Teo Milea Honors Romanian Heritage with a Piano Concert in Vienna
Celebrating National Culture Day and Mihai Eminescu Legacy at the Romanian Embassy
February 12th, 2025On Sunday, January 19, 2025, the Romanian Embassy in Austria hosted an exceptional piano concert by renowned artist Teo Milea in celebration of National Culture Day and the 175th anniversary of the birth of Mihai Eminescu, Romania's great national poet.
The concert, held in Vienna, was organized under the auspices of the "Mihai Eminescu" Association in Vienna, in collaboration with the Romanian Embassy and the Romanian Cultural Institute in Vienna. The event was a tribute to Romanian cultural heritage, bringing together artists, diplomats, and cultural figures to honor the legacy of Eminescu and the broader Romanian cultural landscape.
This remarkable concert featured Teo Milea, an internationally acclaimed Romanian pianist, who captivated the audience with a powerful performance that harmonized Romania’s rich literary traditions with musical expression. His performance was not just a celebration of music but a fusion of Romania's cultural identity and its artistic contributions to the global stage.
As part of the celebration, HE Emil Hurezeanu, former Romanian Ambassador to Austria and currently the Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, was awarded an honorary diploma by Laura Hant, the president of the "Mihai Eminescu" Association in Vienna. The award recognized Ambassador Hurezeanu's outstanding efforts to promote Romanian culture in Austria, a significant gesture in light of his long-standing commitment to strengthening cultural ties between the two countries.
In his message of thanks, delivered by Andrea Amza-Andras, Charge d'Affaires of the Romanian Embassy, Minister Hurezeanu emphasized the enduring influence of Mihai Eminescu on Romanian culture. He highlighted that "Vienna was a place where Romanians were never absent," reflecting the deep cultural resonance between Romania and the Austrian capital. Minister Hurezeanu also noted that Vienna continues to serve as both a symbolic and real home for Romanians, where their cultural contributions have shaped the city’s artistic landscape.
In his speech, Andrea Amza-Andras underscored the central role of culture in the strong bilateral relations between Romania and Austria. He reminded the audience of the countless Romanian personalities who have studied and performed in Vienna, reinforcing the idea that Romanian artists, such as Teo Milea, are becoming an integral presence in renowned venues like the Musikverein. Amza-Andras also expressed his hope that Romania's accession to the Schengen Area on January 1, 2025, would further enhance cooperation and strengthen ties between the two countries.
The concert was graced by the presence of notable guests, including Gabriel Bebeșelea, the prominent Romanian conductor, who had recently conducted several concerts at the Golden Hall of the Musikverein. In his speech, Bebeșelea highlighted the profound cultural connections between Vienna and Romania, emphasizing the lasting impact of Romanian artists in Austria. The event was also attended by Ruxandra Donose, a renowned mezzo-soprano, author and playwright Thomas Perle, and Prof. Univ. Dr. Radu Boț, the dean of the Faculty of Mathematics at the University of Vienna. Other distinguished guests included members of the Romanian community, representatives of Romanian associations, the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the diplomatic corps accredited in Vienna.
The evening was a resounding success, with Teo Milea’s artistic performance standing as the centerpiece of the event. His piano concert not only celebrated the life of Mihai Eminescu and the literary tradition of Romania but also underscored the significance of Romanian culture on the international stage. Through events like this, the Romanian Embassy continues to foster cultural exchange and appreciation, strengthening the bond between Romania and Austria, and ensuring that the spirit of Romanian artistic expression is celebrated and preserved for future generations.