Latest news with #EuropeanCapitalofCulture
Irish Examiner
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Culture That Made Me: Tony Sheehan of Triskel in Cork picks his touchstones
Tony Sheehan, 62, grew up in Youghal, Co Cork. His arts administration career includes over 10 years' service as director of the Fire Station Artists' Studios in Dublin. He served as arts advisor to the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, and was part of the Cork 2005: European Capital of Culture programme team. In 2006, he was appointed artistic director of Triskel Arts Centre. He's a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. See: Kind of Blue My granduncle, Thady O'Shea, who lived in Knockadoon, East Cork, was a noted box player. Another granduncle made his living as a jazz saxophonist in England in the 1950s. My father and grandfather were founding members of St Mary's Brass & Reed Band. I luckily got an introduction to Miles Davis's Kind of Blue at an early age. Most young fellas were listening to AC/DC and Queen at the time. I had this other secret world going on with jazz music. It was no problem because music – and brass instruments – was in us as a family. The Cure at the Arcadia I remember going to see The Cure at the Arcadia Ballroom in Cork in 1981. What was most memorable about it was that wash of almost trance-like, complex harmonies they did; that, big hair and Cork accents. For some reason, I was transported by The Cure, but I was brought back to Cork fairly fast. Floating along, and the next thing you'd have someone in earshot going, 'C'mere to me!' ' London Calling An album that defined my teenage years was The Clash's London Calling. It was something special. I was knocking around aimlessly for most of the 1980s because Charlie Haughey's Ireland had no options for us. You either emigrated or became an artist because you might as well. Everybody was on the dole. London Calling spoke to the anger that young people felt. It's an iconic album for that time. Shortwave radio I've always loved shortwave radio stations like the BBC World Service, foreign language stations operating in Europe and English-language Chinese radio stations. Interestingly, there was a young, brilliant solo pianist Fionnuala Moynihan who played the Chopin Nocturnes at Triskel last March. When I was a kid in 1981, I used to listen to Radio Warsaw in Poland every night at midnight to the Chopin concert they'd broadcast, including the night when martial law was declared. The broadcast stopped. The next voice you heard was the military saying they'd now taken over. Then everything went dead. Paco Peña My dad was a factory worker in a Kilkenny textile mill. The guys running it were Belgian. They had no clue about the arts or music, but they were asked by the Kilkenny Arts Festival committee to sponsor a concert. So, a manager called my father from the factory floor, and said, 'You're a guitarist. Who would you like to bring to the Kilkenny Arts Festival?' He didn't hesitate: 'Paco Peña.' And so, one of the world's most famous guitarists played Kilkenny courtesy of a man who made his living in a textile factory but had a love of music that was unsurpassed. McCoy Tyner and Charlie Haden The Jazz Festival for Cork Capital of Culture 2005 is a landmark jazz festival. People still remember it because Cork's European Capital of Culture team supported bringing McCoy Tyner and Charlie Haden, those two legendary American artists, to Cork for it. I got to introduce them from the stage. Charlie and McCoy are pillars of the history of jazz. I'll never forget it. They were on the same bill. 'You want Capital of Culture? We'll give you Capital of Culture.' John Berger John Berger with Marisa Camino at the Vanguard Gallery in Cork in 2005. Picture: Cillian Kelly John Berger is one of the most influential twentieth century art critics. He made Ways of Seeing for the BBC in 1972. It influenced generations of us. John came to Cork for the Capital of Culture. He had this searing integrity, clarity of thinking and an ability to express complex thoughts. An example is his book The Success and Failure of Picasso. He said he wrote the book to keep Picasso company – that Picasso was now this completely isolated giant of visual art. John didn't pull punches in the book, which annoyed Picasso. Brian Friel When you think about Brian Friel's play Making History and his commentary about war, it brings to mind the war in the Ukraine. If you draw the two together – Queen Elizabeth is Putin; O'Neill is Zelensky, the other guy. There are all these parallels. Some of his plays aren't easy, some are dense historical works, but Brian Friel is our Shakespeare. Translations and Philadelphia, Here I Come! are still some of my favourite plays. John Potter Triskel Christchurch was launched with a full performance of a work called Being Dufay, composed by Ambrose Field. It's about the early music of a composer. It's sung by the tenor John Potter. It's a work for electronics and voice. It's extraordinary. John came to international acclaim years before. He always produces these creative partnerships and ideas that are captivating. He opened up a rich vein of music for me, especially with ECM records. John and Ambrose, when they performed Being Dufray, set the tone for the kind of music Triskel would excel at – beautiful music done to the highest of standards, something we aspire to all the time. Denis Conway Denis Conway. Denis Conway is one of our best actors, probably the most passionate actor I know. He does nothing by halves. It's his commitment as an actor that I've always admired. He loves Cork, and he has a complicated relationship with Cork [laughs] like we all do, but the actor who I think of when I think about theatre is Denis Conway. Kazuo Ishiguro Kazuo Ishiguro is my favourite novelist. I've always loved science fiction. As a kid, I was a big fan of Philip K Dick. Ishiguro is a contemporary development of his sensibility. Fans know there's often a conflict in sci-fi between what's regarded as literature and pulp. Ishiguro crosses that divide. The books are gripping. They're beautiful and poignant. They envelop you in something. Even if it's dark, every word is so finely tuned. His book Klara and the Sun is just poetry. Patrick McCabe A writer I love is Patrick McCabe. What a guy. The Butcher Boy is incredible. Patrick McCabe also has a particular sensibility around music that I enjoy. He has that unhinged view of the world, or it's not that he has it, but he's able to completely internalise seriously unhinged stuff, complete lunacy, that makes reading his novels this incredible adventure.
Daily Tribune
29-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Germany sees GCC visitor growth in 2024
TDT| Dubai Germany recorded strong growth in visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in 2024, with a 1.2 percent year-on-year increase and a 21 percent jump compared to 2022, officials announced during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai. The German National Tourist Office GCC (GNTO GCC) revealed that over 489,000 GCC nationals visited Germany last year, contributing to more than 1.2 million overnight stays. Direct flights linking GCC cities to major German hubs like Munich, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Berlin, and Hamburg have played a significant role in making Germany more accessible to regional travellers. Yamina Sofo, Director at GNTO GCC, said Germany's appeal to Gulf visitors continues to grow thanks to its cultural diversity, natural attractions, and enhanced connectivity. 'Germany has witnessed considerable growth from the GCC region post-pandemic, and we look forward to welcoming even more visitors in 2025,' she said. Strengthening this trend, Lufthansa Group Airlines announced an expansion of its services to Germany, with over 120 direct connections per week from the GCC set to begin in October 2025. Lufthansa's Senior Director of Sales for the Middle East, Luis Monreal, noted that increased demand has led to new routes through airlines like Eurowings, offering more direct flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Jeddah to German cities beyond Frankfurt and Munich. Germany is also stepping up its tourism campaigns this year. Cultural attractions are in the spotlight under the 'Cultureland Germany' initiative, featuring destinations such as Chemnitz, the European Capital of Culture for 2025. In parallel, the 'Embrace German Nature' campaign promotes the country's UNESCO-protected natural reserves and scenic hiking trails, while the 'Simply Feel Good' campaign focuses on sustainable travel options, highlighting Germany's 20 sustainably certified regions and cities. Celebrations also mark the 50th anniversary of the German Fairy Tale Route, a 600-kilometre scenic trail connecting around 70 locations tied to famous fairy tales such as Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty. Additionally, Germany's digital push was unveiled with 'Emma', an AI-powered travel companion designed to guide visitors and enhance their experience through personalised digital interaction. Germany's increased presence at ATM this year includes 27 co-exhibitors occupying 135 square metres, reflecting the country's growing efforts to attract more Middle East travellers.
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
GCC visitor numbers to Germany grow to over 489,689 in 2024
The German National Tourist Office GCC (GNTO GCC) announced that GCC visitors to Germany have grown steadily to over 489,689 in 2024, a steady year-on-year increase of 1.2% and a 21% increase when compared with the total visitor numbers in 2022. The announcement was made during a press conference, which was held on the opening day of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025. Yamina Sofo, Director at the German National Tourist Office GCC (GNTO GCC), an affiliate of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB), commented, 'We have now witnessed considerable growth in visitor numbers from the GCC countries since the end of the pandemic. 'These figures underscore Germany's increasing post pandemic popularity with GCC visitors and bodes well for 2025. With direct flights from the GCC countries to Munich, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Berlin, Hannover, Stuttgart, Cologne and Hamburg, this year we want to encourage GCC residents to visit Germany and experience our diverse year-round tourism offering.' Luis Monreal, Senior Director Sales Middle East Lufthansa Group Airlines, commented: 'Lufthansa Group is proud to team up this year with the DZT as their official carrier. We connect the GCC with Germany nonstop since 1960 with its flights to Saudi Arabia. Lufthansa and Eurowings offer both to our passengers German hospitality already on board. Lufthansa, as a premium carrier, offers stable and year-round connections to Frankfurt and Munich from Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam. Our value-airline Eurowings is expanding substantially since 2023 in the GCC by offering more direct connections to other German such as Berlin, Stuttgart, Cologne and Hanover. They meet their GCC customers much closer to their homes as they offer departures also from Dubai World, Abu Dhabi and Jeddah. The strong increase in demand for these new routes show that we cater to the need to reach different cities in all parts of Germany. Starting from October 2025, the Lufthansa Group airlines will offer over 120 connections per week between the GCC and Germany. The comfort and travel experience with the Lufthansa Group airlines starts already while booking the ticket via our award-winning apps, that accompany each passenger during the whole trip.' In addition to connectivity, the GNTB has also unveiled a series of marketing campaigns and special themes. Cultureland Germany, as the name suggests, highlights Germany's vibrant and diverse cultural scene, from art, to design, or music, Germany offers a wealth of interesting places of cultural and historical significance for GCC tourists to visit. This includes Chemnitz, the European Capital of Culture for 2025, which is located in the Saxony region of the country. 2025 also marks the 275th anniversary of Johann Sebastian Bach's death, with dozens of events lined up to commemorate his life and music. Embrace German Nature is promoting its three UNESCO natural world Heritage Sites, 16 UNESCO biosphere reserves, 16 national parks and 104 nature parks, all of which can be easily explored along hiking routes and cycle paths. The GNTB's Simply Feel Good – Sustainable Travel in Germany campaign is focused on Germany's natural landscapes, raising awareness of the fragility of ecosystems. Germany has 20 sustainably certified regions and cities with over 1,540 sustainably certified accommodation establishments and 350 spa and health resorts. One special theme this year, celebrating its 50th anniversary, is the German Fairy Tale Route. Spanning 600 km from Hanau to Bremen, this scenic route connects around 70 locations, including Rapunzel's tower and the castle where Sleeping Beauty slept for 100 years, bringing fairy tales to life. Additionally, Germany's digitalisation campaign, featuring Emma – the new state-of-the-art AI travel companion – shines a spotlight on the country's top destinations through innovative travel experiences. The #EmmaTravelsGermany initiative seamlessly blends technology with culture, positioning Germany as a must-visit destination for modern travellers. -TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Tourism Breaking News
28-04-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Germany recorded over 1.2 million overnight stays by GCC visitors in 2024
Post Views: 65 The German National Tourist Office GCC (GNTO GCC) announced that GCC visitors to Germany have grown steadily to over 489,689 in 2024, a steady year-on-year increase of 1.2% and an impressive 21% increase when compared with the total visitor numbers in 2022. The announcement was made during a press conference, which was held on the opening day of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025. Yamina Sofo, Director at the German National Tourist Office GCC (GNTO GCC), an affiliate of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB), commented, 'We have now witnessed considerable growth in visitor numbers from the GCC countries since the end of the pandemic. 'These figures underscore Germany's increasing post pandemic popularity with GCC visitors and bodes well for 2025. With direct flights from the GCC countries to Munich, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Berlin, Hannover, Stuttgart, Cologne and Hamburg, this year we want to encourage GCC residents to visit Germany and experience our diverse year-round tourism offering.' Luis Monreal, Senior Director Sales Middle East Lufthansa Group Airlines, commented: 'Lufthansa Group is proud to team up this year with the DZT as their official carrier. We connect the GCC with Germany nonstop since 1960 with its flights to Saudi Arabia. Lufthansa and Eurowings offer both to our passengers German hospitality already on board. Lufthansa, as a premium carrier, offers stable and year-round connections to Frankfurt and Munich from Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam. Our value-airline Eurowings is expanding substantially since 2023 in the GCC by offering more direct connections to other German such as Berlin, Stuttgart, Cologne and Hanover. They meet their GCC customers much closer to their homes as they offer departures also from Dubai World, Abu Dhabi and Jeddah. The strong increase in demand for these new routes show that we cater to the need to reach different cities in all parts of Germany. Starting from October 2025, the Lufthansa Group airlines will offer over 120 connections per week between the GCC and Germany. The comfort and travel experience with the Lufthansa Group airlines starts already while booking the ticket via our award-winning apps, that accompany each passenger during the whole trip.' In addition to connectivity, the GNTB has also unveiled a series of marketing campaigns and special themes. Cultureland Germany, as the name suggests, highlights Germany's vibrant and diverse cultural scene, from art, to design, or music, Germany offers a wealth of interesting places of cultural and historical significance for GCC tourists to visit. This includes Chemnitz, the European Capital of Culture for 2025, which is located in the Saxony region of the country. 2025 also marks the 275th anniversary of Johann Sebastian Bach's death, with dozens of events lined up to commemorate his life and music. Embrace German Nature is promoting its three UNESCO natural world Heritage Sites, 16 UNESCO biosphere reserves, 16 national parks and 104 nature parks, all of which can be easily explored along hiking routes and cycle paths. The GNTB's Simply Feel Good – Sustainable Travel in Germany campaign is focused on Germany's natural landscapes, raising awareness of the fragility of ecosystems. Germany has 20 sustainably certified regions and cities with over 1,540 sustainably certified accommodation establishments and 350 spa and health resorts. One special theme this year, celebrating its 50th anniversary, is the German Fairy Tale Route. Spanning 600 km from Hanau to Bremen, this scenic route connects around 70 locations, including Rapunzel's tower and the castle where Sleeping Beauty slept for 100 years, bringing fairy tales to life. Additionally, Germany's digitalisation campaign, featuring Emma – the new state-of-the-art AI travel companion – shines a spotlight on the country's top destinations through innovative travel experiences. The #EmmaTravelsGermany initiative seamlessly blends technology with culture, positioning Germany as a must-visit destination for modern travelers.
Trade Arabia
28-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
GCC visitor numbers to Germany grow to over 489,689 in 2024
The German National Tourist Office GCC (GNTO GCC) announced that GCC visitors to Germany have grown steadily to over 489,689 in 2024, a steady year-on-year increase of 1.2% and a 21% increase when compared with the total visitor numbers in 2022. The announcement was made during a press conference, which was held on the opening day of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025. Yamina Sofo, Director at the German National Tourist Office GCC (GNTO GCC), an affiliate of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB), commented, 'We have now witnessed considerable growth in visitor numbers from the GCC countries since the end of the pandemic. 'These figures underscore Germany's increasing post pandemic popularity with GCC visitors and bodes well for 2025. With direct flights from the GCC countries to Munich, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Berlin, Hannover, Stuttgart, Cologne and Hamburg, this year we want to encourage GCC residents to visit Germany and experience our diverse year-round tourism offering.' Luis Monreal, Senior Director Sales Middle East Lufthansa Group Airlines, commented: 'Lufthansa Group is proud to team up this year with the DZT as their official carrier. We connect the GCC with Germany nonstop since 1960 with its flights to Saudi Arabia. Lufthansa and Eurowings offer both to our passengers German hospitality already on board. Lufthansa, as a premium carrier, offers stable and year-round connections to Frankfurt and Munich from Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam. Our value-airline Eurowings is expanding substantially since 2023 in the GCC by offering more direct connections to other German such as Berlin, Stuttgart, Cologne and Hanover. They meet their GCC customers much closer to their homes as they offer departures also from Dubai World, Abu Dhabi and Jeddah. The strong increase in demand for these new routes show that we cater to the need to reach different cities in all parts of Germany. Starting from October 2025, the Lufthansa Group airlines will offer over 120 connections per week between the GCC and Germany. The comfort and travel experience with the Lufthansa Group airlines starts already while booking the ticket via our award-winning apps, that accompany each passenger during the whole trip.' In addition to connectivity, the GNTB has also unveiled a series of marketing campaigns and special themes. Cultureland Germany, as the name suggests, highlights Germany's vibrant and diverse cultural scene, from art, to design, or music, Germany offers a wealth of interesting places of cultural and historical significance for GCC tourists to visit. This includes Chemnitz, the European Capital of Culture for 2025, which is located in the Saxony region of the country. 2025 also marks the 275th anniversary of Johann Sebastian Bach's death, with dozens of events lined up to commemorate his life and music. Embrace German Nature is promoting its three UNESCO natural world Heritage Sites, 16 UNESCO biosphere reserves, 16 national parks and 104 nature parks, all of which can be easily explored along hiking routes and cycle paths. The GNTB's Simply Feel Good – Sustainable Travel in Germany campaign is focused on Germany's natural landscapes, raising awareness of the fragility of ecosystems. Germany has 20 sustainably certified regions and cities with over 1,540 sustainably certified accommodation establishments and 350 spa and health resorts. One special theme this year, celebrating its 50th anniversary, is the German Fairy Tale Route. Spanning 600 km from Hanau to Bremen, this scenic route connects around 70 locations, including Rapunzel's tower and the castle where Sleeping Beauty slept for 100 years, bringing fairy tales to life.
