Blue Danube welcome for Bulgaria and Romania

Bulgaria and Romania's historic entry into the EU will be celebrated in the closing moments of this year's New Year's concert from Vienna, an event which today will be shared by a billion people around the world. The two countries will get a special...

Bulgaria and Romania's historic entry into the EU will be celebrated in the closing moments of this year's New Year's concert from Vienna, an event which today will be shared by a billion people around the world. The two countries will get a special musical welcome when world-famous conductor Zubin Mehta dedicates the Blue Danube Waltz to them as he brings the concert to an end. The river Danube connects Bulgaria and Romania with other EU member states and marks the new member states' permanent link to the heart of Europe.

The Vienna Philharmonic's annual concert in the city's Musikverein, with the selection from Johann Strauss and his contemporaries, has become so popular worldwide that television broadcasts now reach over 50 countries.

The traditional finale, when the musicians collectively wish the audience a Happy New Year before closing with Johan Strauss II's Blue Danube followed by the Radetzky March, will include a special greeting for Bulgaria and Romania from the conductor.

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