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In 2003, Graz will be Europes "Cultural capital" and people will no doubt realise what the locals have known for an long time: that Graz has been a meeting point for culture in all its shapes and sizes for a long long time. The fact that over 700 cultural events are due to take place in the year 2000 alone already speaks volumes. Whatever it is that you like, from literature to music, from fine art to festivals, you will be sure to find something to keep you entertained in Graz. Lovers of cinema and Cabaret are also catered for, they need only go to venues such as the Cinema in the Augarten and if you have money to throw away, the Casino Graz is perfect for you. Music Classical The Graz Operahouse is currently staging a new production of Wagners "Der Ring des Nibelungen", and in doing so, it is continuing its tradtion of staging Wagners works. There is little doubt that the producers will capture the admiration of both Austrian and international audiences. The Operahouse is also a well-known venue for classical ballet and great companies such as the Bolshoi Ballet have performed here. From November 26-December 12, there will also be a special Millenium Choral Festival, the highlight of which will be a performance of Mahlers 8th symphony. Classical music can be heard at the Stefanien Concert Room in the Grazer Congress (Tel: +43 316 82 64 67; Albrechtgasse 3; 8010 Graz) und and depending on the time of year, the Kasematten Open Air Arena at Schloßberg, is also an excellent location which music-lovers can visit. Jazz There are three main events on the citys jazz calender. Spring is the season for the "Jazzclub-Festival, and autumn is when the "Austrian Soundcheck" (Tel: +43 316 80 75 0; FAX: +43 316 8075 15; Herrengasse 16; 8010 Graz) takes place. In the summer, the Graz Jazz Summer (and the Jazz festival at the Mariahilfplatz), keep jazz fans busy. If you are not in the city at any of these times, then you can always go to the Stockwerk, the WIST (in the basement of the MoXX), the Royal Garden Jazz Club in the Bürgergasse 4 or the Miles Jazz Bar. On Sundays, the Jazz brunch at the Hotel Wiesler, (Tel: +43 316 70 66 0) is very popular. Last but certainly not least, one has to mention the GamsbART at the Karmeliterplatz 5 (+43 316 83 29 35), has to be mentioned. It is part of the 'Jazz Cartell' and its a great place to sample an open-air concert in the picturesque Generali courtyard. Pop and Rock The best venue for wilde rock concerts is no doubt one which has a bit of an eventful past itself. In Graz, the Orpheum fits this description perfectly. Its been a guesthouse, a brewery, a public bahts and a political meeting point and during the 17th and 18th centuries it was even a cemetery! At the beginning of the 20th century, the powers that be finally decided to make the Orpehum a venue for different events and it is today one of the most popular showplaces in Austria. Everyone whos anyone on the international scene has performed here when they have been in Austria.
Theatre and Cabaret Theatre buffs of all ages will have a ball in Graz! The citys main thespian meeting point is the Schauspielhaus, which has more than 550 seats. The Theatre in the Trainstation is particularly suited to those who want to be part of an 'active audience' and 8-18-year olds are catered for by Next Liberty. The Orpheum, which has already been mentioned, also has two 'Märchen? stages, and a programme of events called Graz erzählt ('Graz tells a story') is held here every year. Numerous fringe productions and Cabaret performances also find and audience here.
Museums Grazs museums are as diverse as the world of culture itself and the Kulturhaus (House of Culture), is only one example of what the city has to offer. The most wide-ranging exhibition of artwork can be found at the Landesmuseum Joanneum. It has 16 departments that are spread throughout the city! Here are a few: the Alte Galerie (Old Galerie), is full of art from the Romantic and Baroque periods, the Neue Galerie (New Galerie) exhibits work from the 19th century to the present day. There is also Landeszeughaus and Eggenberg Castle. Will you be able to fine tune your senses after being exposed to such a variety of treasures? Visit the MUWA!, the Museum of Perception and the Senses and you will soon find out!
Cinemas and Internet Cafes An upholstered seat, a good view of the screen and someone sitting next to you who won't throw popcorn at other cinemagoers - if this is your idea of a good night at the movies, then you are looking in the right city. Graz was not chosen as the venue for the Diagonale, the Festival of Austrian Film, for nothing. The CinepleXX is comfortable, spacious and modern. If you are after something with a tradtional feel to it, then try the Cinema in the Augarten. It has an old-fashioned flair to it and also screens foreign language films. The Geidorf-Art House Cinema is also a local favourite. If you can't decide if you want to go to the cinema or watch a video at home, then the Rechbauerkino offers a solution - its a cinema with an adjacent video store, so you can decide what you feel like once you get there! English films are screened at the Royal English Cinema. In keeping with the information age, Graz also has numerous internet cafes, where you can check your email and surf the web. The Center West, in the pavillion of the 'Landesaustellung' (comm.gr2000az) is one possible stop-off point, as is the Youth Hostel.
Annual Events Graz hosts many noteworthy cultural, sporting and musical events every year, some of which are now internationally renowned. The Styriarte music festival avant garde Steirischer Herbst, and the International Mountain and Adventure Film Festival in the Schönaugase 3 (Tel +43 316 81 42 23), are only a few examples of a packed programme of events. Sporty visitors and locals always enjoy the Grazer Autumn Marathon (Tel: +43 316 84 99 88 0; Interpromotion: Hollerer Erich, Wielandgasse 14-16; 8010 Graz) und and the ATP Tennis Tournament (Tel: +43 316 29 15 20; FAX: +43 316 29 25 98; Offensive Sport Management). |
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