accordingly enriched the way of vocal and instrumental treatment.

Serenade songs are present in family and social events, feasts, and celebrations and are performed everywhere, on stages, bars, and other entertainment venues.

Serenata Korçare today is an irreplaceable value, unique to Korça city, in “symbiosis” with its own name.