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WELCOME AND ENJOY ! FROM YOUR WEB HOSTS ~ JOHN AND SUZANNE

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►Click on Photo To See and Hear Nightingale Serenade

Jun 30, 2013

Trini Lopez and André at Last Nights Concert

Jun 29, 2013

Dancing Ponchos at Rieu Concert on The Vrijthof


Dancing Ponchos on Soaking Wet Vrijthof

The Limburger: André Rieu has an extremely loyal audience. As the rain started to beat down ever harder on the Vrijthof in Maastricht on Friday, the fans of the Stehgeiger (Stand-alone violinist) remained seated, in good spirit, on their folding chairs. Huddled under plastic ponchos, about 8000 people at the sold-out performance on the square, warmed to the magnificent sound of the Johann Strauss Orchestra. When Rieu played the opening notes of The Beautiful Blue Danube - according to him the finest waltz of all time - part of the poncho-clad audience cautiously took to the aisles and started dancing on the soaking-wet Vrijthof.

In this, the first concert of a series of eight performances, Rieu lived up to the expectations of his fans; he joked about the ponchos and related a story about their recent performance on 30 April in Amsterdam. And, of course, beautiful music with, during the first part of the performance, emphasis on the compositions performed during the Coronation Concert of Willem-Alexander and Máxima on the Museumplein (Museum Square) in Amsterdam. 

In between André van Duin sang the evergreen Het Dorp (The Village) by Wim Sonneveld. The weather favored Rieu until the intermission. Then it started to drizzle and, after a while, the rain really started pouring. But it did not spoil the fun for the people who came to Maastricht. A large part of the audience hailed from André Rieu’s Limburg region, but fans also came to Maastricht from all over the world: Fans with Spanish flags; admirers from Argentina. No distance is too great for the fans to get close to their idol. In the second part André van Duin returned to to sing Ma-Ma-Maastricht, a song that he specially composed for the concert and the city.

By eleven o'clock the encores commenced – practically a concert in itself. More than ten compositions were performed with Rieu urging the people to go home. They responded with a resounding “No!” They knew from experience that Rieu would probably continue. It was left to the American star of the sixties, Trini Lopez, with his light-hearted songs – If I Had a Hammer and La Bamba – to put a stop to the rain. He failed but it made little difference to the atmosphere. By this time, the mood on the Vrijthof had already been established. For fans of André Rieu, the sounds of his violin compensate for even the heaviest downpour.
Thank You to Entia for the Translation!


Ineke and Ruud Make The Headlines at Rieu Concerts Maastricht!


We made the Headlines in the Local Newspaper!
The photographer called us at the hotel earlier in the afternoon and asked if he could come back
at 10:00PM to take some pictures from the balcony. He took hundreds of them, but selected this one for the Front Page of today's Limburger! ... Ruud

André Rieu and André van Duin on The Vrijthof, Maastricht


André Rieu and André van Duin 
Ready For an Evening With The TROS on The Vrijthof

June 28, 2013 -Two phenomena, both with a fondness for the broadcasting company, TROS, will share the stage on the Vrijthof this weekend. André van Duin will be André Rieu’s first guest during the finales of this weekend’s performances. It would have given one of the founders and long-time presidents of the broadcasting company, the late Joop Landré, great pleasure had he been able to experience this. All three, the two Andrés as well as Mr. Landré, have always had a hunch as to what appeals to the masses. It should not be difficult for the people to engage with; accessibility has always been the motto. The critics branded it as superficial. André van Duin and André Rieu know better than to allow that criticism to silence them and will continue to do things in their own successful ways.

Rieu fever was rampant in Maastricht on Thursday, especially amongst visitors to the city. Normally, camera-toting visitors focus on the Saint John (Sint Jan) and the Saint Servatius (Sint Servaas) churches and the Vrijthof Square, but now it's the André Rieu concert venue which is continually being photographed. It results in peculiar scenarios; especially during rehearsals. From behind the high fences many a tourist attempt to capture the best possible photograph. Tonight sees the commencement of the ninth edition of Rieu's Vrijthof concert series, which, incidentally, did not start with the usual good weather that characterizes his performances.

Whether the public and guests on the terraces will be dry, remains to be seen. This adds an additional obligation to the two Andrés’ performance tonight: they have to provide the sunshine on the Vrijthof. Probably to the great satisfaction of Rieu fans, the Australian soprano, Mirusia Louwerse, will, once again, appear on stage tonight. She did not perform during the 2012 Maastricht concerts. Maastricht Aktueel spoke to her during the week: "Last year I had my own tour. That did not fit in with the Rieu program in Maastricht. But fortunately I am back once again. I've been looking forward to it tremendously.” During rehearsals she lifts the veil slightly regarding her appearances: Don't cry for me Argentina will definitely feature.
Thank You to Entia for the Translation!

Jun 28, 2013


Let The Ninth Maastricht Concerts Begin!!
It's hard to get on the Webcam right now, too many people logging onto it ... but Christine England managed to get on and got a great shot of the concert beginning just now! And what a great job our guys did on the Webcam! I have never seen it so clear!!

André Rieu Almost Concert Time Maastricht!

 Getting Ready For The First Concert!
The Boss controlling everything, and strange packages on the front row seats. Ponchos on every seat too ... wow, they are expecting rain ... Still 90 minutes to go ... In the sound check we heard Austrian music, a bandoleon (Astor Piazzola music), the "Orange" songs and André van Duin composed a new ode to Maastricht. We'll swing along with Trini Lopez on La Bamba and If I Had a Hammer ... Ineke

André Rieu at Maastricht Sound Check


Let The Concerts Begin !! André at First Sound Check

 Just a few pictures taken at Sound Check

And the Party Begins in Maastricht!



"First Night In Maastricht Dinner at Gauchos With Friends"
Gary, Ruud, Bobbie, Ineke and Angela (John is taking picture)

Ineke with Trini Lopez and Bobbie with Carla!

Bobbie with Mirusia and Ineke with André van Duin!

And Our Heroes! John and Ruud fixing the Webcam!!!

Jun 27, 2013

André Rieu and André van Duin on The Vrijthof Saturday!


Unique Duo Saturday Night on The Vrijthof  André Rieu and André van Duin!?

The most famous Dutch comedian to perform with Maastricht’s world-renowned star in the final part of Rieu’s Vrijthof performance on Saturday.

André Rieu’s performance on the Vrijthof on Saturday will come to a special end. For quite some time speculation has been rife in Maastricht as to whom will provide the climax to the Rieu Vrijthof concerts. The most commonly touted names include Trini Lopez and, not entirely surprisingly, Jermaine Jackson. Whether these artists will indeed perform with the Maastricht world star as a festive treat remains to be seen. An informed source told Maastricht Aktueel that, for this Saturday, renowned comedian, revue star and King of Carnival Songs, André van Duin, will, along with ' uzze Dré (Our Dré) conclude the performance on the Vrijthof around midnight.

Last week the native from Rotterdam, who in June 1964 (next year 50 years ago) won the then Idols program, Nieuwe Oogst (New Crop) as a 17-year-old boy with a parody of well-known artists, still featured extensively on Dutch radio. He gleefully recounted, yet again, how he with his tape recorder full of combined songs, sounds and voices, pulled funny faces and then managed to beat the then unknown Boudewijn de Groot to become the first winner of the program that was soon to be a runaway success. The rest of his career is well-known to every Dutchman.

The big question is of course: What are the two Andrés conspiring to do? Will they perform ‘Willempie’ (including helmets for all Strauss orchestra members) or will it be 'There Is A Horse In The Corridor', ‘Angelique’ or the ‘Banana Song’? Whichever option they choose to follow on Saturday night will be an exceptional – perhaps even unique – event on the Vrijthof.

Maastricht Aktueel attempted to contact the Promotions and Communications Section of André Rieu Productions to confirm André van Duin’s participation, but received no response.

Thank you to Entia for her Translation

Jun 25, 2013

André Rieu 2013 Maastricht Concerts a Sell Out!


Rieu's Maastricht Concerts Almost Sold Out!
André Rieu and The Johann Strauss Orchestra's traditional concert series on the Vrijthof in Maastricht, is almost sold out. There are only a few hundred tickets still available (for next Friday June 28th ).
The Limburger June 24, 2013: By our reporter, Maastricht: For all other shows, the tickets have been sold.  At any rate Jermaine Jackson, Trini Lopez, André van Duin and the Jostiband will be the specials guests. Prior announced world stars like Sting and Chris de Burgh won't come to Maastricht. Pierre does not want to confirm whether Barry Gibb and Lionel Richie will be present. "That's a surprise. It would spoil it for the audience to reveal it right now".

André will only divert to the MECC Conference Center if  the weather  becomes inclement or should  the fire brigade order him to move. In the MECC a hall will be prepared with full décor. "We still have the wall decor in the storage. But I hope we won’t need it. We cannot cancel a show, because our patrons come from all over the world to Maastricht. With a normal shower we'll continue performing on the Square.
Thank you to Ineke for the Translation and Corrections by Entia

Jun 24, 2013

André Rieu Talks About His Father, André Rieu Senior


MY FATHER

Music Was Work For Us: With Conductor André Rieu Senior and experienced violinist André Rieu Junior happiness in three-four time.

Father: The Dutchman André Rieu senior (1917-1992) was a conductor in East Germany and the Leipzig Opera.

Son: Waltz King André Rieu junior (63) founded the Johann Strauss Orchestra in 1987. Today he is known as one of the most successful violinists in the world. In 2014 he will tour through Germany again.

June 24, 2013: My father was a conductor, also at home. He had the final say. When he was at home he often withdrew to his study. At home we were six children, two dogs and a parrot. Grandmother also lived with us. All this was probably too much for him.

Once we went on holiday without our father The atmosphere was completely different, more relaxed.
Usually that was not the case. When I was four years old my mother decided I had the hands suited to playing the violin. That is why I got a violin. Besides the violin, I studied flute, piano, oboe and singing.

My sisters also played several instruments. We never performed as a family at home. Music was not for pleasure, it was work and our lives centered around it. At school I asked the children which violin they had. A life without music was not imaginable to me. 

My mother and the children use to attend my fathers concerts every Saturday. Once, shortly before Carnival, he played a Viennese waltz in the encores. The audience became much more lively. They tapped their feet and hummed along. It was like a miracle. I was very impressed. Since then the Waltz inspires happiness in me.

In 1992 my father suffered a stroke and got the "Locked in Syndrome". He could only move his eyes. No more communication was possible. It was a terrible time, for him and for all of us. Six months later he passed away from pneumonia. I was there, all the family was there. I don't know if he was aware of this or not. 

Our relationship had always been difficult. I know that he was proud of me, but it never translated into warm heartedness. He believed in me and that improved my self esteem. Musically I learned a lot from him. 

In his time he was recognized as one of the most modern conductors. He had the guts to be extravagant. Once he dressed the entire Symphony Orchestra and soloist piano player in Mozart costumes and had them driven through Maastricht by horse and carriage. I was so impressed! I have probably inherited a little bit of his crazy gene from him!

André's youngest brother, Jean-Philippe wrote more about their father's illness. 
Translated from German by Ineke. And Thank You to Enitia for her assistance with the English language

Jun 15, 2013

Personal Letter From André Rieu To Dutch Veterans


PERSONAL LETTER FROM ANDRÉ RIEU TO THE DUTCH VETERANS
André Rieu and the Royal Army invite veterans of all military forces to attend the traditional concert he gives on the Vrijthof in Maastricht on Dutch Veterans’ Day, 29 June at 21:00. In this personal letter, André Rieu explains why he is giving a concert specially for veterans. 
"For as long as I can remember, veterans have played a role in my life. As a post-war child I heard the stories from my parents, many about the war but even more about the liberation. 
 My wife Marjorie, whom I’ve known for 50 years, was also born just after the war and grew up with stories about the occupation and liberation. Her Jewish father, grand parents and family had to go into hiding, and her mother (my mother-in-law) worked for the resistance movement. Since her earliest childhood she also experienced the great gratitude that her parents felt towards the liberators. 
Veterans had a special place in the family; both in hers as well as ours. They were always spoken about with great respect and the annual commemorative days were consciously honored. 
Fortunately, we were also able to pass that feeling of gratitude on to our own children. We often visited the cemeteries at Margraten and Henri Chapelle with them and that stirred their interest. They too are well aware what war and liberation have meant for their families. Our youngest son, Pierre, in particular, spends much of his time maintaining the memory because he feels that we should never forget what the veterans have done for us. He collects vehicles of the Allied Forces and other military artifacts from the Second World War, and would like to establish a "WW2 experience center" somewhere in the future. Of course, I whole heartedly support these plans. 
I am very pleased to have the opportunity this year on the Vrijthof to do something in return for all those people who have put their lives on the line to free others".
André Rieu
Thank you to Ineke for sending this and Entia for Translating it.

Click HERE For a Nice Article With André and Pierre With Veterans Awhile Back

Jun 13, 2013

Veterans Attend André Rieu Maastricht Concert Free


Veterans May Attend an André Rieu Concert For Free

June 12, 2013: On June 29th it is Dutch Veterans Day. On that day Veterans can attend an André Rieu concert on the Vrijthof in Maastricht for FREE. As from today (June 12th 2013) 2PM they can sign up on the Website 
 Click HERE For The Veterans Website

Express Appreciation
All Dutch veterans will be welcome, whether they are still in service or not. By offering the seats during his concert, Rieu expresses his appreciation to the veterans for their worldwide contribution to peace and safety.

Sign Up Fast
You can sign up as follows: scroll down the page and click on: "register for concert André Rieu". In total there are 3500 tickets available. Each veteran may bring a guest. We expect a great deal of interest in the free tickets, so we recommend that those interested sign up fast.

Free Railway Ticket
On the website you should indicate the number of persons who would like to use a free railway ticket and eventually accommodations at a discounted price for an overnight stay in one of the supporting hotels: Amrath Hotels, Crown Plaza, NH Hotels, Golden Tulip Hotels in Maastricht. The veterans have to pay for the hotel accommodations themselves.

Magisterial Reception
The veterans are supposed to walk along during the so-called magisterial reception before the concert. The concert lasts from 9pm to midnight.This special offer is backed by André Rieu Productions, the Royal Army, the Veterans Institute, the Dutch Veterans Foundation, the Dutch Railways and the hotels listed.

Translated by Ineke and Entia
Thank you to Ineke and Entia for doing our Translating for us 
while John is on his holiday in the Netherlands!

Jun 12, 2013

André Rieu Busy Creating His Own Animated Series


André Rieu Busy Creating His Own Animated Series

June 20, 2013 - Show News: André Rieu and his son Pierre are working on an animated series for children. The violinist and his son are thinking of an animated series for children aged from 4 to 7 years. "We're very keen on it, it is really our own idea and it is funded by us," Pierre said to Novum News. Pierre explains, "The music wizard André should be as close as possible to the real Andre." In the animated series much attention is devoted to Rieu's classical music. "Children are our future customers."

André and Pierre, who are closely involved with the story lines, hope that the animated series will be broadcast worldwide. Connected to the television show, Father and son would like to add merchandising to the television show. "Until now we have not really paid much attention to that". A band like U2 generates a huge turnover of hundred thousands of Euros on one night, by selling T-shirts. I think this is something fun for people to give to their children and grandchildren, something they can stand behind. "

The Rieu's think that there is a great demand for children’s programs centered around Classical Music. "From all over the world we receive stories and videos of children who only like to watch André's DVDs. On the one hand it's sad, but also great".

Pierre said to he would be very happy if this year a pilot of one minute would be completed. “One minute will cost about a hundred thousand Euros. We were shocked to hear how expensive it is to create animation. But we really wish to do this.” At the end eventually the animated series about Music Wizard André should consist of 52 episodes of five to seven minutes each.

Thank you to Ineke and Entia for the Translation

Jun 10, 2013

André Rieu Copacabana Beach 2014!


In November 2014 Maestro André Rieu 
Will take the Biggest Stage ever 
To Rio de Janeiro, Brazil!
November 2014 
COPACABANA BEACH
Rio de Janeiro

Jun 6, 2013


André Conducting the JSO and Singing from Live in Sao Paulo

Weekend Magazine - June 5, Mirusia Louwerse


I Found The Netherlands To Be Cozier Than Australia
Mirusia Louwerse’s Youth:Under the heading of “The Youth of ……..” Weekend will go back every week to the roots of a well known Dutch Personality. This week we scan through the photo album of 28 year old Mirusia Louwerse. A songstress, who became well known by her performances with André Rieu’s orchestra, and hails from Australia. She has always had two great loves: singing and nature. “I was a real bush girl, and I can name you all the names of birds, plants and animals.”
Weekend Magazine, June 5, 2013 by Johan Lok
Mirusia Louwerse was born on 29 March 1985 in the Australian city of Brisbane. The first five years of her life she lived on Sweets Road. After that she moved to another part of Brisbane and lived on Fir Street. “My Mom and Dad are Jack and Henja Louwerse, and are Dutch” Mirusia said when she was just back in the Netherlands again to perform with André’s Rieu orchestra, where she has a permanent position as soprano. When André invited me to sing with him, I lived in the Netherlands for four years. And since my courtship had ended, André became ill, and I was very much homesick, I decided to return to Australia. And now I fly regularly back and forth.” 
Her Dutch parents decided in 1980 to move to Australia since there was plenty of work available there, and that country would give you a visa for an indefinite period of time if you decided to live and work there. “My Dad is a real lover of water sports, and is employed in the boating industry. My mother was a nurse. Later on she became an activities director for the elderly in the prince William-Alexander Village in Brisbane. I was born five years after they had moved to Australia. The first five years of my life I lived on Sweets Road. What I remember from there is that we really had enormous space behind the house. In the back there my Dad built boats, so I grew up in nature. The weather was always nice, so we were always outside. I soon knew all the flowers and animals that grew and lived there. That instilled in me an enormous love for nature, and that I pretty much know all the names of the birds, plants and animals. 
Caravan 
“Across from us lived an older Dutch couple, I called him Opa (Dutch for Grandpa) Kees and Oma (Dutch for Grandma) Fien. They had a farm and kept animals like cows and chickens. I think I spent a lot of time there too” Mirusia remembers. She was always a tough girl. Not a tom-boy though. Even though I could run as fast as the boys, I refused to wear slacks. I always wore a skirt or dress, preferably pink. Mirusia never had siblings. “I cannot say whether I miss that, since I do not how that would have been had I had siblings. There were always plenty of boyfriends and girlfriends at my house. My parent thought that was wonderful. Perhaps as kind of a compensation for the lack of siblings. Singing is Mirusia’s life. “My Oma Ria, who will be 90 this year, and who lives in Breda, came to Australia for a year. She lived with us on our property in a caravan. Together with her we sang songs, and the fun part was that we recorded them, so we could listen to what they sounded like. I realized back then already that this was something I wanted to pursue. And that I was good at it. I even though I sang better then Oma, ha, ha. 
When she was five, Mirusia moved to another part of Brisbane. “My Dad owned a boat, moored in the harbor, but that was every time a 45 minute’s drive in order to get there. So he bought a house on Fir Street. That was located on a river, so the boat could be moored behind the house. The move to Fir Street was of course not so nice since I lost all my girl friends due to that. But I made new friends very quickly and it also opened up a new world for me. Because you could swim in the river and there were fish and little crabs there. Fantastic that was…..We very frequent went on vacation with the boat. I can remember once we went to an island, made a campfire on the beach, in which I was deliciously staring. 
All of the sudden my Mom said: “Don’t be scared, Mirusia, but look very slowly to your left. “ There all of the sudden was a kangaroo standing next to me. What a wonderful experience that was. I had a similar experience on the boat once. I had jumped from the boat into the sea and was swimming along the boat when a dolphin came swimming next to me and stayed close for a long time” Mirusia remembers. Mirusia was very close with one of the neighbor girls. “She also liked to sing and with her I also devised dances. And I played the recorder and even become involved in sports. I primarily went into jiu-jitsu, and became quite fanatic in it, and eventually achieve the orange belt.” 
Snug in the Netherlands 
With her parents she traveled to the Netherlands several times. “Once when I was six months old, when I was five, eleven and fifteen. I still remember going to the Efteling when I was five. That was great. I found the Netherlands to be so nice and snug. In Australia everything is far and wide and here every one lives on top of one another. That is much cozier. We pay more attention to our gardens, while here more in the house. Not so strange after all since in Australia you basically live your entire life outdoors, while you can only do that every so often here. “When she was twelve her Dad made her choose between sport s and music. I choose music. “My teacher then also provided chances to perform. When I was fourteen I earned my first 20 dollars with a performance during a festival. I sang songs by Celine Dion, Shania Twain and many country and western songs, since they are very popular here in Australia.“ Singing had become a big part of her life. “At 16 I was singing every weekend in a jazz café, accompanied by a pianist. I led a totally different life than my classmates. They went out parting and spending all their money, while I was earning mine. Sometimes I did miss going out with others. But on the other hand I was also a girl who liked to be by herself and was OK by being alone.” Mirusia was being asked more and more to perform at weddings and funerals. 
First to find a man
Those who thought that the boys would be lining up for her will be disappointed. “Not that I really noticed that,” she says laughingly. But immediately added that there were always boys around. “I was always in a relationship, although it actually never amounted to anything. My first true love was when I was 17. His name was Mathew. He was my high school sweetheart. I just happen to hear that he is married and has a child.” In the years Mirusia lived in the Netherlands, she was in a relation with Sebastiaan, but that ended a few years later. “We are still very good friends. I am currently not in any relation. It is difficult for the men to accept that I have to travel all over the world in order to perform and am very often gone from home for an extended period of time. Currently there is only one love in my life and that is music. After high school her music teacher advised her to go to the conservatory. She auditioned for the Queensland Conservatory and was accepted. After he studies she became a professional singer. It was her aunt Els from Ulvenhout who sent a mail to André Rieu and made him attend to her 21 year old niece. The rest is history. “With André and his orchestra, I have travelled the entire world. What did you think of the recent King’s Ball? It was very cold, but did definitely not want to miss it. What a wonderful experience that was on the Museum square.” 
In September Mirusia will again be back in the Netherlands. “That is when Oma Ria will turn 90. That will be a huge celebration. And subsequently I will start my solo tour throughout the Netherlands, called “My Second Home Tour”, although I do not live here anymore.” There are of course still desires. “First of all to be able to continue to sing, and eventually start a family. I definitely want children. But I would first have to find a husband who accepts my way of life” she says in closing.
5 September 2013: Amsterdam - Concertgebouw Start 20.15. Tickets available via concertgebouw.nl > 7 September 2013: Maastricht - Bonbonniere Start 20.15. Tickets available via uitbaliemaastricht.nl > 10 September 2013: Eindhoven - Muziekgebouw Frits Philips Start 20.15. Tickets available via muziekgebouweindhoven.nl > 12 September 2013: Arnhem - Musis Sacrum Start 20.15. Tickets available via mssa.nl >
Thank you to Ineke for sending the article, John for his Translation and Marthijn for all concert info.

Jun 5, 2013


Carla's Mom was out of her seat at the end of Carla's song in Sao Paulo!

Jun 4, 2013


The Blue Danube, right after he has turned his back on the audience.
(Live from Sao Paulo)

Jun 1, 2013


What André's music can do ... and her favorite, O Mio Babbino Caro.
 (Payson, Arizona Newspaper)

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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