Konzertabend Haydn Festival

The Austro British Society visit to the HaydnFest in Eisenstadt.

The September Event of the Austro British Society of Vienna was a visit to the International Haydn Festival in Eisenstadt for a concert by the British ` Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment’ conducted by Maestro Trevor Pinnock.

A  Reception was held before the concert in the Grand Spiegle Salle of the Schloss Esterhazy when it was possible for guests to enjoy a glass of Sekt on the Balcony overlooking the town of Eisenstadt with views of Hungary by the light a nearly full moon !

H:E.Dr Alexander Christiani, the former Austrian Ambassador in London, welcomed guests , who included H:E:The British Ambassador Mr Simon Smith and his wife Sian.  We were very grateful for the generous sponsorship by Szigeti Sekt!

Elizabeth Lloyd-Davies spoke of the close ties with England in the 18th century through Josef Haydn and his music.

Haydn visited London twice between 1791 and 1795, and had great practical help and encouragment from the then English Ambassador in Vienna, Gneral Sir Charles Jerningham  in 1781, and also the visits of Lord Nelson and Sir William and Lady Hamilton in 1800. when Haydn performed music for them.

In 1814 Prince Esterhaze became Austrian Ambassador in London for nearly 30 years and attended the wedding of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

Elizabeth emphasized the strong Culutral Diplomacy which continues to this present day.

Dr. Walter Reicher, the Director of the Haydn Festival, Stephen Carpenter, the Director of the OAE and Maestro Trevoe Pinnock all spoke and emphasised the close Anglo Austrian musical co-operations which are continuing in present days.

H.E.Simon Smith congratulated the ABS for arranging a special visit to such an historic, beautiful and appropriate occasion and thanked  Dr. Reicher for all his successful Festivals.

The Concert on September 10th was planned as an evening similar to those arranged in the Hannover Rooms in London during Haydn’s visits to London in the 1790′s.

It was superbly performed by the OAE in the Great Hall of the Castle where Haydn himslef played throughout his lifetime working for the Esterhaze family, and was much enjoyed by everyone present.

Elizabeth Lloyd Davies

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