One of the longest serving directors of the Vienna State Opera, Ioan Holender, talks to Benedikt Weingartner about Europe, cultural politics and supporting young artists.
BW: Mr. Holender, what does Europe signify for you?
Holender: Europe is a continent with 43 countries, 28 of those are part of the European Union, 15 are not.
BW: You sound very technical. Where is your personal place in this Europe?
Holender: I am a citizen of a country that is tolerated by the European Union. I came as a refugee from Romania to Austria. After waiting for the appropriate time, formerly 10 years, I became an Austrian Citizen. Therefor I feel at home in both countries. Please don’t ask me in which country I feel more at home. My family lives in Vienna. Here I held various positions. Amongst others, for a very long time - almost too long, to be specific 19 years - director of the Vienna State Opera. My positions limit themselves, even today onto those two countries... Keep reading on Music in Europe
BW: Mr. Holender, what does Europe signify for you?
Holender: Europe is a continent with 43 countries, 28 of those are part of the European Union, 15 are not.
BW: You sound very technical. Where is your personal place in this Europe?
Holender: I am a citizen of a country that is tolerated by the European Union. I came as a refugee from Romania to Austria. After waiting for the appropriate time, formerly 10 years, I became an Austrian Citizen. Therefor I feel at home in both countries. Please don’t ask me in which country I feel more at home. My family lives in Vienna. Here I held various positions. Amongst others, for a very long time - almost too long, to be specific 19 years - director of the Vienna State Opera. My positions limit themselves, even today onto those two countries... Keep reading on Music in Europe