Profile of the Legendary Tenor, Mihal Ciko (1902-1986)!

Mihal Ciko
Albanian tenor of the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet!

Born on August 29, 1902, in the city of Korçë. At the age of only six, his family moved to Romania, where he began to take his first steps into the world of art.

His artistic activity started with the artistic society Lyra in Bucharest, where he first participated as a chorister, later distinguished himself as an actor, and eventually went on to direct the society himself as a conductor. For his higher education, he pursued studies in lyrical singing (baritone) at the prestigious Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory in Milan, where he graduated with excellent results. In 1926, still during his studies, he made his debut on stage, performing in the operas “Cavalleria Rusticana” and “Pagliacci”.

Three years later, in 1929, Ciko was awarded first prize at the International Folk Song Competition held in Milan.

Between 1929 and 1942, the baritone Mihal Ciko built his career abroad, performing with great success on many operatic stages in Italy, Romania, and other European countries. After his return to his homeland, he became an active part of Albania’s artistic life, taking part in concerts, cultural events, and musical activities, always in collaboration with prominent artists of the time such as Tefta Tashko-Koço, Jorgjia Truja, Kristaq Antoniu, and Lola Gjoka.

His contribution was not limited only to performance but also extended to conducting, vocal pedagogy, and musical directing. For a period of time, he also served as head of music at Radio Tirana, making a significant contribution to the development of national musical art.

After the founding of the State Philharmonic in 1950, Mihal Ciko gave major contributions as a complete professional, being engaged both as a soloist and as a singing pedagogue. He was the first teacher of this discipline at the Artistic Lyceum “Jordan Misja” and later lectured at the Conservatory of Tirana. As a pedagogue, he trained an entire generation of lyrical singers, among whom later stood out important names such as Gaqo Çako, Ramiz Kovaçi, and others, who would go on to represent Albanian art on major stages.

With the establishment of the State Opera, Ciko was among the first figures to contribute to its foundation, working as a director while also performing as a soloist. He took part in significant productions such as the opera “Rusalka”, the opera “The Bartered Bride”, as well as “Cavalleria Rusticana”, setting an outstanding example of professionalism and passion for the stage.

Throughout his long artistic and pedagogical journey, Mihal Ciko was honored with many titles, awards, and decorations. He was awarded the high title of Merited Artist, remaining one of the most important figures of Albanian musical art, to which he dedicated his entire life for the development and spread of lyrical music.

He was married to the respected teacher and veteran Evanthi Ciko, and was the father of the well-known music pedagogue Zhani Ciko.

Mihal Ciko passed away on January 24, 1986, at the age of 84.
___________________
Albanian Cinematography in activity since 2013
Sources: Archive of the Opera and Ballet Theater, information from Wikipedia on the Internet, various news sites that have published about the tenor.
Page contributor Giseld D | August 25, 2025