If music is the most beautiful way to see the world, then Diego Zelka sees it through his voice.
The 23-year-old Albanian tenor, a graduate of the University of Arts in Tirana in the Canto department, is one of the most sensitive and unique voices of the new generation. He comes from an early artistic training at the “Jordan Misja” High School, where as a child he stood out for his pure timbre and for the way he felt music with his soul, heart and inner eyes of art.
His career began early. At a very young age, Diego won first prize at the National Children's Song Festival in Shkodra (51st edition), and was later honored at the National Lyric Music Festival "Jorgjie Truja". But these were only the first steps on a path that would take full meaning through passion, patience and perseverance.
He has performed on many stages, as a soloist and chorister, in important productions such as “Mrika”, “Dido and Aeneas”, “Jesus Christ Superstar”, as well as in gala concerts and lyric festivals at home and abroad.
As part of the Siparantum Choir, Diego has performed at the Berlin Philharmonic, in Barcelona, Greece, Denmark, and even Thailand, sharing international stages with renowned artists and conductors. He has also performed in Switzerland, France and Greece with the ensemble “Joy of Singing”, and has been part of the Armed Forces Ensemble, giving voice to Albanian culture beyond borders.
But the moment that made him known to the general public was his participation in “Albania's Got Talent”, where his performance exploded as a message of sensitivity and strength. The audience stood up, the jury awarded him with the Golden Buzzer, and Diego became the symbol of what art can be: light, even when it is not seen with the eyes.
In those few minutes on stage, he reminded everyone that the sight of the soul is what illuminates the most.
However, after all this journey, Diego has still not been involved in the productions of the National Opera and Ballet Theater. He has expressed several times his desire and commitment to be part of the Albanian operatic scene, but despite applications and constant interest, he has not yet received the opportunity he dreams of. A reality that he accepts with moderation, but which raises questions about how open the Albanian scene is today for talented and inclusive young people.
“I understand that art has its own processes, standards and choices. But I believe that the stage should be a place for everyone who has something to give,” he says with conviction.
“Even though I am blind, this has never been an obstacle. On the contrary, it has made me try harder, listen deeper and feel every note as a step towards the light.”
For Diego, art is not a competition, but a journey. He continues to compete in festivals, improve professionally, and build a path guided by passion and humility.
His big dream remains the stage of the National Opera, where he would like to ascend not only as a performer, but as an example that art knows no physical boundaries, only spiritual ones.
In a time when many measure success by fame, Diego Zelka measures it by dedication. He doesn't sing to win, but to shine.
And maybe that's why his voice sounds different: because he comes from a place where music is breathing, and the dream is still alive.
