Vienna meets Tirana: Austrian Cultural Week celebrates art and Europe

Tirana continues its vibrant cultural season with the Austrian Cultural Week, taking place from October 28 to 31. The program features concerts, literary meetings, and discussions that bring to the Albanian capital the modern spirit of Austria through music, literature, and European ideas.

The week opens on October 28 with the presentation of the publication “Kioske – Temporary Architecture and Living Social Worlds on the Albanian Coast” at the National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble (Blue Hall). The book explores seaside kiosks as architectural phenomena and as reflections of Albania’s post-1990s social transformations. The discussion will feature editor Robert Pichler and authors Saimir Kristo, Mamica Burda, and Dhimitër Doka.

Later that evening, the Vienna “Johann Strauss” Symphony Ensemble performs in Tirana with a special concert marking the 200th anniversary of Johann Strauss II’s birth. Founded in 1965, the ensemble has given over 1,150 performances worldwide. This concert will recreate the atmosphere of the original Strauss orchestra of 1844 through authentic historical arrangements. Admission is free with online reservation.

On October 29, a panel discussion titled “30 Years and Beyond: The Experiences of Austria, Sweden, and Finland in an Expanding European Family” will take place at Europe House, marking the 30th anniversary of the three countries’ EU membership. The debate, with speakers Andreas Schieder and Arba Kokalari, will reflect on three decades of EU integration, lessons learned, and future challenges for member states.

That evening, the Clara Montocchio Quintet will perform the concert “Strauss Meets Jazz” at the Black Box Hall, University of Arts, Tirana. The program creatively reinterprets Strauss’ timeless compositions through elements of jazz, pop, and chanson, offering a fresh cross-genre experience that bridges centuries of musical tradition. On October 30, the quintet will continue its musical journey with another performance at Hotel Chicago in Shkodër.

Also on October 30, Austrian writer Theresia Töglhofer will meet readers at Bar Hemingway in Tirana. Currently in residence at “POETEKA – Tirana In Between”, Töglhofer is the author of the acclaimed novel “Tatendrang” and recipient of several literary awards. Specializing in EU enlargement and foreign policy, she will share insights from her current creative work and engage in public readings and discussions.

The Austrian Cultural Week concludes on October 31 with the concert “Turning Point” by the No Borders Orchestraat the University of Arts Grand Concert Hall. Comprising musicians from across the former Yugoslav region, the ensemble’s performance goes beyond music to serve as a call for reflection and action in the face of global challenges such as war, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation.