Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni with Austrian Vice Chancellor and Minister for Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport, Andreas Babler. Photo source: Culture Ministry
Greece reaffirmed its commitment to cultural heritage and international collaboration during a high-level meeting of Culture Minister Lina Mendoni in Vienna on Monday.
Central to the discussions was the reunification of Parthenon fragments, with the Greek official calling for cooperation toward the return of pieces currently held abroad, citing precedents for restitution.
Mendoni met with Austrian Vice Chancellor and Minister for Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport, Andreas Babler, to discuss the fragments held at Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum.
Babler welcomed the idea of initiating a technical dialogue, while noting the need for legal adjustments on the Austrian side.
The talks also underscored long-standing connections between Greek and Austrian archaeologists dating back to 1898, as well as ongoing cultural initiatives such as the European Capitals of Culture (Elefsina 2023, Bad Ischl 2024) and the “Austro-Greek Music Summer”, a tradition of concerts organized by the Austrian Embassy in Athens, this year dedicated to Mikis Theodorakis.
Thessaloniki State Orchestra presents Ballad of Ephesus at Vienna’s Musikverein
Thessaloniki State Orchestra performing at Vienna’s Musikverein. Photo source: Culture Ministry
That evening, the State Orchestra of Thessaloniki made a historic debut at Vienna’s famed Musikverein Golden Hall, performing for the first time in its 65-year history. The orchestra premiered Ballad of Ephesus, a new work combining orchestra and ancient Greek lyre, captivating the audience with a fusion of heritage and contemporary creativity.
“This landmark performance introduced the sound of the ancient Greek lyre to one of the world’s most iconic concert halls, highlighting Greece’s place on the international cultural stage,” noted Mendoni.
The Musikverein’s Golden Hall, inaugurated in 1870, is renowned for hosting the Vienna Philharmonic’s New Year’s Concert. Its construction was supported by Greek benefactor Nikolaos Dumba, whose name still graces the street outside the hall, reflecting historical ties between Greece and Vienna.
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