Kitka in Concert with Merita Halili and Raif Hyseni: Songs of Albania, First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 2007
“She raised her radiant soprano in buoyant wedding songs, punctuated by speed-demon accordion from her husband and bandleader, Raif Hyseni.” —New York Times, 2002
Merita Halili and her husband, bandleader and accordionist, Raif Hyseni, are ambassadors of Albanian music and culture in the United States. Along with performances in such venerable concert halls as Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, Metropolitan Museum of Art and others, Merita and Raif always find time to donate their talent to many community activities and events. They have taught numerous American musicians and others worldwide. Their CDs have sold more than half a million copies in the United States and Europe. Raif founded the Montclair State University Albanian American Ensemble to help promote the diverse and rich Albanian folklore and culture.
Raif Hyseni hails from The Republic of Kosova, which has a large Albanian majority. He grew up in the town of Mitrovicë, where he studied accordion at music school and performed in amateur ensembles.
Before moving to Tiranë in 1992, Raif was a well-known radio and television performer in Kosova's capital city Prishtinë, where he performed with legendary violinist Isak Mucolli. Through his recordings and media appearances, Raif has become known as a major innovator on the accordion, for which he has composed dozens of instrumental melodies and songs. Raif holds a Master’s degree in music from Montclair State University. He has written music for accordion, as well as songs, theater, and documentary movies.
Raif and his wife, singer Merita Halili, emigrated to the United States in 1995, and now make their home in Caldwell, New Jersey. They perform frequently around the country on numerous stages, festivals and at community weddings.