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Mar 30, 2011

André Rieu Interview ~ Get The Whole World Waltzing

An Interview With André Rieu
Mar 30, 2011: The wild-haired, modern-day Strauss on his plan to get the whole world waltzing ~ at any cost.
The show is quite a spectacle. He plays his violin and conducts an orchestra that contains ladies in full crinolines. There are always thousands of flowers and hundreds of balloons. He has also toured with horses, ice rinks and an entire castle which was rebuilt for each performance. But more of that later.
He’s Dutch, 61, with long, flowing rock-star hair and no visible signs of a comb over or transplant. His eyes are beyond piercing. They can look at you from the stage and find you in an audience. And he can make you waltz. Rows of ordinary people who go to his shows with no intention of dancing invariably find themselves swaying and mesmerised, pied piper style, into waltzing. Rieu also plays tunes like The Blue Danube, Edelweiss and I Could Have Danced All Night; anything, he says, that “touches the heart.”The second I enter André Rieu’s Hollywood hotel suite a camera is pointed at me. It belongs to a television crew which follows him at all times. Rieu, it seems, is always on, always the showman.
Click on the link to read full article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/classicalmusic/8403549/Andre-Rieu-interview.html

André Rieu Interview on Uk Classic FM

André Rieu: I Wanted More Than Polite Applause 
March 27, 2011: The superstar violinist and conductor hits out at classical music’s perceived stiffness. André Rieu has told Classic FM’s Nick Ferrari that classical music isn’t as emotionally charged as it should be. Speaking as part of a conversation to be broadcast tomorrow on Sunday, March 27, the violinist told Nick:
“It’s just my character! I was always looking to the beautiful girls in the audience – I wanted more than just polite applause. Music for me is a tool to be in contact with you. “It’s not about ‘listen to how good I play’. You hear that much too often in classical music. We don’t speak about feelings any more, we speak about ‘He’s a better player than she is!’.
“I read a book by Rubinstein who talked about these ‘poor musicians, having to compare and compete with each other!’. I was in Poland at the time and having great fun with all the girls and laughing! It was a beautiful life!”.
Click on the link to hear the full interview with André on The Classic FM Interview from 7pm on Sunday, March 27th:
http://www.classicfm.co.uk/music/interviews/andre-rieu-chats-classic-fm/

Mar 26, 2011

A Scary Moment for André Rieu!

Three New Video's on the Movie Site!
Ineke and Ruud have posted three new video's on their site:
► An interview with Mirusia
► André winning the BUMA Export prize for the 6th time!
► An item from 'Boulevard' with a scary moment for André and the JSO!
Click here to watch all three video's:

Mar 23, 2011

André Rieu Concert in Sun City SA

André Rieu in Sun City, South Africa
March 22, 2011 by *Catherine Keyl
The first time I was in Sun City, a resort in the Bophuthatswana homeland, was 25 years ago. It was then called "Sin City" mainly because South Africans could do things there which were normally banned, like gambling and watching a striptease. Now Sun City just a part of South Africa.
An unexpected invitation brought me back again. The resort is now four times bigger. Added to it is the Palace Hotel. Large bronze elephants stand in front of the entrance and theme of elephant tusks has been carried out into perfection: the hotel pens are elephant tusks as well as the handrails in the elevator and on the roofs of the hotel.
A pleasant atmosphere of excitement reigns; André Rieu will perform in the casino tonight. The sales lady in the hotel shop is over the moon. From a hotel guest she received a ticket for tonight. "I have heard that it is such a crazy concert," she tells me excitedly, "There are people who bought tickets for all three nights, that's how exciting they feel the concert is."
The concerts have been sold out for months already and although I've interviewed André Rieu several times, shamefully I must admit I've never been to a live concert. Let me be honest: I am very intrigued by his success (after all, he is one of the best selling artists in the world) but to now go to a concert ...
This evening 5000 South Africans went through the trouble of purchasing a ticket. I'm still skeptical. It is sort of a bit of sweet music. A fantasy world of glittering gowns, beautiful scenery of when life was good and music that our parents especially liked, is being presented. All that while bombs in Libya are being dropped.
Since the orchestra members are also staying in the Palace Hotel, and by talking to them I get an idea about the organization behind this world tour. They arrived in a chartered airplane, all have four of the same instruments and one of them is always en route to their next destination. The same goes for the scenery. They travel with about 100 people, orchestra, catering, technology and security.
In the center of all this, is André Rieu himself, walking relaxed through the hotel, being gaped at amongst others by a face lifted German lady who cannot get enough of him and always wants to touch him.
He looks great for his 61 years. Was a bit overworked a while ago, which you would understand if you see this huge circus around him.
"Well what was the highlight for you this year?" I ask him, and expected him to say: "The Australian tour or something that." But he says: "The birth of my four grandchildren. I am so touched when I see them, that's just not normal. In fact I think I am terribly in love with them, and now you find me to be a old softy?"
I mumbled something to the fact that I know of more tough guys who are completely disrupted because they became a grandfather.
To my huge delight, the concert begins with a photo of the four grandchildren. The man who was a street sweeper and had won a talent show is singing "Suikerbossie 'k wil jou he" and does it so beautifully that I'm crying like a little child.
Sort of heavenly, such a dream world of glittering dresses, sweet music, elephant tusks and glamour. It makes you forget the bombs.
Thanks to Ruud for sending this and John for ©Translating it.
*Catherine Keyl is a Dutch Reporter.

Mar 22, 2011

In The Proper Rhythm by André Rieu

In The Proper Rhythm by André Rieu
Chapeau Magazine: April/May 2011
It has taken me a while, but I am under the impression that I finally have landed in the proper rhythm of life. That means a rhythm that is somewhat healthier. For my concerts I still give one hundred percent because I feel great with them, but much of the organizational work around it, I now leave to the people who work with me. My son Pierre now directs all that, in which he is well qualified. He is like a fish in water since he grew up with it.
Actually I've always had at least two jobs, one as a fulltime musician and one as an entrepreneur with now around 120 employees. If you want to do them properly as I did, then for each of these jobs you need about forty to fifty hours a week. Well then, you can easily calculate what one week looked like for me.
And I have to add and say that I wanted that and did it with pleasure. It was important to me that I was pulling all the strings, so that we all would be going the direction I had in mind. When you're young, you do not feel that this can sometimes be tiring, because then you can do a lot. But the reality of advancing age in my past was obviously something I was not aware of. Then at one point your body says: "That we can no longer do", and you have to make choices. I did and I feel good about them.
The concerts are still my big inspiration and I am fresh and motivated when on stage. But away from those, I have finally been able to take more time for myself. I walk more, exercise more and take my rests. I am even more often at home doing odd jobs. No, the Michelin guide does not need to come along yet, but it means relaxation for me. I especially take more time for my family, and let’s not forget my grandchildren. What a daily inspiration they are, that's really incredible. I miss them already when I'm on the road for only two days.
I still spend a lot of time on the road. This to me is not really a negative since we always travel in a comfortable manner, and we are not rushing from here to there. Since January, we are touring with a new program which we basically play the entire year, although we do adjust our program to the location where we perform. Over the past two months, we have performed in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Denmark and from mid-March we will be in South Africa, where we will be doing approximately the same tour as last year. Therefore and unfortunately I will have to miss the TEFAF (International Arts Fair) in Maastricht.
In April we will finally go to England. That has been in the workings for the last few years and the entire tour is sold out already. We may possibly make the O2 Concert in London into a TV Special. That is really exciting. In May we will be going to Australia and New Zealand. Yes, even to Christchurch which was devastated by that terrible earthquake. We will do whatever we can there to specifically cheer those people up. And Marjorie and I are of course already preparing for the Vrijthof concerts, which will again take place during two weekends. I always look very much forward to them. Playing at home always gives you that exceptional feeling.
After South Africa we are first going to take a few days vacation. The last few years I no longer knew what that was. But I do need a few days of relaxation. Who knows maybe to Rome, which we like. No, an audition with the Pope has not happened yet. It’s just great to be away for a few days in relative anonymity, enjoying the sun and the people on the terraces. Normally everyone looks at me, now I can look back at them.
Thanks to Ineke for sending this and John for ©Translating it

Mar 20, 2011

On The Road Interview With André Rieu

On The Road Interview With André Rieu

March 20, 2011: Sonia Kruger is on the road with the world's most popular conductor André Rieu. Responsible for creating a musical spectacle from one of the most brilliant art forms, it's no doubt that Rieu has ignited a new wave of classical cult followers.
Sonia catches up with musical maestro André Rieu in Denmark, gets a behind the scenes look at one of Rieu's performances and is also treated to a tour of his 15th century castle.
Click on the link to watch the full interview ...
http://au.tv.yahoo.com/sunday-night/video/-/watch/24588569/
Thanks to Wilma in Australia for sending the link to us last night. I put it on the Parlor on FB, but didn't have time to get it here on the Parlor until today. It's a really nice interview ... Enjoy!

Mar 18, 2011

ANDRÉ RIEU THANKFUL FOR AUSSIE MEDICINE

ANDRÉ RIEU THANKFUL FOR AUSSIE MEDICINE
Ross Purdie, National Entertainment Writer, AAP

March 18, 2011: When André Rieu returns to Australia there's one man in particular he is desperate to pay tribute to. The Dutch violinist and classical composer has reserved special thanks for the fan who helped him conquer a debilitating illness last year.
Rieu was forced to postpone his 2010 world tour due to a viral infection of the vestibular nerve that temporarily destroyed his sense of balance. It sparked a flood of letters to his bedside from hundreds of fans offering their advice on ways to recover. "I was told to do everything from having new blood to stop eating sugar to doing sport. They were all very sweet," Rieu tells AAP.
"It's impossible to perform on stage when you cannot stand up so I was willing to try anything to make myself better." One particular letter arrived from Bill Henshall, a fan from Perth, who claimed to have been cured of a similar illness. He suggested a strict regime of exercises that included methodically moving the eyes from side to side and standing stork-like on each leg with one eye shut. After spending almost three months on his back, Rieu gave the advice a go and within two weeks on the new course, he was cured.
"It was a happy coincidence that an Australian was the person who was able to give me the right advice," Rieu beams. "Australia is one of my biggest markets, I've sold three million copies in your country which is a lot, so I know the people love me there. "It was very, very nice to hear that an Australian gave me the secret on how to recover."
Keen to repay the favour after regaining his feet, Rieu offered to fly Henshall from Perth to one of his concerts in Australia - a necessary gesture because no dates are scheduled for WA. But in a bizarre twist of fate Henshall is travelling around Europe and will actually be in Rieu's hometown of Maastricht for the majority of the tour.
"It's strange that we're on opposite ends of the world and he's visiting my hometown but we will definitely meet one day," Rieu promises. "I have to thank him because without his help I could still be searching for a cure."
It's not the first time that Rieu has brushed with illness to produce a touch of magic involving someone from Australia. In 2009 he was joined on stage by talk radio DJ Alan Jones, who had just recovered from pneumonia. The pair famously delivered a rousing version of We Are Australian. "I was in Sydney for two concerts when he was very ill and he joked he'd perform at one of the shows after I challenged him on radio," Rieu remembers. "But he enjoyed it so much he did the second as well."
Rieu has never been a huge fan of support acts but that song awakened Rieu to the music of Aussie folk favourites The Seekers. The band originally recorded We Are Australian but haven't played together since 2004. When he was given the all clear to resume his world tour, Rieu contacted The Seekers' lead singer Judith Durham and asked if they might be available to join him on the Australian leg.
"I phoned her but she told me that they weren't together any more," Rieu reveals. "So I just said, `well, you could come together'. "She laughed and told me she'd phone everyone up and get back to me." Rieu's persistence paid off and now The Seekers will play their first shows in seven years alongside the enigmatic classical performer when he arrives in May.
Durham was so taken by Rieu's personal request that she penned a brand new song, Andre (All The Stars Come Out), to be debuted on the tour. "Judith composed a beautiful song especially for me because she's glad that I'm recovered and coming back to Australia," Rieu says. "I'm very touched by that."
Andre Rieu performs the following shows in Australia:
►May 3-4 - Adelaide Entertainment Centre
►May 10-11 - Melbourne Rod Laver Arena
►May 13-14 - Sydney Acer Arena
►May 15-16 - Newcastle Entertainment Centre
►May 18-19 - Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Mar 14, 2011

André Rieu Presents Mirusia's 'Always & Forever' on DVD

André Rieu Presents Mirusia's "Always & Forever" on DVD

This DVD follows the musical experiences Mirusia has enjoyed on stage and in the studio with André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra. It features performances of favourites like Schubert’s Ave Maria, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Memory (Cats) and Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again (The Phantom of the Opera). And look out for the breathtaking Concerto Pour Une Voix from Saint-Prieux (a song rediscovered by Rieu), and a tribute to her homeland Australia, by way of Botany Bay.
TRACKLISTING:
1 Concerto Pour Une Voix - Live In Australia
2 Memory - Live, Acer Arena, Sydney Short Edit
3 Solveig's Lied - Live
4 In mir klingt ein Lied - Live in Heidelberg, Kornmarkt, 2009
5 Botany Bay
6 Send In The Clowns - Live
7 Con te partirò (Time to say goodbye) - Live in Maastricht
8 Feed The Birds
9 Porgi Amor - Live In Vienna
10 Ave Maria - Live In Maastricht
11 Panis Angelicus - Live in Maastricht
12 Plaisir D'Amour - Live in der Semperoper
13 Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again - Live In Australia
The story of Australian Mirusia Louwerse's discovery by Andre Rieu is the stuff of "dreams come true". With Dutch parents but born and raised in Brisbane, the 25 year old's graceful stage presence and effortless soprano voice belies her age. Andre Rieu is besieged with demos from all and sundry. As the maestro himself puts it "I get plenty of emails every day from people telling me that their daughter sings so beautifully or their son is such a wonderful trumpet player." And, as it happened, one such missive came from Mirusia's aunt in December 2007. Ever diligent, Andre went onto Mirusia's website and, suitably impressed with what he heard, called her. After Mirusia initially dismissed Andr as a prank caller, Mirusia put down the receiver and packed her bags. She was off to audition for Andre the very next day. The meeting was a success. "It was unbelievable, I left Maastricht with a contract", she says, still laughing at the shock of it.
Mirusia sings in six different languages on Always & Forever (English, German, Latin, French, Italian, Norwegian) and has also recorded two duets with her friend, collaborator and co-soloist with André Rieu, Carmen Monarcha (Plaisir d'amour and Send in the clowns).
Click on the link to order the DVD from Ovation in Australia:

Mar 13, 2011

Ronel's André Rieu Concert In Cape Town SA

Ronel's Concert In Cape Town South Africa

We departed from OR Tambo on Wednesday 9 March 2011 for Cape Town to attend the concert in the Grand West Arena after André cancelled his 26 March 2011 Parade concert due to illness in 2010. On Thursday we drove down the coastal beaches round Fischoek and Simons Town and on Friday we went to Stellenbosch and Mooiberge and prepared for the concert.
When we arrived at the Grand West Casino, we sat down in a restaurant and to our surprise, bumped into Franco and Bela. We had such a lovely time chatting to them and me and Ludwig said we must only get a photo of us and Gary Bennett as we already met Thomas in 2009 in the street in Maastricht and VOILA!!!! a few minutes later, in walks Gary Bennett - such a charming man.
The concert started and André and JSO started off a performance as always, BEYOND BEAUTIFUL!!!!! His repertoire consist of:
►Seventy Six Trombones (entry)
►Voices of Spring
►La Danza
►Heut ist der schonste tag (Platin Tenors)
►Dein is mein ganzes herz (Platin Tenors)
►Snow Waltz
►Ballad for Adeleen from Richard Clyderman
►Skater's Waltz - with snow falling from the roof onto the people
►Im Weissen Rosl (Tenors and Sopranos Kalki, Mirusia and Kimmy)
►Feuer Fest (the anvil and blacksmith Roland Lafosse and Noel Perdaens as it was on Schonbrunn DVD in Vienna)
►Vilja from the Merry Widow by Kimmy Skota - she got a standing ovation.
►Wiener Blut with the Golden Ball Hall of the Schonbrunn as backdrop curtain.
►Mama - 3 Platin tenors
►Chianti Lied
►Don't cry for me Argentina - Mirusia with the castle of Evita Peron in Argentina as backdrop curtain.
►Bummel Petrus - where the audience had to whistle - as on the Flying Dutchman DVD
►The Blue Danube
►Halleluja - tenors and sopranos from the Messias of Handel
►Radetsky March
►Strauss & Co - Balloons falling from top.
►Libiamo - drinking song from La Traviata.
►Guest artist James Bhemgee - he won the SA's got talent competition - an absolute wonderful awesome tenor and he sang a well known song of which I unfortunately do not know the name - and a verse in Afrikaans language.
►Tribute to Madiba - Nelson Mandela and Kimmy and Mirusia sang Twinkle twinkle little star and Tula Sizwe as Madiba told André it is his favourite melodies.
►All together we sang old traditional Afrikaans songs 'Bobbejaan klim die berg' and 'Sarie Marais'. Amazing Grace - Andre, Teun and Manoe And the concert ending with Lullaby ...
It was to me - as always - a day in my life that remains in my memory as OUTSTANDING - however I am disappointed in the Cape Town audience as they were not dancing or screaming or cheering as we are used to - they sat as if they were in a movie where no-one must talk or stand up - me and Ludwig enjoyed it thoroughly and I wish I could relive this concert this coming weekend here in my own hometown - Sun City ............ Ronel

Mar 12, 2011

The World of André Rieu Sixth and Final Soap

The World of André Rieu Final Episode
The sixth and final episode of this road soap. We will find out who the lady is André is lifting. This road soap should be called "That's what I do it for", watch the video to find out why. And the Mexican public, is there a more enthusiastic audience anywhere in the world? Brazilians, now is your chance to beat them! To watch this video, go to: http://www.andrerieu-movies.com/andre_world/andre_world_6.html

Mar 11, 2011

André Rieu September 2011 Iowa Concert Tickets Available


JUST ANNOUNCED! Andre Rieu Specials to Air on IPTV; Special Tickets to Upcoming September 2011 Iowa Concert Available ... March 11, 2011 (Johnston, Iowa) -- Iowa Public Television has announced the availability of special tickets to an upcoming André Rieu concert in Iowa.These tickets are available for viewers who support Iowa Public Television during the network’s Festival 2011 campaign. General public sales for the September 17 concert in Des Moines begin in April ... Viewers are encouraged to call in during just-announced broadcasts of André Rieu specials to receive these tickets before they go on sale to the general public.Tickets will be available as thank-you gifts for pledges of support to Iowa Public Television.
Broadcasts of André Rieu concert specials are: Sunday, March 13, 2011

André Rieu "The Waltzking's Kingdom"

THE WALTZKING'S KINGDOM

 In the last hours prior to the performance Bild der Frau Reporter Was Up Close and Personal

Son Pierre (30) is André’s (61) most important staff member
Sometimes my father is pretty crazy.
He performs concerts all over the world, and son Pierre, his production manager is always by his side.
Bild der Frau: What is it like to have your Dad as your boss?
Pierre Rieu: Prima! The nice part is that we are very open with each other. Many people are afraid to tell him: "You are crazy, that’ll not work that way." I can say that whenever my Dad is obsessed with something or when he wants too much."
And you listen to him then, Mr. Rieu?
Of course, Pierre, as production manager is in charge. My wife and I do not perform concerts to make money, it is our lives. It is a good thing that Pierre says: "The bottom line is, it has to produce something."
Next to this very practical feature, what do you like most about your son? He is simple a lovely boy, who wants to do well, is curious and eager.
Pierre: Our father taught my brother and I from an early age on to be active. He did not want us to sit in front of a TV or computer. That is why he was very much involved with us; building sheds in the back yard or tinkering with us on soap box derby cars for instance.
Were there any periods of rebellion in the Rieu house?
André Rieu: I can still remember vividly when Pierre, when he was about sixteen, came home from the barbers with his hair dyed snow white. Looking back at that, he actually did not look too bad after all.
Are you musical Pierre?
I play trumpet and piano.
Could we soon see you together on stage?
André Rieu: Why not, I think that would be great. You never know what life will bring you."
Thanks to Kathi and Ineke for sending this and John for ©Translating it

Mar 7, 2011

The Hout Bay Music Project and André Rieu

Music Changes Lives
The Hout Bay Music Project and André Rieu
Maastricht, Netherlands, July 2010

Lwazi Mkula, aged 18, greets a visitor in the bustling lobby of the Vrijthof Theatre in Maastricht, Netherlands on a warm summer evening. A courteous young man with a level gaze, Mr. Mkula was born under apartheid in South Africa. Since joining the tiny Hout Bay Music Project seven years ago, however, his life has taken a remarkable direction thanks to remarkable teachers and his dedication to classical music studies. Today, Mr. Mkula is the first member of his family to attend college. At Cape Town University, he is majoring in music and law, and is teaching younger children at the same Music Project in the Eastern Cape Informal Township that is his home. By all accounts, he would not be where he is today without the support and music education he received at the Hout Bay Music Project.

At the moment, however, Mr. Mkula has other immediate things on his hands. Streaming into the Theatre close on his heels come a gaggle of energetic children, supervised by a few exhausted-looking adults. After a day of playing football outdoors at a nearby Limburg farm, these young members of the Hout Bay Music Project need to have dinner, focus their attention and prepare for their featured role in this evening’s concert on the Vrijthof plaza in Maastricht, with world-famous Dutch violinist André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra.

This is an article written about the Hout Bay Music Project by Jennefer Dawson. She has sent it to us to post here on the Harmony Parlor and although she wrote it last year for Maastricht, it was never published ... We thought it fitting to post it now with André's Tour about to begin this week in SA ... Click on the link to read the entire article:
 http://harmonyparlorphotos.blogspot.com/2002_05_01_archive.html#5350026149169704438
 

André Rieu SA Tour to Have James Bhemgee as Guest


André Rieu’s SA Tour is a dream come true not only for fans, but for tenor and former street sweeper - James Bhemgee, who has been chosen to perform on stage with this classical virtuoso!
Tenor - James Bhemgee, the winner of a popular local television talent show, caught the world’s attention with his incredible voice and rags to riches story, as well as the ear of the biggest touring classical artist in the world, André Rieu.
Bhemgee who hails from Mitchell’s Plain in Cape Town, was invited to Maastricht to rehearse with André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra, had this to say upon his return: “I am so honoured to have been chosen by André to perform with him and his orchestra. We had such a lovely time rehearsing in Holland and all I can say is that the South African audiences will be blown away by the concerts. All of this is truly a dream come true for me!” Watch him sing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0udj9UKI9F8
Having topped the tour rankings with his sold out SA Tour last year, the Dutch violinist and conductor’s magnificent grand-scale production will once again feature his Johann Strauss Orchestra, choir and soloists, as well as SA’s nightingale, Kimmy Skota, who stole the hearts of everyone during her incredible performances last year.
A musical phenomenon, André Rieu is unlike anything else in the entertainment world. His audience members are known to jump to their feet and dance in the aisles at his unparalleled music spectaculars. Now with added South African flavour, this is a concert that is definitely not to be missed.
Book now at Computicket (www.computicket.com or 083 915 8000) to avoid disappointment. Tickets range from R400 – R1050.
ANDRÉ RIEU’S SOUTH AFRICA 2011 TOUR DATES:
Grand Arena, Grand West Cape Town:
Fri, 11 March 2011 @ 8pm
Sat, 12 March 2011 @ 8pm
Sun, 13 March 2011 @ 6pm
Superbowl, Sun City:
Friday, 18 March 2011 @ 8:30pm
Saturday, 19 March 2011 @ 7pm
Sunday, 20 March 2011 @ 7pm
ICC, Durban:
Wednesday, 23 March 2011 @ 8pm

Mar 5, 2011

The World of André Rieu, Road Soap Part 5

The World of André Rieu Soap Part 5

Mexico City is the theme for the fifth episode. Although the people are still going crazy long after the concert is over, there were problems prior to the concert. Rough handling during transport damaged several of instruments and replacements for them needed to be organized. To watch the video go to: http://www.andrerieu-movies.com/andre_world/andre_world_5.html

Mar 4, 2011

André Rieu Concert With Adele in Munich Germany

André Rieu Concert Munich, Germany

Wednesday 23 February 2011
My guest tonight is 95 year old Irma, from Munich, who came with me last year also. Over a glass of 'sekt' (German sparkling wine) she tells me 'Adele did you know, André has been very ill, I have seen it on television, I have been very worried that the concert would be cancelled, and I so enjoyed it last year'... 2 'sekt's' later, we arrive at the Olympic hall.
André's introductory speech promised us an evening 'filled with beautiful music, including a lot of waltzes, and so it was.. A higher proportion of waltzes than normal. And it was wonderful. Voices of Spring, the Skaters Waltz, Dein ist mein ganzes Hertz, Chianti song & Mama (Platin tenors) The Snow Waltz was a lot of fun ; I was in the middle of row 2 , but did not have to put my ski hat on, as the snow fell gently onto rows 7/8/9, ending with an avalanche on the last notes. Die Csárdásfürstin with the Platin tenors , Kimi, Mirusia & Kalki , Bummelpetras with Noël & Roland in fine form. Balade pour Adeline (Richard Clayderman's hit from the 1970's) Wiener Blut, & the Danube (of course), with a good turnout in the aisles. Kimi sang Ave Maria, and Mirusia sang 'don't cry for me Argentina' ... (tear jerking)
THE ENCORES
Strauss & Co, In München steht ein Hofbräuhaus (beer drinking song) , Amazing Grace with Manoe on the bagpipes, Marina, Brindisi & Adieu with tenors & Sopranos, and a big surprise ~ 'The Wild Rover', a famous Irish song. So then I thought, they are getting ready for the UK/Ireland tour ... And maybe this accounts for the relatively high proportion of waltzes ...The marketing to the UK had been very big on waltzes.
André looked great, he did not ask where anyone was from, and there was no chastisement for late comers to the second half. His humour was truly excellent as always. Missing from 'the cast' were Mireille (Drums) Glenn Falize (percussion) Kremi (violin) , and Alicja (harp). Franco was present, having apparently missed a couple of previous concerts.



And I think to myself, aren't I the lucky one, 18 concerts down, and tickets in hand (or nearly) for another 7 or 8. Wow! ... Adele

Mar 3, 2011

Seekers Sing Song as Tribute To André Rieu


ANDRÉ RIEU LOVES FRANK'S SONG
Seeker to Sing Frank Howson's Song André
A song put together by Melbourne writer Frank Howson looks likely to be performed at international violinist André Rieu's Concert here in May. Frank's Song appears set to be performed by Judith Durham of 'The Seeker's' who are guest artists on the program.
The song André, is based on an award winning poem that Frank wrote when he lived in the United States. Judith Durnham will perform a new version of the song re-written as a tribute to André Rieu at the concerts.
The original song was a tribute to a boy, Georges André Cohn dying in the Holocaust. It was inspired by a visit to the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles and published in Under Quicksilver Moon.
Howsen expects both versions to be available on recordings to coincide with Rieu's concerts in May.
Interview with André on the Alan Jones Show today where the song "André" was sung. Click on the link to hear the interview and the song. http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.2gb.com%2Findex2.php%3Foption%3Dcom_newsmanager%26task%3Dview%26id%3D8264%26sms_ss%3Dfacebook%26at_xt%3D4d6f600f677c0554%252C0&h=30c31 
Thanks to Rob for Article and Mike/Margaret for the heads up on the Alan Jones Interview.

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Pierre and André September 30, 2016 Maastricht

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Photo Taken at Mexico City Concert ~ September 2013

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"Hello to all my fans on The Harmony Parlor!"


Soundcheck in Maastricht 2013 (RTL Photo)



Maastricht 2012 ~ "André on The Theater Steps" by Bee

Maastricht 2012 ~ "André and Pierre on The Theater Steps" by Bee

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