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Sep 29, 2012

♫♪♫ HAPPY 63rd BIRTHDAY ANDRÉ!! ♫♪♫


André Will Turn 63 on Monday October 1, 2012

Being Home Is a Vacation For André Rieu


Dutch Conductor Travels The World The Entire Year
Being home is a vacation for André Rieu  
Weekend article Sep 2012: André Rieu is still the only real world star the Netherlands has. The famous conductor, who earlier this year suffered with health issues, has been traveling around the world to give concerts. A holiday for him is therefore mainly staying at home. 
After a wonderful but tiring series of concerts in Brazil, André Rieu recently returned back to his hometown of Maastricht. The world famous conductor has there a normal routine. First to chat with his wife Marjorie and then simply to go shopping in the neighborhood supermarket. "If I would ever exhibit any form of a diva behavior, Marjorie would immediately straighten me out. But honestly that is not necessary. As soon as I return from a tour, within the hour I am standing in the supermarket just around the corner again just being the normal André Rieu in Maastricht." Than nothing matters anymore, he once said in an interview with "Weekend". That behavior ensures that André keeps both feet firmly planted on the ground. That last remark is also meant to be literal since there are not many people who spent as many hours in the air as the famous leader of the Johann Strauss Orchestra. 
In the recent months, he and his orchestra have performed in France, Germany, Austria, Brazil and South Africa. Every single one of them in sold out venues and to totally enthusiastic audiences. And so, the entire world also happens to know "our" André Rieu, although a lot of foreigners have difficulty pronouncing his name. "Which is being pronounced a million different ways, and no matter how often I pronounce it for them, they never manage to say it correctly" says André laughingly. Since he spends so much time in an airplane due to his work and is constantly in other countries and climates’, being home for Rieu is actually a form of vacation and when he and Marjorie want to get away for just a few days, he usually chooses to go to Italy or Austria.
Selling More CD’s 
In both countries, with their centuries-old musical culture, he immediately receives inspirations for new concerts. Recently he was even fitted for a typical Austrian wardrobe and in passing also bought traditional Austrian clothing for Marjorie and grandchildren. For the coming months the conductor has a very busy agenda. In October there are at least 17 concerts planned for France and Germany and in December he will be touring Great Britain and Ireland. The Netherlands and Belgium are obviously not forgotten. The end of November Rieu will perform three concerts in Belgium and on November 30th he will be performing in the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam. He will close this year with a concert in the Rotterdam Ahoy on December 22nd. 
The holidays are reserved for his family and grandchildren. But everyone who would really like to know how André Rieu spends his Holidays can in a short period of time watch that on his DVD "Home for Christmas."This DVD was primarily recorded at his romantic castle in the shadows of Maastricht where he and his wife Marjory reside. André bought this castle at the beginning of his success. He talked about that once when he said: "Do you know the comic strip of Ollie B. Bommel (Dutch cartoon character) where Ollie stands at the entrance way of the castle Molensloot? With huge eyes he looks at that castle. As a youngster I wanted that too. When this castle came up for sale, we were just looking for a home. As a joke I said to Marjorie, "We can go live there too." To which she replied: "Then you better sell some more CD’s." "So, that’s of course what I went and did." 
Thanks to Ineke for sending this and John Translating it 

Sep 28, 2012

André Rieu Ziggo Magazine Interview


André Rieu: Crying With "The Sound of Music"
Ziggo Magazine interview, September 2012: On November 30th André Rieu will be performing in the Ziggo Dome. For that the world renowned violinist will bring his entire 60 man strong Johann Strauss orchestra. But what does the Limburger do when he is not performing on stage? André Rieu about his media use. 
Which music means the most to you? "It would be strange if I did not answer that with Johann Strauss. His waltzes ensured that I discovered a love for music. There is a lot of melancholy and joy in a waltz. It is a mirror of life. He knows exactly where to place that." 
Do you ever download musical movies? "My youngest son Pierre does all that for me. I have all my own pieces recorded on my I-phone. Also a number of movies, of which several by Anthony Hopkins. I am a fan of his. 
"Which phone number do you call most frequent?" "That would be my wife’s number. Easily five times a day when I am on tour. She does not travel with us, but we make all decisions together, whether it is about the program, or paying a bill for the dog. She is my support and my crutch. 
"Which apps on your smart phone do you use the most? "Apps to view pictures and watch movies. Pierre regularly sends me small films of his children. I look at them several times a day. 
"With which movies did you last cry? "The Sound of Music." That is my all time favorite movie. It contains a melancholy which I am crazy about. 
"Which movies give you inspiration? "The same movie, but I am also inspired by the music of other particular movies. "Dancing with Wolves", "My Fair Lady" and "Evita" for instance. 
"Do you ever watch TV-series? "Top Gear!" It is informative and is presented in a nice way. It is a program with which you can totally relax and laugh. I also like to watch the fishing program "Rex Hunt’s Fishing Adventures. 
"Which musical documentary must every one watch? "Our own "Road-Soaps" have been extremely popular all over the world. People enjoy watching and being able to follow the artist behind the scenes. We notice that on the reactions we receive. It seems that people appreciate you even more when they see how much work is involved when you are creating something." 
Thanks to Ineke for sending this and John Translating it

André Rieu in Contention For Mexican Grammy


André Rieu in Contention For Mexican Grammy
André Rieu has been nominated for the most prestigious Mexican award: the Lunas Award, similar to the American Grammy. Last year the maestro was also nominated, but the award escaped him by the skin of his nose. In the presentation ceremony on Wednesday, October 31. Spanish singer Plácido Domingo seems to be Rieu's only main competitor.
Previous winners of the Lunas Awards were Paul McCartney and Elton John. Dutch DJ Tiësto was also previously been nominated for a Mexican Grammy. 
In addition, André Rieu announced the new concert dates in his home town of Maastricht today. On 5, 6 and 7 July next year the Limburgers can partake in the ninth edition of André Rieu's traditional summer evening concerts on the Vrijthof. The official ticket sales for the three concerts starts this Saturday, September 29th. 
Later this year the violin virtuoso will be touring Germany, Switzerland, France, England, Ireland and Belgium. Early next month, André will be at The Royal Albert Hall in London performing at the ceremony of the Classic Brit Awards. His album "And The Waltz Goes On" was nominated there for Album Of The Year.
Our Thanks to John for the Translation 

Sep 27, 2012



Maastricht 2013 Concert Dates Have Been Announced!
July 5th 6th 7th, 2013
Tickets Go Onsale Saturday September 29th 10:00AM
André Rieu to Conduct Another Series of Vrijthof Concerts

This coming summer André Rieu will again conduct another series of concerts on the Vrijthof Square in Maastricht. The ninth edition of Rieu's traditional summer evening concerts in the heart of Maastricht will take place on 5th, 6th and 7th of July. Rieu promises to magically transform the Vrijthof again into a huge romantic open air concert hall. Well known guest artists will again be performing in his shows. Ticket sales for all three concerts will start this coming Saturday (September 29, 2012) Click HERE For Another Link on Ticket Sales

Sep 23, 2012

Margreet Dolman Interviews André Rieu (English Subtitles)

 Margreet Dolman Interviews André Rieu
Margreet Dolman is a character from the Dutch actor/comedian Paul Haenen. He says to be dressed in a "Victor and Rolf" outfit. (Two famous Dutch Fashion Designers). The interview took place in the relaxed atmosphere of André's Castle and with Haenen's innocent appearance, he challenges André in telling just a little bit more ...

Sep 14, 2012

André Rieu Chapeau Magazine September 2012


Firmly Off Into Autumn 
Chapeau Magazine September 2012 Article by André Rieu 
After a pleasant holiday, in which we really did take the opportunity to rest this time, the program immediately took off in full swing. Half way into August we and the orchestra went to South Africa for our performances in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. Those were wonderful concerts, together with amongst others, the Soweto Gospel Choir, the Platinum Tenors, Kimi Scota, Carmen Monarcha, the Petersburg Trio and of course also the Johann Strauss Orchestra. 
Having returned, I was home for exactly one day, after which I had to go to Mainz (Germany) and back for just the day and then the next day on to France for the postponed tour of earlier this year when I was sick. 
Around the release of this Chapeau edition we are all once again in Sao Paulo for another six concerts in the same hall where we had given 24 concerts this summer. So thirty concerts in all in a few months in one city! We have never experienced anything like that, but Sao Paulo is an enormous city and the Brazilian public is very enthusiastic. We will definately return there soon in addition to other cities and countries in South America. 
But not right now, since the concert agenda in the fall is bursting at the seams with several performances in Germany, Switzerland, France and again in England, with a sold out concert at the O2 Arena. In October during a live BBC broadcast, we, together with Andrea Bocelli and Nicola Benedetti will be receiving the Classic Brit Award.
Recently we also received the BVN broadcasting Trophy, which is an award by BVN for the most watched program of the year. I'm obviously very proud. BVN broadcasts the best Dutch and Flemish programs throughout the world. It was the broadcast of our concert in the Semper Opera House in Dresden (Dancing Through The Skies). A wonderful concert in one of the most beautiful opera houses of the world. 
On October 3, 2012 the German TV station ZDF will broadcast the "Vrijthof 2012" concert. Wonderful atmosphere and Maastricht at its best. The theme was the 25th anniversary of the Johann Strauss Orchestra. In commemoration of this anniversary, a special CD: "Verleef op Mestreech" (In love with Maastricht) will be released. 
When you read all this, you might think: Didn't he intend to slow down? Well, yes, that's right, at least .... I do fewer things in general. I have declined all appearances and interviews which are not directly related to my performances and my music. That's not meant to be unfriendly, but it's just not possible to combine them with the intense life of a musician. But the number of performances will not drastically be reduced, since fortunately there is a big demand from all over the world. 
And physically I can tackle it, which is even more important. In South Africa I felt how much I have improved since I seriously started working out under proper supervision. My condition has improved much better and I am physically stronger due to my weight training. I lost about twelve kilos (25 lbs), and do not expect to lose any more since the weight training causes the muscle masses to grow, which of course puts on weight too. But whether you have muscles or fat, it does make a big difference in your fitness. I'm certainly on the right path. I am really starting to buff out! I live as wisely as possible, also in my food intake, without going onto some weird diet. Healthy products, that's what it is all about. In this manner I hope to continue this energetic lifestyle for a long time, so I can enjoy the stage. And that is the best there is! 
André Rieu 
Thanks to Ineke for this and she and John translating it.

Sep 6, 2012

André Rieu Nominated in Classic Brit Awards 2012


Nominations Announced Today for Classic Brit Awards 2012
Compiled from the ten biggest -selling classical albums from the past year, the Classic FM Album of the Year is the most sought after award on the night. Voted for by the British public via www.classicbrits.co.uk, the nominations are: André Rieu for And The Waltz Goes On, Andrea Bocelli’s chance for an award hat-trick with Concerto – One Night In Central Park, the debut Classic BRIT nomination for Band of HM Royal Marines performing Summon The Heroes, the Band of the Coldstream Guards with the album Pride of The Nation, Craig Ogden’s Summertime, Hayley Westenra with the previously-nominated Paradiso, another debut nomination for Laura Wright for her album The Last Rose, second nominations for Miloš Karadagli? and Noah Stewart with the albumsthe Guita and Noah respectively, and finally, Russell Watson with his eighth Classic BRIT nomination for Anthems. 
Taking place on October 2nd at the Royal Albert Hall, The Classic BRIT Awards 2012 will be hosted by Myleene Klass and will feature spectacular performances from André Rieu, Nicola Benedetti and Andrea Bocelli. Hollywood legend John Williams’ Lifetime Achievement award will be celebrated by a visual and audio spectacular performed by the London Chamber Orchestra conducted by James Morgan. The orchestra will present a montage of John Williams’ body of film score epics such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, Jaws, Indiana Jones, Superman, ET and Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Sep 4, 2012

André Rieu Wins The BVN Trophy!


André Rieu Wins The BVN Trophy
BVN/Best Van Nederland (The Best of The Netherlands)

AMSTERDAM - André Rieu has won the BVN Trophy. The TROS broadcast of "Waltzing out the Year" was the most valued show according to BVN, a public television station for Dutch speaking people abroad.The violinist was very happy with the trophy, which he received from the hands of BVN-board member Joop Daalmeijer. 
"My goal is to make people all over the world happy. This award confirms that I am on the right path,." said André. 
"Waltzing out the Year" received the highest marks in the competition for this award.
Thanks to John for Translating This To English For Us! 

Sep 2, 2012

Over Eight Years of Showing André Rieu Concerts!


Mike's 100th Monthly André Rieu Concert at Nursing Homes
Mike Connelly and his wife Annette have shown André DVD's at Nursing Homes for years now ... he wrote today of their recent special experience and it's very heartwarming ... We all know what André's music can do ... Kudos to Mike and Annette! 
We had a wonderful day today at the Nursing Home/Hostel. We gave our 100th monthly concert (8 years and 4 months) showing André Rieu & JSO. Being such a special occasion I decided to give the residents a great concert. I prepared a 92 minute program covering André Rieu concerts going back to 1994 and up to last year. It certainly covered a lot of territory. Some of it we had not seen for a few years, and I might add that some of the pieces of music had never been seen at all by the residents. 
The concert we gave at the Nursing Home was not the same, but we had a “full house”. The concerts we showed covered 2000-2002. It is quite amazing to be in a Nursing home, and have total silence for 90 minutes – we could not pick out the people singing – but could see hands and feet moving. It was a great morning and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the music. 
The afternoon is the time we show an André Rieu concert. As we were setting up the room, the Nursing sister in charge arranged for some photos prior to the concert. We had photos taken with residents.We were presented with some nice gifts by the Hostel, residents and staff. Some residents also presented us with some gifts. The cards with the gifts are something we will treasure forever. 
We started the concert on time – after 30 minutes – the hostel staff came around to everybody watching the concert and gave us all a large bowl of strawberries sprinkled with icing sugar. What more could you want ? – watching a great André Rieu concert and eating strawberries, in a great atmosphere amongst friends. 
The residents were enthralled with the concert and they were very, very, happy. There was another presentation to us at the end of the concert. Everybody at the concert told us both as they left that they really appreciated us coming to give them the concerts. Staff did likewise. We both came away elated at the events of the day and why wouldn’t we?

Sep 1, 2012

André Rieu Concert in France


"Three Charlie's Angels" mission in the Land of Gones
It's in a beautiful sunny afternoon that found us in the country of Gones, Lyon. Lugdunum, its Latin name, is a beautiful city with its famous Place Bellecour, its Traboules (narrow streets and passageways that run through the old town). 
It is also known for its many culinary specialties including Rosette de Lyon, the Bugnes. Lyon is rich in history. One example this was the city of the Canuts and their art of weaving: brightly colored silks and jacquards famous to the name of the inventor of the loom: Joseph Marie Jacquard Charles and don't forget Guignol the famous puppet will delight young and old alike since its inception in 1808. 
Here we are, "Three Charlie's Angels" ready to fulfill their mission: The First Concert of the French tour of Andre Rieu. Small passage for the Lidia's pleasure: finally to see the André Rieu bus, click click!! Photos and then we are with 4000 others waiting to enter into "Halle Toni Garnier". We come from all over France, but also, Malta "Hello Anna and Joe ... "Poland" Hello Lidia "and Spain: many buses were chartered for the occasion. 
After a small wait we enter in the hall where Lidia begins not knowing where to put his eyes. A photo with the image of André, purchase the program and her excitement mounts, mounts, so much so that when expressing her happiness she drops her ticket in the stands just before she could enter the hall; moment of panic ... 20 hours in a bus from Poland to lose her ticket in the final stage. Finally all is well that ends well, we find it and we are all in our place. 
Jean-Louis and I spent the first part of the concert in the stands. André was in sparkling form and the program a had few titles almost, identical to that of Maastricht and South Africa, but fantastic. French are sometimes hesitant, but André has won the audience who laughed to the antics of Frederick and Teun. A public that vibrates when Frank with his carillon make a dual against Marcel and his xylophone. A public that is transported with joy and pleasure by Carla performing "Doll Aria" with her facial expressions and her voice sublime. A male audience captivated by the charm of a steamy Carmen and the softness of her voice. A public that is captivated by the provision of Marcel and Glen Falize in Ravel's Bolero, a public with tears in eyes during the performance of Casta Diva by Kimmy ... and the reception of the Platin Tenors and the Trio Saint Petersburg! Just amazing!! 
Everything was magical this night, even the three empty seats in the second row which allowed us to sit with Lidia. My husband and I continued the evening in the best possible conditions. The "Encores" were astounding. André danced on stage, singing, the musicians did not forgot their fun and the atmosphere in the Halle T. Garnier was fabulous ... I keep in my heart, kisses, smiles from Carla, Kimmy and the surprise of Carmen when we sang Happy Birthday JSO and I shouted Happy Birthday Carmen ... I never forget her face when she saw me and the same expression on Carla and Kimmy faces. I received from those three wonderful André's Angels many kisses and wonderful small gestures of affection. An intense time of sharing, just by the smile and the look! The curtain fell and the "Three Charlie's Angels" are delighted to have fulfilled their mission ... enjoy the atmosphere, laugh, dance and sing~What happiness! 
Martine Calvinhac


(Photos are by Martine and Lidia)

CLICK ON LINK BELOW TO CONTINUE READING ALL ARTICLES ON THE HARMONY PARLOR!!

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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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