TIRANA, Nov 7 /ATA/ After a 13-year hiatus, Saimir Pirgu received a standing ovation from the Albanian audience last night. The world-renowned tenor performed the role of Cavaradossi in Puccini's opera Tosca at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. 

The tickets for this much-anticipated performance were sold out in record time. Although Tosca has been staged many times at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet (TKOB), it gained special significance this time due to the return of tenor Saimir Pirgu, marking the end of the "Puccini Year" in honor of the composer Giacomo Puccini. 

The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet (TKOB) has arranged four special evenings, with two distinct casts of performers. Joining Saimir Pirgu on stage are Krassimira Stoyanova, Carlos Almaguer, and Eva Golemi. 

"Tosca" is a journey through passion, jealousy, and sacrifice. Set in 19th-century Rome, the story delves into the complex relationship between a passionate singer, an idealistic artist, and a sadistic police chief. 

This time, the opera is produced by the Fondazione Festival Torre del Lago, celebrating Puccini's 100th anniversary. The production introduces to the TKOB stage a world-class director, Manu Lalli. 

/sm/