Since 1985, one city has carried this title each year; since 2004, it has been several countries each year that may provide a candidate. Its aim is to highlight the richness, diversity and common characteristics of European cultures and contribute to the citizens of the European Union getting to know each other better.
Timiosara
The theme of Light has been spotted as the central idea to transform the city through culture and participation. Therefore, the slogan Shine your Light – Light Up Your City is about their values to spread in Europe for a broad-minded, visionary attitude.
Sometimes radical change begins on a street corner. In 1884, Timisoara was the first city in continental Europe with electric street lighting. In 1989, the sparks of the revolution against the Ceausescu regime ignited in the streets of Timisoara….
Throughout its existence, Timisoara has been a city of sparks that have stimulated transcontinental transformations. He was the soul and promoter of the region, the bridge between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Southeastern Europe. In difficult times, citizens united and inspired others to do the same.
Through its diaspora spread across the continent, Timisoara communicated with other Europeans who experienced similar challenges from different perspectives. Our ambition is to harness and develop this potential within the European Capital of Culture 2023.
Opening ceremony with Dutch touch
At the opening ceremony, the National Opera with orchestra, choir and well-known soloists will play a prominent role and this will be led by the Dutch(Limburg) conductor Raymond Janssen working under the name of Cadenza European Arts Productions. It will come as no surprise to anyone because for over a decade he has been providing packed halls in Holland with the Romanian musicians from Timisoara. In 2018 from the hands of the Romanian ambassador an award from the President of Romania.
He received the tribute in recognition of his promotion of Romanian culture.
With the same cast and program as at the opening in Timisoara, an Opera Gala will be performed at the Royal Concertgebouw in Amsterdam on February 25 and 26, 2023.
