This festive overture by the Austrian composer Thomas Doss, whose father was German, is intended to be a symbol of the friendship between Germany and Austria, and the countries that border on these two states. In times of union and cooperation, the European thinking should be one of tolerance and openness when it comes to national identities and cultures. European culture has many faces that is what makes it unique. The shadows of the past, however, should never be forgotten, but they must not obscure the present and the future. Many ghosts wander through this overture, and those who listen carefully will also hear a great master of classical music ghost around. A creative new opening work for any concert.