The Romanian Cultural Institute is happy to host and join the partnership event supported by The Austrian Cultural Forum, The Embassy of Austria and The Embassy of Romania: lecture & book launch by dr Lisa Fischer about Sibiu's cultural heritage leading to today's European capital of culture. The event is followed by Sibiu traditional music & dance from the Altita group led by Robert Tarnaveanu.
Sibiu/Hermannstadt, an enchanting old city in Siebenbürgen/Transylvania, Romania, early model of European cultural integration and Cultural Capital of Europe 2007, has a strong "Austrian connection". Samuel von Brukenthal (1721-1803), a Saxon and free-mason, served there as governor of Maria Theresia. During that time Sibiu became one of the most outstanding European centres of enlightenment. Lisa Fischer, Austrian art historian, sociologist and author, spent many months in the archives and libraries of Sibiu and just published a book about its history and treasures ("Eden hinter den Wäldern", Verlag Böhlau). She will also highlight Brukenthal's role and lasting heritage as intellectual, art collector, founder of a library, and economic innovator.
Sibiu, Romania, is the Cultural Capital of Europe 2007, together with Luxemburg. This pearl of the Carpathian Mountains deserves this title not only because of its enchanting old city centre, but mainly because of its special historical position as the apogee of European enlightenment in the 18th century. Many outstanding personalities, among them especially Samuel von Brikenthal (1721-1803) served to make Siebenburgen/Transylvania the paradise behind the forests. This idyllic period created an immaterial heritage which can be perceived as a model leading to Europe and to the world. Dr Lisa Fischer
When: 28 June, 7 pm
Where: Romanian Cultural Institute, 1 Belgrave Square, London SW1X8PH
Addmission is free. For reservations, please call 0207 752 0134 or email office@icr-london.co.uk.