Parliament honors Vendim Kapaj: sounds of Albanian tradition featured in Nolan’s “The Odyssey”

On National Cultural Heritage Day, Albania’s Parliament expressed gratitude to all those who contribute to preserving and passing on Albanian cultural heritage from generation to generation.

In a social media post, Parliament spotlighted Vendim Kapaj, honored with the title “Grand Master,” who for more than 50 years has devoted himself to the music and sounds of Albanian tradition.

“With the fyell and the double flute in his hands, he has preserved a piece of the soul of Albanian music,” the Parliament post reads.

Parliament also highlights Kapaj’s rare technique — playing the fyell with his teeth.

According to Parliament, the sound created by this ancient Albanian tradition has travelled beyond the country’s borders, becoming part of the soundtrack of director Christopher Nolan’s new film The Odyssey, alongside Oscar-winning composer Ludwig Göransson.

“From Albanian tradition to one of the biggest productions in world cinema. This is heritage when it is kept alive, preserved, passed on and admired around the world,” the post reads.