Septembre-October 2004

From the Editor

Administrator — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 01:03:57 +0000

Dear Readers,

This issue is dedicated to outstanding Austrians:
Thomas Klestil who relentlessly promoted the interests of Austrians until his sudden death in July;

Heinz Fischer, his successor, who spent nearly forty years in national politics;

Benita Ferrero-Waldner, selected as new EU Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighborhood Policy;

Ernst Strasser, our Minister of the Interior, who has greatly enhanced Austria’s cooperation with the U.S.

But there are other people beyond politics building bridges between Austria and the United States.
Share new insights into the work of Stefan Zweig; read about the growing popularity of the German language abroad; and inform yourself of a new museum in Vienna.

Two Austrian historical icons make headlines - Vienna’s Diplomatic Academy and the Austrian "Rolls Royce of Pianos."

Yours sincerely,
Chritoph Meran

Sisi Myth

Administrator — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 01:02:47 +0000

April 24, 2004 was one of the most memorable days for the museums located in the Vienna Hofburg. Not only was it the opening of a new museum complex featuring a permanent exhibit depicting the daily life of the Austrian Empress Elisabeth, better known as "Sisi," but also commemorating her 150th wedding anniversary with Franz Josef I, Emperor of Austria and Hungary.

Austria's New EU Commissioner

Administrator — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 01:01:31 +0000

The future President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, has selected Austrian Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, to be in charge of the European Commission’s External Relations and European Neighborhood Policy. His decision came shortly after the Austrian National Assembly had confirmed Ferrero-Waldner’s nomination on August 11th by the Austrian government. Her nomination had been supported by the governing parties, the ÖVP and the FPÖ.

Insights into Security

Administrator — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 01:00:34 +0000

Dr. Ernst Strasser, Austrian Federal Minister of the Interior, visited the U.S. for the forth time since in office. He intended to gain greater insight into America's most recent security measures, as well as to reinforce the concerted efforts made on the part of Austria in fighting terrorism, racism, anti-Semitism and xenophobia.

Austrian Fellow at the Lilly Library

Administrator — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 00:58:51 +0000

"Clear, silently serving the word and the truth" - this quotation from Stefan Zweig was the focus of Gloria Kaiser’s research during her Fellowship at the Lilly Library of Indiana University, Bloomington. For more than ten years, during her winter residence in Brazil, Gloria Kaiser has devoted much of her research and writing to those works of Stefan Zweig which were written in exile.

Thomas Klestil, A Tribute

Administrator — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 00:57:42 +0000

The death of Austrian Federal President Thomas Klestil on July 6, 2004 was unexpected. He died in office, two days before the end of his second, six-year term. Voices worldwide have expressed their grief over the loss of a statesman with extraordinary capabilities as a mediator. Dr. Klestil was held in high esteem for his role as an advocate and supporter of European unity and for his special commitment to the integration of Eastern European states into the European Union.

Heinz Fischer

Administrator — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 00:56:11 +0000

Heinz Fischer is one of the most experienced social democratic politicians. He is considered calm, deliberate and predictable. At the age of 65, Heinz Fischer was sworn in as the eighth Austrian Federal President during a solemn ceremony dominated by the mourning for Dr. Thomas Klestil. Dr. Fischer assumed his office in the Hofburg on July 8, 2004 and will head the country for the next six years.

Vienna’s Diplomatic Academy

Administrator — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 00:53:11 +0000

Vienna's Diplomatic Academy has been noted for its wealth of diversification. Founded as the "Oriental Academy," its mission was to train emissaries in so-called "oriental" culture, then unknown to other countries. Over the centuries, the challenges of future diplomats have changed remarkably, particularly since the fall of Communism. The Academy has stressed the recognition of political trends and the ability to respond quickly to them.

Bösendorfer Conquers U.S. Market

Administrator — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 00:48:51 +0000

Wilhelm Backhaus once said: "I see in Bösendorfer much more than simply a magnificent piano - for me it represents the ideal embodiment of Viennese musical culture. It is hardly a coincidence that such a piano that is so irresistibly attractive to all heroes of music since time immemorial was born in a city such as this." This is only one of the many reasons why pianists throughout the world prefer a Bösendorfer grand piano and refer to it as the "Rolls Royce of Pianos." It is known for its "extraordinary quality of sound," or "its soul that differs from other instruments," as well as for the firm's long tradition of quality.

Honors

Administrator — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 00:45:56 +0000

Ina Ginsburg was recently awarded the "Decoration of Honour in Silver for Services Rendered to the Republic of Austria" by the Federal President of Austria. The Austrian Ambassador, Eva Nowotny, presented the award in a ceremony at her residence in Washington, D.C.