Zhan Viktor Ciko, represents one of the most distinguished personalities in the world of art and music in Albania. He began his musical career as a solo-violinist and concert-maestro in the Theatre of Opera and Ballet, later becoming its Artistic Director at the young age of 25. His career was interrupted when he was disciplined by the communist regime of the time. Later, his return and political changes brought forth a number of professional achievements as the Director of the Lyceum of Arts, where among others he created the virtuoso Strings Orchestra, renowned and awarded several times with summa cum laude around Europe. He was awarded the First Prize at the Vienna 2000 World Festival, as well as the Vienna Municipality Grand Prize. Later was appointed Head of the Symphonic Orchestra of RTSH (Albanian Radio-Television) and for over 10 years has served as the General Director of the Theatre of Opera and Ballet. A distinguished Conducter and founder of several ensembles, he has propagated old and new works of the Albanian music, both domestically and abroad. A Musicologist and Emeritus Professor, he has been awarded the title of “Great Master” by the Albanian President, “Chevalier des Arts and Lettres” by the French Ministry of Culture, and “Ehrenkreutz für Wissenschaft und Kunst” by the Austrian President, and has become an honorary citizen of several cities.