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Sound of Music-obsessed concert pianist could be US ambassador to Austria

The Local Austria
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Sound of Music-obsessed concert pianist could be US ambassador to Austria
Patrick Park (second from left) and friends at a Palm Beach gala. Photo: palmbeachgalas.com

It’s being reported that the wealthy industrialist and philanthropist Patrick Park is US President Donald Trump’s choice for the new ambassador to Austria.

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Park (63) is a longtime friend to the president, and according to Palm Beach Daily News he received a handwritten note from Trump saying “on to your next chapter, Ambassador!”

Florida-based Park is also a concert pianist and just happens to be an avid fan of “The Sound of Music” film, which is set in Salzburg. He claims to have seen it over 70 times.  

“I know every single word and song by heart. I’ve always wanted to live in the Von Trapp house,” he said.

Trump has reportedly said he thought Austria would be a good match for Park because of its rich musical culture.

Park said that his family had served in the military so he was 'thrilled' to serve his country as an ambassador.

He has no previous diplomatic experience, but has already been mingling with diplomats in anticipation for the role. “I had a chance to talk to the Swiss and Hungarian ambassadors at the Red Cross Ball and at the diplomats’ dinner the night before,” he said. “They want me to visit them in Washington, and the Austrian ambassador in Washington said he wants us to go for lunch.”

Although there’s been no official confirmation that he will be appointed, Park has said his first official trip to Austria would include a visit to the Von Trapp home.

“I'm flying to Vienna to check out the embassy, and then I'm going to Salzburg to see if the Von Trapp house is for rent,' he said. 'And then I'm going to learn to like Schnitzel and Sachertorte.”

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