Romanian Cultural Autumn in Vienna, 4th Edition — Romania, Closer Through Culture and Community

On October 17 and 18, 2026, a piece of Romania found its place in Vienna—through voices, verses, the pages of books, and the joy of people being together. The fourth edition of the Romanian Cultural Autumn brought together writers, musicians, visual artists, and culture enthusiasts from both Romania and Austria, in a gathering where artistic creation bridged generations, experiences, and destinies.
The event—organized by the "UNIREA" Romanian-Austrian Cultural Circle, at the initiative and through the dedicated efforts of Ioan Godja and others who truly cherish their Romanian identity—took place in a space generously provided by the Romanian Greek-Catholic Parish in Kagran. For the audience, these two days offered moments of discovery and reunion; for the guests, it was an opportunity to share their creative work with a community that maintains a vibrant connection to the Romanian language and culture.
At the opening on Saturday, Lukas Marcel Vosicky—Secretary General of the Austrian-Romanian Society in Vienna (*Österreichisch-Rumänische Gesellschaft*), a partner organization for the event—extended a warm welcome and expressed his appreciation to all those present. His congratulations to the organizers marked the beginning of an event dedicated to cultural dialogue and the friendship between Romania and Austria. The artistic opening featured Maria Petchescu and five young performers from Giarmata—Carina Moroiu, Iris Lungu, Selina Iuhanyuc, Sara Brihac, and Ștefania Ciceo—all members of the "Sânziene Bănățene" ensemble. Their voices brought a sense of freshness and emotion, and their joy in singing resonated throughout the hall. This segment showcased both the girls' talent and the dedicated guidance that ensures traditional folk music is passed on to a new generation.
The program continued with book presentations, readings, and recitals, offering the audience a diverse range of artistic experiences. Direct interaction with the authors sparked conversations about their books and the themes that inspire their literature, while music provided a different medium for expressing the emotions conveyed through words.
Soprano Marilena Chircă, accompanied on the piano by Iulia Cușnir, performed a recital of *lieder* (art songs) that blended musical precision with vocal sensitivity and expressiveness. Together, the voice and piano crafted the atmosphere of each piece, engaging in a dialogue that remained attentive to both the meaning of the lyrics and the nuances of the music. The pianist’s contribution added a layer of refinement to this performance, which was warmly received by the audience.
The folklore of the Banat region returned through the *doine* (traditional folk songs) of Adela Rădmăneștean, who sang with both sensitivity and a powerful ability to convey the deep feeling inherent in the music. Her mother, Delia, recited poems in the Banat dialect with natural ease, joy, and wholehearted dedication. The charm of the spoken word evoked smiles and memories—as well as emotions that brought tears to the eyes—drawing the audience closer to the world preserved within the language and spirit of the Banat region.
The visual arts complemented the program through the participation of a group from the "Prezent" Association in Timișoara, coordinated by engineer Steluța Guțiu. The works, presented under the collective title "Chromatic Harmonies," showcased the creative pursuits of the participating artists. Joining the coordinator were Aurelia Mateiu, Simioana Tincău Gabriela, Karkus Miroslava Blazena, Dan Handabura, and Ana-Maria Apostol, alongside the younger participants Paul Apostol, Paula Apostol, and Daria Pană.
Karkus Miroslava Blazena, from Pecica (Arad County), further enriched the event by reciting a poem. Daria Pană performed two folk songs, bringing the freshness and emotion of a youthful voice to this artistic gathering.
Andreea Borza-Meluț and Loredan Meluț—performing under the name Voyage Solaire—contributed to the atmosphere of the first day with their music and high spirits. Their open, engaging rapport with the audience and the evident joy they took in performing together served as a natural lead-in to the evening dedicated to folk music.
The concert opened with a performance by Harry Danciu, followed by Voyage Solaire, with the evening concluding with a set by Silvan Stancel—a special guest and cultural partner of the event. Each of these three acts brought a unique artistic expression, lending variety and warmth to the evening. Harry Danciu brought poetry closer to song through the natural quality of his delivery, while Andreea Borza-Meluț and Loredan Meluț sustained the dialogue with the audience through their energy and sensitivity. Silvan Stancel concluded the program with a rich repertoire, featuring his own music set to the lyrics of Matei Vișniec. The spoken word, the guitar, and the expressiveness of the performance added depth to the recital, bringing the first day to a close in the joy of a shared experience.
On Sunday, the gathering resumed within the contemplative atmosphere of the Holy Liturgy, during which Marilena and Corneliu Chircă provided the liturgical responses from the chanter’s stand. Following the service, the participants shared a meal—a moment for conversation and connection—before the cultural program continued.
Soprano Marilena Chircă opened the artistic segment with a recital of *pricesne* (traditional religious hymns), accompanied on the piano by her husband, conductor Corneliu Chircă. This segment maintained a connection to the spiritual atmosphere of the morning, bringing a sense of tranquility and deep emotion to the hall where ...to encounter books, poetry, and song once again.
Ioan Gligor Stopiță, returning after having taken part in the previous edition, brought several volumes and spoke about the literary magazine *Rapsodia*, now in its 22nd year of publication. The way he speaks of it reveals the almost paternal devotion with which he nurtures it. Each issue that reaches readers month after month represents hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to maintaining the continuity and quality of a publication to which he has dedicated a significant part of his life.
George V. Precup gave a poetry recital that was received with deep emotion, highlighting the power of the spoken verse and the direct connection between the poet and his listeners.
Ion Dulugeac, author of 39 novels, brought a selection of his works to Vienna, with his novel *Sofia* taking center stage. His encounter with the readers offered a glimpse into his sustained literary career and the human world from which he draws inspiration for his creative work.
Literary contributions from Austria further enriched the dialogue. Sifora Sava shared a poetry segment, Andreea Loredana Ruhrberg presented her verses and her book *Suflet liber* ("Free Soul"), and Anca Păscuț introduced her novel *Gara studenției* ("The Student Station"). Their unique experiences and sensibilities added new nuances to the gathering, through works that find their readers in a shared language, transcending borders.
Silvan Stancel complemented his musical contribution by presenting several of his own books. Some of the books brought along were gifted to the association’s library—a generous gesture that ensures this edition lives on through future readings.
Sunday’s program saw the return of Andreea Borza-Meluț and Loredan Meluț, this time performing folk music. Following their folk-style recital on the first day, the pair once again showcased their joy in singing, keeping the celebratory atmosphere alive.
Harry Danciu presented a segment of poetry and song that moved the audience to tears. His natural, warm, and distinctive performance style fostered an effortless connection between the artist and those present. The sincerity with which he delivered his lines gave the words a unique resonance, imbuing the gathering with a moment of profound sensitivity.
Messages of friendship reached Vienna from as far away as across the ocean. Dana Opriță, Vice President for the USA of the Association of Romanian Journalists Everywhere, shared a message that resonates with the experiences of many Romanians in the diaspora:
"For those of us living far from the land of our birth, any thought, memory, or piece of news from home stirs a poignant ache in our hearts. Yet, this longing becomes easier to bear when we can come together to share what unites us: our language, our culture, and the Romanian spirit."
Her message expressed appreciation for the organizers and the enduring nature of the event, while also wishing the participants a wonderful time fully embracing the Romanian beauty of these two autumn days. Writer and journalist Dorel Cosma—a member of the Association of Romanian Journalists Worldwide (headquartered in Canada), the Union of Professional Journalists of Romania, and the Writers' Union of Romania, as well as President of the World Folklore Union (headquartered in France)—also sent a personal message of support to Ioan Godja:
"Best of luck with this excellent event, which has now become a tradition! I regret that I cannot be there in person. I look forward to receiving materials covering the event."
His book, *Catedrala de apă* ("The Cathedral of Water"), reached Vienna via Ioan Gligor Stopiță, who—with the organizer's consent—shared a few words about the work, adding this gesture of literary friendship to the gathering.
The event concluded with the presentation of honorary and excellence diplomas, accompanied by warm embraces and expressions of gratitude. These distinctions served as a token of appreciation for the time, effort, and talent shared with the audience; every contribution played its part in this gathering, which was built through collective effort.
On behalf of Ioan Godja and the "UNIREA" Romanian-Austrian Cultural Circle, a special note of thanks goes to Father Ovidiu Pintea for hosting the event, for his excellent cooperation, and for his support. The hospitality of the parish in Kagran provided a welcoming setting where people could come together, united by culture and a sense of community. Gratitude is also extended to the "Lucian Blaga" County Library of Alba—represented by Silvan Stancel—for the cultural partnership, as well as to Mr. Stancel himself for his literary and musical contributions and for the books he donated. Thanks also go to the Austro-Romanian Society in Vienna and to Lukas Marcel Vosicky for their collaboration and presence.
Ioan Godja expresses his thanks to all the participating writers, musicians, performers, and visual artists; to those who guided and accompanied the young talents; and to the collaborators and friends who assisted in the preparation and execution of the event. This same gratitude extends to everyone who stood by his side, as well as to the audience, who received the two-day program with both attention and warmth.
As the event concluded, there remained a shared desire to maintain the connections forged here and to return with more books, more songs, and the same joy of being together. Everyone took something away from this gathering: a dedication, a line of verse, a melody, a conversation. And for two autumn days, through its people and its culture, Romania found a warm place in Vienna.
Ioan Godja
Vienna, October 20, 2026