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Ralf Gjoni The contemporary composer's biography, works and projects... Ralf GJoni, is one of Europe's upcoming contemporary composers currently living and working in London, UK. A well established guitar player and composer at the same time, Ralf has performed widely in Albania, Great Britain, Spain, Finland, and the United States. Since 1985 he continues to play and write music while his works have been performed by accomplished world ensembles such as The Bochman String Quartet in Britain.

Born in Tirana, Albania Ralf started to study Guitar, Mandolin and Music Theory at the age of 9 with Edi Xhani, one of the most recognized guitar players in the country. In 1990, he entered the "Sami Frasheri" general high school in Tirana. During this time he continued to expand his musical knowledge privately with teachers like Aleksander Vezuli (composer) and Alfred Ruci (musician), both working at the TVSH.

The years of the high school, like for many students in Albania, were years of turmoil and confusion, following the change of the political system from communism to a free market democracy. Ralf took part in the anti-communist student movement and after the fall of communism, became more widely involved in the musical life of Tirana. This was highlighted by participation in the rock and pop music scene of Albania. (Lead guitarist of Black Iceberg and player of some other rock bands).

Leaves Albania in 1994, with the intention of pursuing a more profound musical education and experience. Settles in Great Britain where he goes straight into the second year of the Foundation Diploma of Music at the Colchester Institute, where he gets his Foundation Diploma and 'A' Levels in Music. Following this year, the Hockerrill Educational Foundation, awards him a Bursary to continue his studies into the BA (Hons) level.

While in Colchester, Ralf studied guitar with Tim Pells who plays with the English Guitar Quartet and is also the Head of Contemporary Strings at the institute. Time during which he wins two school prices, the Duets Cup and Composers Competition. This opened the door for three of his String Quartets to be performed by one of the most prestigious Quartets of Great Britain, The Bochman String Quartet.(1997) This important step in his musical career, marked the official break up from the old pop scene, into the classical contemporary and film music.

On the classical genre, his works include duets for guitar, string quartets and pieces for chamber choir and orchestra. Simultaneously, Gjoni has written a great number of pop/rock songs. The composer has a longlife passion to inspire a new contemporary style built upon ethnic sounds which portrays his spiritual journey. Click here for his new album

After 4 years as the Artist-in-Residence at Valley Forge Christian College, PA, USA, Ralf Gjoni is presently reading International Relations at King's College London. If you would like to contact the composer for any future projects, please do so by filling in the albmuzika form

Mr GJoni, is also the chairman of the Albmuzika Trust, a music charity project intending to help Albanian artists in the promotion of their music. This fund has been greatly supported by musicians in the UK, The Netherlands, Finland and the U.S.A.