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Linz 09: European Capital of Culture |
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 Linz, the capital of Upper Austria, is the European Capital of Culture 2009, along with Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. Linz is not just the home to the steel industry, but also to a well-funded and vibrant music and arts scene. The European Capital of Culture is a city designated by the European Union for a period of one calendar year during which it is given a chance to show case its cultural life and development. During the year hundreds of different cultural events will take place in Linz.
Old Steel, New Art
Linz 09: Upper Austria's Capital City is the European Capital of Culture 2009
It takes just a fraction of a second and for the rocket to become airborne. With a loud whistle it defies gravity and flies towards a brightly shining moon, joining a concert of hundreds, maybe thousands of other rockets, lighting up the sky in every color the rainbow has to offer. High above the city crowd the firework initiates a new, special year for the city. Because in 2009 Linz celebrates its status as one of two European Capitals of Culture.
For decades Upper Austria's capital city was associated with the chimneys of a flourishing steel industry, yet it was only in the recent past that the city of about 200.000 inhabitants established a lively scene for modern art. High Tech museums were built, architectural revolutions in a city of industry and history. Its ever growing interest and commitment to this unique asset finally led to Linz' nomination as a Capital of Culture.
Together with Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, Linz can now carry this renowned title for one year. About 250 cultural events will take place in Linz during this year, focusing on the connections between industry, culture and nature. With a budget of approximately € 50 Mio Linz will not only offer its conception of modern art, but give also a wide range of traditional and classical culture in music, art and performance. For one year an old saying is now truer than ever: In Linz it all begins.
Besides this major event Austria also dedicates 2009 to a famous composer of classical music, Joseph Haydn. As a father-like friend for Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and a skillful teacher for Ludwig van Beethoven, Haydn was one of the greatest musicians and composers of his era. One of the most renowned and popular of his 1.200 compositions is without a doubt his Kaiser-Hymn, now the national anthem of Germany.
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Linz09
Joseph Haydn 2009
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