Dear Readers,

The past months have been marked by a series of high-level Austrian visits to the U.S., providing opportunity for exchange of information on a wide range of issues.

For over sixty years, the World Bank has played a decisive role in the fight against poverty and in promoting sustainable development in all parts of the world. Today, the World Bank is an important partner with valuable know-how for the Austrian Development Cooperation, and it provides significant opportunities for Austrian companies through World Bank projects in Central and Eastern Europe. Austrian Information spoke with the Austrian representatives to the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, and with the head of the Trade Commission’s Washington, D.C. office about Austria’s cooperation with these  institutions.

Having led major orchestras of North America and Europe, Austrian conductor Hans Graf became Music Director of the Houston Symphony Orchestra in 2001. In an interview with AI, he spoke of his career and his experiences conducting the Houston Symphony Orchestra as well as other orchestras from around the globe.

Last month was also marked by the sad news of the passing of two renowned Austrians whose contributions to the American cultural world remain unforgotten: Internationally-recognized Austrian-American singer and film producer Elfriede Dassanowsky and Austrian jazz legend Joe Zawinul.

Sincerely yours,

Wolfgang Renezeder
Editor-in-Chief