December 2003

International Workshops will hold its 33rd annual event once again in that most musical, magical country, Austria. The Kunstuniversität Graz, with its beautiful Palais Meran and spectacular piano-shaped New Building, provides a workshop headquarters which will surround you with the spirit of our cultural heritage. Dates are July 18-31, 2004-- mark your calendar!

I'll never forget the first time I visited Graz. A little more than halfway through the two-hour train ride from Vienna, the plains and gentle hills gave way to the lyrical wonder of the Styrian Alps.

Out of this crescendo of beauty, in the valley of the River Mur, there appeared a city clustered around a small mountaintop. The town's little personal mountain was adorned with a majestic 13th-century clock tower, standing sentry over the red roofs of the old city.

Crossroads through the centuries of the Romans, Bohemians, Hungarians, Turks and the French, Graz today has resplendent palaces, fascinating museums, fabulous shopping, a famous casino, picturesque marketplaces, and the blended flavor of all the cultures which have passed through.

Within easy day-trip distance are Vienna, Austrian Wine Country, Lippizan Horse Farm, Alps (the picturesque Fischbacher Alpen are just nearby!), castles, and more. Our two Free Days will provide opportunity to sample from the above list, or to just get to know Graz better.

The Governor of Styria has invited you to gala buffet reception at Schloß Eggenberg! The Mayor of Graz has invited you to a festive Auf Wiedersehen Party! I invite you to help the worldwide International Workshops family celebrate our Grand Finale! Take a look around our web site--I think you'll agree; you've gotta come this year!

Dr. Gerald F. Fischbach, Director

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