A concert at Palais Eschenbach in Vienna marks the start of the Bulgarian Presidency
29 January 2018 News
The Bulgarian Embassy in Austria organized a festive concert at the Eschenbach Palace to mark Bulgaria’s taking over of the EU Council Presidency. The concert was co-sponsored by the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Bulgaria to the UN, the OSCE and the offices of other international organizations based in Vienna, as well as by Haus Wittgenstein, the Bulgarian Cultural Institute in Vienna.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Dr. Michael Linhart, Secretary General of the Austrian Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs, Austrian diplomats and politicians, representatives of the Office of the President and the Federal Chancellery, more than 80 heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Austria, including the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, the Nuncio of the Holy See Dr. Peter Zubriggen. Also, members of more than 10 Austrian and Bulgarian media outlets attended the event.
In his speech, Ambassador Ivan Sirakov presented the priorities of the Bulgarian Presidency, assuring those present that Bulgaria will work for a strong and democratic European Union. Expressing his gratitude for the excellent coordination of the Estonia-Bulgaria-Austria Trio format that had greatly contributed to the proper preparedness of Bulgaria for its first rotational Presidency, he placed a special emphasis on the forthcoming debate about the future of Europe and this country’s willingness to contribute to the dynamic of the dialog. Ambassador Sirakov also outlined one of the key priorities of the Bulgarian Presidency: the Western Balkans, to which Bulgaria, jointly with Austria, will be paying special attention in the course of the year.
Dr. Linhard delivered a congratulatory speech to Bulgaria’s EU Presidency. In it, he commended the relations between the two countries as very positive, and wished Bulgaria a successful Presidency. Dr. Linhard underscored the shared responsibility between Bulgaria and Austria in the choice of priorities for their consecutive rotational Presidencies, namely, the new elements in the asylum and migration policy, the integration of the Western Balkans and the future of the EU.
The Permanent Representative of the Republic of Bulgaria to the UN, the OSCE and other international organizations having offices in Vienna, Dr. Svetoslav Spasov, emphasized in his speech the significance of the motto of the Bulgarian Presidency: ‘United We Stand Strong’.
The solemn event continued with a festive concert performance by the QUATTRO PIANO + ensemble, made up of musicians of Bulgarian descent residing permanently in Austria or the United Kingdom: Orlin Dimitrov (piano), Lora Dimitrova (piano), Andrew Watson (piano), Maria Delivicheva (piano), and Ivaylo Delivichev (percussion).
The concert program featured classical pieces and segments of soundtracks in special arrangements for four pianos and percussion. Both the ensemble and its aptly selected repertoire won the deservedly hearty applause of the audience, for whom this was a unique opportunity to experience the well-known tunes in a totally unorthodox arrangement. The crowning piece of the concert was especially emotional—the traditional Bulgarian song Oblache le Byalo (Ye Little White Cloud) arranged for the occasion by pianist Andrew Watson.
More photos
