Timisoara Opera and Operetta Festival

Almost all of us have an experience of watching opera in the Opera House or other in-door theatres. But how many of you have an experience of watching opera at an open-air stage? Citizens and visitors of the city of Timisoara, for sure, have such a great experience!

This weekend, the 24^th-26^th August, the eighth annual “Opera and Operetta Festival” took place in the Rose Park. Professional singers from different countries and a professional orchestra crew performed “Land of Smiles” by F. Lehar, “Rigoletto” by G. Verdi, “Die Fledermaus” by Johann Strauss and “Star Glass” children opera at the open-air stage. The festival gathered more than 1000 viewers. Everyone could enjoy spectacular opera and operetta performances during these warm summer evenings.

Are you interested and excited about the event? Then don´t miss your chance to enjoy opera and operetta performances next weekend, the 31^st August – 2^nd September. “Carmen” by G. Bizet, “Gypsy Baron” by Johann Strauss and Gala Concert of Opera, Operetta and Ballet will be performed for you in the Rose Park. For sure, this festival is worth to see!

By Fung Sheung Yee and Oleksandra Karavan

Aethernative Café: Just try it

Aethernative Café, situated on Str Marasesti 14, is a place which is worth to visit in Timisoara without any doubt. By the way, it is located in the same building as the club “d’Arte”. This café has gained its popularity among young people due to its  extraordiness and freshness.

A special atmosphere of this place is already noticeable after crossing the threshold thanks to artistic graffiti on the walls. Lots of bicycles located in the hall tell us that this place is appreciated by the youth of Timisoara. Moreover, when the weather is good, people can spend their leisure time in a small garden in the middle of the café. The interior of the café with its extraordinary decorations and artistic works also encourages people to come in. On the walls we can find handmade graphics and photos which create a harmony with the lights of this place. At the bar we can find many different cocktails and beers at affordable prices. The coffee is served in special porcelain glasses with a piece of history of Timisoara depicted on them.

From time to time, different events such as concerts of local groups and film festivals are organized in this café. That is why this place plays a very important role in the cultural life of Timisoara. This café is also a perfect place to enjoy time with your friends around a delicious  drink or to invite someone for a date. You are always welcome by the staff  which is also very nice and friendly.

For sure you will spend an unforgetable time in Aethernative Café. It is time to try something new…Come and enjoy!

Opening hours:
Monday – Friday: 10 am – 1 am
Saturday: 12 pm – 1 am
Sunday: 5 pm – 1 am

By Anna Grzesica and Florent Debonnet

Scart Loc Lejer: Enjoy your time

Scart Loc Lejer, located at Str. Zoe, nr.1, Timisoara, is a cool place for drinking, chatting and gathering. It gains good popularity in the city since it has a remarkable environment and also affordable price on a wide range of drinks.

With stylish in-room design: plaques with names of streets and stations, gramophone records, real musical instruments on the scratched walls, back room with high ceiling and inverted umbrella, and also distinctive antique decorations, it provides an extraordinary atmosphere for the guests. But it does not end here. Scart Loc Lejer has also provided a large and relaxing garden, with logs, semi-broken benches, and hammocks for the guests to sit on and enjoy the drinks. Therefore, it can also be a good place to enjoy an afternoon tea.

Scart Loc Lejer opens its door for everyone and it doesn´t matter how old are you or which music style do you prefer. Scart Loc Lejer likes and respects diversity. Here you feel yourself like at home. It is a perfect place for spending evenings with your friends, having dates with your sweethearts and celebrating different occasions such as birthdays, Christmas, Haloween etc. You will never forget time you spend here!

You are still not at Scart Loc Lejer? What are you waiting for? Just come and enjoy your leisure time here. For sure, you will love it!

Opening hours: Mon-Wed: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm, Thu-Sat: 11:00 am – 2:00 am, Sun: 1:00 pm – 12:00 am

For more information you can call 0751 892 340 or you can add Scart Loc Lejer as your Facebook friend http://www.facebook.com/scartloclejer

By Fung Sheung Yee and Oleksandra Karavan

Blues Pentru Timisoara Festival

Last weekend, the 11^th and 12^th of August, the fifth annual international blues festival “Blues pentru Timisoara” took place at Union Square. For two evenings the city of Timisoara turned to a small European capital of blues hosting some of the most popular bands from Romania, Hungary and Serbia.

Spectators of different ages, professions and nationalities gathered at the Square to enjoy the blues music played by Bega Blues Band, Texas Flood, Vali “SirBlues” Racila, Mircea Bunea Trio, Foxy Lady Trio & Alex Man and the Wildflowers Band. The blues music festival provided us with not only great music but also a change of atmosphere. The whole square was influenced by the jazzy tunes coming from the grand stage. It gave us a chance to experience a different Union Square than we had before.

As Dona, a dental student in Timisoara puts it: “I am attending this festival for the first time. I just wanted to listen to a good music and discover a new music style. Next year I will attend this event for sure because it is worth it!”.

“I came to Timisoara as a tourist and was pleased to find out that such an event takes place during my stay here. I enjoy both the music and the general atmosphere of the festival”, – Jeff, an investment banking specialist from Taiwan, shares his impressions, and we couldn’t have agreed more.

“As blues is my favorite music style I try to attend this festival every year.  It is nice to enjoy a good music, especially if it is played by such blues music stars as Vali “SirBlues” Racila”, – Doru, a telecommunications specialist from Timisoara, puts in as a true blues music fan.

It doesn’t matter whether you are a blues fan or not, you will love “Blues pentru Timisoara” for sure! All you should do is just to wait till the next summer and experience this pleasant atmosphere either for the first time or once again! See you all next year at Union Square!

If you can’t wait that long to get a feel of the atmosphere, then check out our tumblr account: www.timisoara2021.tumblr.com for more pictures!

By Oleksandra Karavan and Leon Kuipers