Vienna, June 27, 2026 – Siebensternplatz, the heart of Vienna’s vibrant 7th district, became the setting for an afternoon that brought together jazz, Cuban culture, and brotherhood among peoples, as part of the Summer Festival in Vienna’s Siebensternviertel. Neighbors and passersby enjoyed a concert by the Austrian trio Dusha Connection, at an event organized by the district mayor’s office in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba, as part of the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cuba and Austria, which will be commemorated on July 26.
The Viennese band Dusha Connection, led by artist Esad Halilović, has a special connection to the island. The group participated in the most recent edition of the prestigious Jazz Plaza International Festival in Havana, one of the world’s most influential jazz events. Their ongoing relationship with Cuban musicians and cultural authorities demonstrates the strong cultural bridge between the two nations, where music serves as a universal language to foster bonds of understanding and artistic cooperation.
During the event, members of the Cuban Embassy—the only diplomatic mission based in Neubau, which maintains close ties with district authorities and the local population—spoke with attendees, explained the situation in the country, and promoted bilateral and cultural relations between the two peoples. The response from local residents was enthusiastic, reflecting the growing interest in Cuban culture in Austria and reinforcing the role of such events as forums for dialogue and closer ties between the two peoples.
The event reaffirms the historic bonds of friendship and cooperation between Cuba and Austria, demonstrating that culture and music are essential tools for building bridges of understanding and solidarity.