The Story of Xhoni and Sekine Athanas
Our Mission
Sekine Sharofi Athanas
Xhoni Athanas
At the John and Sekine Athanas Foundation, our mission is to support, uplift, and empower emerging talent across the globe in classical music, opera, and classical ballet. We are committed to preserving and nurturing the true values of the artistic world—values embodied by Xhoni and Sekine Athanas—through education, awards, mentorship, and meaningful support.
Xhoni Athanas
Sekine Sharofi Athanas
Xhoni Athanas
Xhoni Athanas
Xhoni Athanas (November 4, 1925 – October 1, 2019)—also known as Gjoni Athanas or John Athanas—was a distinguished Albanian American operatic tenor whose voice resonated across continents and generations.
A graduate of the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow in 1957, he was awarded the prestigious Silver Medal at the Internati
Xhoni Athanas
Xhoni Athanas (November 4, 1925 – October 1, 2019)—also known as Gjoni Athanas or John Athanas—was a distinguished Albanian American operatic tenor whose voice resonated across continents and generations.
A graduate of the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow in 1957, he was awarded the prestigious Silver Medal at the International Opera Singers Competition that same year—an honor personally signed by the legendary Italian tenor Tito Schipa.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Xhoni received numerous accolades for his artistic excellence, including the titles of Artist i Merituar (Merited Artist), Medalja e Mirënjohjes (Medal of Gratitude), and Mjeshtër i Madh (Great Master), all conferred by Presidents of Albania. His enduring contributions to the arts and the Albanian diaspora were further recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Albanian American National Organization (AANO) in Boston.
He is especially remembered for his commanding portrayal of the national hero Scanderbeg in Skënderbeu, the celebrated opera by Albanian composer Prenk Jakova. The image on the homepage captures him in this iconic role—a testament to his profound connection to his cultural roots and his extraordinary gift for embodying the spirit of a nation through song.
Sekine Sharofi Athanas
Sekine Sharofi Athanas
Sekine Sharofi Athanas
Sekine Sharofi Athana
Sekine Athanas (March 4, 1938 – August 20, 2023) was among the first classical ballet dancers of the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Tirana, Albania. She was one of the pioneering artists who laid the very foundations of the Ballet Theater in the 1950s.
Over a distinguished career spanning 35 years, Sekine s
Sekine Sharofi Athana
Sekine Athanas (March 4, 1938 – August 20, 2023) was among the first classical ballet dancers of the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Tirana, Albania. She was one of the pioneering artists who laid the very foundations of the Ballet Theater in the 1950s.
Over a distinguished career spanning 35 years, Sekine shone as a prima ballerina, performing as a soloist in many prominent roles with remarkable talent, technical mastery, energy, and grace. Her final stage appearance was in 1986, portraying the role of Lola in the ballet Lola.
A defining achievement of her career was becoming the first classical ballerina in Albania to perform en pointe and in tutu as a soloist with the newly formed Ballet Troupe of Tirana in the 1950s—an extraordinary milestone she reached at just 14 years old. The photograph featured on the main page captures her at 17, in that very performance, embodying both the promise of youth and the timeless artistry that would define her legacy.
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