The Minister of Culture held in Vienna in Vienna Lina Mendoni With Vice -Chancellor and Minister of Residential, Arts, Culture, Media and Sports of Austria, Andreas Babler.
The talks confirmed, mutual, the excellent bilateral relations between Greece -Austria, as well as the close cultural bonds between the two countries. Lina Mendoni referred to the excellent relations between Greeks and Austrian archaeologists -since 1898, when the Austrian Archaeological Institute in Athens was installed to this day. There was a detailed debate on the institution of Europe’s cultural capitals, as Greece and Austria had the recent experience of Eleusis, 2023, and Band Isl Isl Zalzkamergut, in 2024, respectively. The reference to the Austrian Greek musical summer was extensive, a successful institution of music events organized for a decade, the Austria Embassy in Athens, under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture of Greece. The musical summer of 2025 was dedicated to Mikis Theodorakis and included more than 30 concerts.
Lina Mendoni focused on the importance of Greece and the Ministry of Culture on the definitive reunification of all the Parthenon sculptures at the Acropolis Museum and asked the Vice -Chancellor to work together to make it possible to return to Athens of the two Parthenia Sklims. Museum, analyzing the example of the Fagan fragment. Andreas Babler has expressed the intention of launching a technical debate between the two sides, as today there is no institutional framework in his country. The bilateral meeting was attended by the Greek Ambassador to Vienna George Iliopoulos, and Ambassador Thomas Zehetner, a consultant on foreign policy, and associates on both sides.
World premiere for KOTH at Musikverein in Vienna
The Thessaloniki State Orchestra, in the context of its extraversion policy, for the first time in its 65 -year presence, appeared in the emblematic golden hall of the Musikverein in Vienna, with the world premiere of the Ephesus Ballad and Ephesus. The Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, who attended the concert, said: “The appearance of the Thessaloniki State Orchestra, in one of the most emblematic music sites in the world, is a top cultural event, and at the same time a moment of special pride for our country. The Golden Room, which is inextricably linked to world music tradition but also to Greece, as it bears the stamp of Greek benefactor Nikolaou Doumba, welcomed, for the first time in its history, the sound of ancient Greek lyre, through the interpretation of Dr. Nikos Xanthoulis. The fact that the KTHT was presented before a demanding and educated audience, gaining its acceptance and enthusiasm, confirms its quality appearance. Greece is part of the international cultural map, not only for its cultural heritage but also for major productions, through the cultural organizations of the Ministry of Culture, removing international praise, thanks to the dedication of artists, who work in the extroversion of modern Greek culture. The appearance of the Thessaloniki State Orchestra is a powerful proof of the extroversion and internationalization vision that we have consistently serving in the Ministry of Culture in recent years. Our goal is to bring Greek culture to the forefront of great world scenes. Warmest congratulations to all the contributors for this historic moment. “
The golden hall of Musikverein was inaugurated in 1870 by Emperor Franz Joseph, and is considered one of the most famous and sought after concert halls worldwide, especially known for the New Year’s Eve concert of the Vienna Philharmonic. The benefactor of Greek descent Nikolaos Doubas (1830-1900) contributed decisively to its construction, giving a symbolic weight to the appearance of the Thessaloniki State Orchestra. Originating from Vlasti Kozani, Philomousos and a friend of top musicians and artists, such as Strauss II, Wagner, Brahms and Klimt, he was a great benefactor of Austria and Greece. The street in front of Musikverein bears its name Dumbasstrasse.