André Rieu News From Europe ♦ USA ♦ Australia ♦ SA ♦ UK ♦ The World


Number One André Rieu Site For English Speaking Fans Around The World!
With The Latest News - Photos - English Translations and More!

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

.

.
►Click on Photo To See and Hear Nightingale Serenade

Jul 28, 2013

Jazz on Bells in Maastricht

"Jazz on Bells" 
A "first" product of the cooperation between the Hotel Derlon and the conservatory

MAASTRICHT - Let's hope that the weather for the folks near the Hotel "Derlon Maastricht" will be a little better than today, because otherwise, a truly unique and free concert could literally fall into the water. As part of "Culture on Sunday" the Derlon, in collaboration with the Foundation of Carillons, Kumulus, the City Centre Management of Maastricht and the Maastricht Conservatory, gives a sultry summer concert on the Onze Lieve Vrouwe (Our Dear Lady) square.


Between 15:00 and 17:30 city carillon player Frank Steijns (also known from André Rieu's Johann Strauss Orchestra) will perform in what arguably is the coziest and most French square of the Netherlands, together with his musical friends Dorona Alberti (singer at Gare Du Nord), Aron Raams (guitarist at Gare du Nord) and Greg Torunski (Saxophonist with the Torunski Brothers). "A truly unique and unusual assembly of musicians," they seem to think at the Derlon.

"The bells of carillons have been forming the sounds of Maastricht for centuries", sketches Frank Steijns in the specialty of the performance. "Many of Maastricht citizens and tourists know the sounds of the bells, but unfortunately are not able to see how they are played. That is why I am pleased to bring my mobile carillon with 43 real bronze bells and my musical friends Dorana, Aron and Greg to the terrace of the Derlon for a very special concert. A unique location with unusual programming: "Jazz on bells!"
Thanks to John for Translating this.

Jul 25, 2013

Roger Diederen and René Henket in André Rieu’s JSO



Roger Diederen and René Henket play an "Adams bugle" in André Rieu’s JSO
The Smallest Detail is Orchestrated to Perfection
  
By: Maikel Deben: Both play an Adams bugle and were already associated with the JSO when André Rieu was still playing with the Limburg Symphony Orchestra. They closely experienced André’s growing success. "His vision has never changed. The concept which André had already put in place in 1988 has never changed: intensive interaction with the public, programming and dialog adapted to the public, and an unambiguous structure of the program and approachability", explains René. "The JSO is a commercial orchestra. CD and DVD sales play an important role. The program is geared towards those sales. Approximately 80% of the program remains the same, no matter where we perform. The remaining 20% varies depending on performances by soloists.

To touch the public "With our programming we are able to reach a much larger audience which normally does not visit a concert hall. In a concert hall people come to sit and listen. André wants to precisely avoid that. Programming and announcements are well thought out and are adapted to that. André knows exactly how to reach the public with his dialog. He is fluent in English, French and German, and is knowledgeable in Portuguese. By speaking to the public in their native tongue, he knows how to touch their hearts. And that triggers an interaction."

Investment: André Rieu determines to within the smallest detail how
the JSO will appear on stage or TV and what will be played. He is the front man. But the orchestra members and André read each other," explains Roger. "By his body language and the manner in which he holds his violin, we can tell what he desires. That does not happen with every orchestra. We know one another, because we have been playing together for such a long time, especially the brass section." Musically every member contributes. There are almost no ready-made arrangements that will occupy the JSO. René: "There is always a little compromising within the different sections. We always discuss matters. We are like flexible millipedes and that makes it nice and exciting. Not only when it comes to music, but in everything: just try to perform thirteen concerts in twelve days. You will definitely need to keep your wits about you."

Together: "Within the orchestra there prevails a great togetherness, everyone gets along, yet every one can do his/her own thing," Roger explains. Even romances flourish. That is how René met his Virginie. Together they have a one year old son." Everyone’s’ privacy is being honored. If you see someone with earphones on, you know not to bother them. And what really is important is that we all have many nice and interesting experiences and see a lot of the world together. In May we were conducted concerts in Chili and Argentina, while in March we were on tour in the United States, and performed in Brazil in April. In addition to that the JSO was freezing to death during their performance on the Museum Square on 30 April in commemoration of the inauguration of King Willem-Alexander. "It was a great but cold day," Roger explains. "In the evening it was around eight degrees (46F). That does not do the playing any favors. I could barely move my fingers." That day itself he spent on the DAM. "During the official proceedings it was dead still on the DAM. Normally that is unimaginable. A goose bumps moment."

"You lean to know yourself very well" was René’s answer to a question as to what the JSO had done to him for the last 25 years. "Musically you learn exactly how to address given situations. For instance, if you play in a non-acoustical place, the next day will seem as if you were in a bar with very loud music. If you are not careful about that, you will notice that the next day. You learn to know your limits." "You also learn to appreciate your free time" Roger adds. "As well at home as when on tour. We almost always play for a sold out venue, and the public expects the utmost from all of us. It is unimaginable to play on auto-pilot. André sees and hears everything. Between eight and eleven in the evening we are expected to deliver a top-notch presentation. And believe me, that does not happen if you decide to close the bar every evening." These words show maturity and responsibility. "My wife Miriam and my son Romano now receive whatever they desire. Skype, internet ... you can continuously be in contact with your wife and children. And that holds true for René as well, since his wife Virginie is a member of the JSO’s choir."

Down to earth boys:
No matter how successful the musicians of the JSO are, they remain down to earth boys. "We all hail from the amateur music background and I rehearse regularly with St Cecelia in Schinnen," says Roger. "I do not feel superior to them at all." He finds a decent childhood growth with that band. The structured upbringing in his youth is now paying off. Every day there are people involved to ensure everything goes according to plan. And you need experienced leaders. "It is important that you approach the student as an individual," René adds. He himself teaches and finds it interesting to develop lesson plans and in the meantime has amassed quite a number of methods from all over the world. According to him the methods should often be priority, but need to be tailored to the student. Parental involvement plays a very important role and often leads to the parents taking up an instrument, or take on a position of leadership or coordination within the marching band. That way you can keep the children involved. We play high-level, but the social aspect is also important."
Roger’s son Romano receives supplemental lessons from René. "I have no patience for theory," Roger admits. "For the practical lessons, yes, I can spend much time on those. At least if the student is well motivated."

Is there life outside the JSO? René: "We have a job that requires us to be available 365 days a year. Sometimes the orchestra has to be ready at a moment’s notice. It is therefore difficult to build on other things while in the JSO." Although Roger did have a chance to perform with the well-known Limburg marching band "De Schintaler", which was revived this year. "That was nice. I have some good memories from there. And not only because I met my wife there."

  •  Thank you to Ineke for the article and John translating it

Jul 19, 2013

MAASTRICHT - The Rieu days are over ...


And The Waltz Goes On
MAASTRICHT - The Rieu days are over. The Vrijthof is cleaned up again. André Rieu, a prominent and successful Maastricht citizen, of which is a thing or two can be said, broke through
in 1994 with his rendition of The Second Waltz by Dimitri Shostakovich, and since then has adorned various world rankings in terms of music sales. Rieu is apparently interesting enough for four (Maastricht) scientists to do research on his success. We can expect the results in 2015. But since the results will take some years, I will try and analyze his success here and now. 
It is not my kind of music, but I have seen enough raving women floating to the Vrijthof these past weeks. Rieu is, from the perspective of many baby boomer ladies, an attractive guy who appeals to the Sissi kind of feeling. For ladies who grew up with Romy Schneider, the performances of Rieu speak very loudly to their imaginations. With the beautiful dresses and the lush scenery they consider themselves young again and relive again in a certain fairytale like atmosphere. His music and all the fuss surrounding it, speaks to many’s imagination. 
In addition, the music produced by the waltz sounds is easily digested by the person who has not been brought up with classical music. Strauss enjoyed playing melodies which were constantly repeated. That was easy on the ears, and the people could sway along a bit. It is "feel good" music. Another success factor is that Rieu is just plain good at what he does. His performances beat any other performances. The concert goers get their money’s worth. Indeed, a full show is presented. What Rieu incidentally also so smartly does, is that he often enough has a local star or a currently well-known singer/songstress incorporated as a supporting act in his own show. With this he immediately reaches a wider audience and makes his performances for many even more interesting. And he can be seen in prominent locations where Royalty is also seen, just like in 2010 when Queen Beatrix celebrated 125 years of the Tourist Board in the enchanting caves of Valkenburg or more recently, during the throne exchange on the beautiful Dam in Amsterdam. This man knows what he's doing. 
Not only does Rieu play well on his violin. He is also very good in marketing. He supports everything with multimedia. He sells masses of DVD’s and CD’s, and also knows all too well how to seek publicity. His idea to build a Rieu dome in Maastricht where some 5,000 visitors can be housed is one example. After a statement like this the international press of course is massively interested, with the result that the Vrijthof will again be totally filled a year later. 
Rieu is not simply one of the best-selling artists in the world. He is also undoubtedly the star of Limburg, a top marketer who has the knowledge of image building, which also must be accompanied by a necessary portion of self-glorification. He knows how to sell himself. In 2011 during an open air concert for Anthony Hopkins and his wife, Rieu presented "And the waltz goes on ", composed by the great Hopkins himself. This created enough media attention and sales skyrocketed. In short: André Rieu combined a number of things very well: he takes advantage of the demand in the market (Sissi romance), delivers a good product (top show) and uses a strong marketing concept. I think this will be the result of that research. 
And we, the Maastricht citizens should be grateful to him, because wherever he is, he speaks highly of 'his' Maastricht, thereby placing our city on the map every time. And his Vrijthof concerts always ensure for full hotels and restaurants, full at a time when the tourist season is normally very slow. So he also brings us economic support. In this manner we also profit from his success. Did we send him a "Thank You" for that already?
Thank You To John For The Translation of This 

Jul 18, 2013

Jermaine Jackson With André Rieu in Maastricht

Jermaine Jackson With André Rieu in Maastricht
From André Rieu Website: Special guest during the last weekend was Jermaine Jackson! He sang a very emotional and touching song: 'Smile' by Charlie Chaplin. Jermaine sang this song at the funeral service of his brother Michael, and tonight 12,000 people on the Vrijthof were holding their breath as he sang their favorite song together with the orchestra.  
During the encores, he performed his greatest hit 'When the rain begins to fall'… but luckily the weather was almost subtropical in Maastricht … a beautiful night in many ways, never to forget!


A Really Nice Photo on The Theater Steps in Maastricht
Photo by Sandy Winterburn Mansell

Jul 17, 2013

Rieu Concert Sets Record For UK’s CinemaLive

André Rieu Concert Sets Record For UK’s CinemaLive

London July 17, 2013:The UK’s CinemaLive broke a record this past weekend with André Rieu’s 2013 Maastricht Concert. The music concert was released into moviehouses in the UK, Ireland and elsewhere and scored the biggest opening weekend gross for such an event ever. According to Rentrak, the concert brought in £448,786 in 257 theaters across the UK and Ireland and a further 77 sites across Europe. The satellite broadcast was also seen in Australia and New Zealand. The concert will next be shown in a further 400 cinemas across the world, including Canada, the U.S., Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia and France.
 Thanks to Gitti for this (and Photo by Al Girard)

Jul 14, 2013

André Rieu Photos Maastricht 2013


The Final Concert on The Vrijthof in Maastricht
Photo by Al Girard

André Looking Out Over The Vrijthof in Maastricht
Photo by Steve Williams

Jul 13, 2013

Jostiband Plays With André Rieu in Maastricht


André Rieu at The Vrijthof Playing For 13,000
By Member of Jostiband Edwin ten Brink: I performed in the Jostiband with André Rieu at the Vrijthof in Maastricht on July 6; it was just such a cool experience. On July 4, I accompanied the Jostiband to Maastricht to practice for the concert on the Vrijthof. Rieu is very strict; consequently we already knew then what the end result would be - it was so grand it gave one goose bumps! This was really something very special to participate in.

We had already been to Maastricht in 2006 for Wim Brussen’s farewell. But now it was even more exciting. My whole body was tense, because if you play one wrong note everybody will hear it and with 13,000 people (in the audience) the thought is pretty scary. But once we were in the studio all the tension disappeared like snow in the sun, it was simply nice. 
The invitation came about after André Rieu told our conductor: "You have so many band members, but I want 16 more; how you go about doing it is your problem. I will take care of the hotel. Our conductor Lyan had no idea how she was going to accomplish this, but made a few quick calls. This strategy was successful and Lyan and André were both satisfied (with the outcome). 
The big day came and the tension resurfaced, but that's normal. Once at the hotel, we quickly checked-in and were soon off again. We had just sufficient time to do everything with ease, despite a 40-minute delay. Everything went well in the bus on the way to the Vrijthof. We had to wait backstage and then went onstage for the sound check; our instruments had been (brought onto the stage) and arranged by piccolo’s (ushers). It was a pleasure to see. 
After that we had dinner; it was delicious and well-presented. After dinner we went to the theater to watch André Rieu in concert. That was really cool to see. Then (it was time to change) and finally - ON STAGE! It was a real party (on stage) and afterwards (we had) a great after-party. For me this was the crowning glory of nearly 50 years of Jostiband. 
I have also realized something that I have dreamed about for a long time: I got to stand next to Andre van Duin on a photo. I am very happy about that. Whoopee!
Thank you to Entia for the Translation 

Romano Diederen (12) Performs For Thousands of People


      
Romano Diederen (12) Performs For Thousands of People
Friday July 12, 2013: Romano is only 12 years old and he will perform in Maastricht for thousands of people. He will be playing the trumpet with his father (Roger Diederen) during a concert of the Dutch conductor André Rieu on the Vrijthof. 
André Rieu was enthusiastic immediately after hearing Romano play the trumpet. He has huge talent according to Rieu. Romano finds it great that he will perform with his father during the concert. However, performing for such a large audience is very scary! 
Thank you to Entia for translating this

Jul 11, 2013


MARC RIEU "I'm proud of my name."


MARC RIEU "I'm proud of my name."

The Telegraaf July 2013: His father André enjoys worldwide fame and his younger brother Pierre, as the right-hand man of the conductor, is well-known amongst the general public. But Marc Rieu lives in the shadows. The 34 year-old Maastrichtenaar (Maastricht local) creates beautiful, dreamy landscape paintings. “I was a quiet, shy boy as a child". But, this has changed! While Dad keeps audiences spellbound with his baton until 14 July at the Vrijthof in Maastricht, Son Marc does the same with his brush in the Theatre on the opposite side of the square. A "duet" of father and son on the most beautiful square in Maastricht!

Marc Rieu? Only a small circle of people knew about the artistic talent of André Rieu's eldest son; the outside world hardly knew. The 34-year-old Maastrichtenaar is enjoying his cassis on a terrace on the Vrijthof close to the beautiful Theatre in which he is exhibiting his artworks until Sunday, July 14.

However, it is no coincidence that Dad is giving his well-known open-air Vrijthof concerts on the Square at the same time. Marc laughs: "My father provides the background music to my exhibition."He tried the same thing four years ago. "I hung a number of paintings in the Theater. I displayed 36 canvases, and, within two weeks, 24 had sold! So I thought it would be a good idea to do it again. I traveled with my father to Sao Paulo once. I took along 17 paintings and all but one remained.”

The Vrijthof has been surrounded by steel fences for the duration of the concert series. These are covered with huge pictures of Andre Rieu and his orchestra. Restaurants offer special "André Rieudinners” and those who want to partake, have to hurry.

Beaming, Marc says: "I am proud of my father, but he is also proud of me!" Marc remained modestly in the background for years. "I was always a quiet, very shy boy like my dad, who, early in his career, did not dare say a word. I remember the times at school when I had to deliver a speech and could hardly utter a word. Gradually the situation improved and now I give lectures and exhibit. Hesitantly: "For a Rieu it is almost a given to speak in public. That makes it a bit difficult for me …” "But I do not feel having the name Rieu is a burden. Though I often hear, ‘Are you the son of ...?’ then I reply ‘Yes, but just call me Marc!’

The same thing happened to my father when he was young: he was the son of André Rieu Senior (conductor of the then Maastricht Symphony Orchestra). He believes in simply forging on and then eventually you'll get there." He puts his glass down. "That's why my father is, in a sense, an example to me. He often says just keep going, you will eventually get there."

A career in music was not meant for Marc Rieu: "I've been fond of Art for as long as I can remember. When I was 12, I saw a television documentary about Vincent van Gogh at the primary school. I became fascinated by the man who, within ten years, had created more than 800 paintings and over 1000 drawings. Wow! However, he only managed to sell one painting, but nonetheless carried on, and on, and on … I made two decisions: to paint and to study art history at Nijmegen in order to learn more about Van Gogh.”

Marc became obsessed with the phenomenon (Van Gogh), who lived from 1853 to 1890. "He is a big hero of mine and I watched the EO-drama series in which Barry Astma immersed himself in the role (of Van Gogh) with great interest."

Marc was an outsider at school: My classmates chose occupations with general appeal: the girls wanted to become veterinarians and the boys firemen. I knew immediately that I wanted to do something that had to do with Art. I did not know at that stage what a fine artist (painter) was. That came much later. I have actually always lived for art, but I have only been painting full-time for a few years."

It was already there early on. My brother (who’s my father’s right-hand man) and I could do summer courses in French and German. In the mornings we had lessons and in the afternoons we went to a nearby village. If it was hot, everybody was in the swimming pool, but I sat at the edge with a sketch pad."

When Sinterklaas (Santa Claus) brought Marc professional painting equipment and supplies, the serious work began and he also took lessons. His parents always backed him. "My father used to say: 'Do what makes you happiest, because you will be able to keep it up the longest.’ For Pierre that became music and for me visual arts. My life is art ...”

Brother Pierre chose to be his father's right-hand man and to travel around the world with him. Marc shakes his head: "Romantic music and Viennese waltzes are not as much a part of me as of Pierre, although music is one of my biggest sources of inspiration. When I paint, I always put music on: from Wagner and Mahler to film scores to Trijntje Oosterhuis, who, according to my judgment, is one of the best - if not the best - singer in the Netherlands.

But, back to his own work. I regard paintings as untold stories. A snowy landscape is not so special, until the snow begins to melt. Then the most unreal dreams emerge. Nothing is more personal than sharing your own dreamworld and fantasies with other people. "The sky is a source of inspiration to him. "I'm always glancing upwards. At this exhibition, I put up two or three paintings which consist only of clouds." Jokingly: "Someday I hope to be able to live off the air."

Marc admits that he’s never been business-savvy. "In that respect I certainly do not have the genes of my mother, Marjorie. She, as well as my brother, has business acumen. I am a dreamer. Show me someone who is both a dreamer and business-savvy. It does not exist. These are two different sections of the brain; one is almost always more active than the other. Who then conducts my business? My wife. She has it (business acumen) too.

Whether I resemble my father? My voice in particular is similar to his. But I do not have to visit the barber (hairdresser) every six weeks …”

"Whether some of my work adorns the walls of my parents’ castle? It is pretty full of it. Whenever I’ve completed a creation, I send Dad a message and often receive the answer "it is beautiful – I will have it. You can pack (and send) it.”

Thank you to Ineke for sending this and Entia Translating it.

Jul 10, 2013

Jermaine Jackson Practicing With André Rieu in Maastricht

André Rieu Practicing With Jermaine Jackson

RTL Boulevard July 10, 2013: André Rieu and Jermaine Jackson have been good friends for a while. The two were in Maastricht today and this weekend they will stand together on stage during the famous Vrijthof concerts. André is very enthusiastic about his American friend. "He has such a distinctive voice. His voice is very similar to that of Michael."

The brother of the deceased King of Pop is ready for the concert series. "The rehearsals went very well. It is an honor to work with André and his orchestra." But Jermaine is not in the Netherlands just for the concert. "I also want to have a look around the area. Ive had a special place in my heart for Maastricht since the 80's."

The Limburg violinist has more plans in store. He would very much like to work with some world-famous artists. He could not confirm any names, but the idea is for these performances to appear on an album. The name of the album is known: André With Friends "and is expected to be released in the fall of 2014.

The Vrijthof concerts will still take place on 12, 13 and 14 July.

Thank you to Entia for the Translation

 Photo's taken in Maastricht This Past Weekend by Sally Hodges


Rieu's Plans For Maastricht Dome


Rieu's Plans For Maastricht Dome Come When Needed For The City

Maastricht Dichtbij July 9, 2013: MAASTRICHT - Again, there seems to be serious plans for an André Rieu-theatre in Maastricht. According to the Stan Huygens Journal in De Telegraaf (The Telegraph)the Maastricht violinist and conductor wants, along with theater tycoon Joop van den Ende and Rabobank, to construct a concert hall with approximately 5,000 seats in the capital of Limburg. In a playful reference to the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam, the famous Stehgeiger (stand-up violinst )and Maastricht export product number one, said a Maastricht Dome should offer a practical solution to the fact that he is getting older and that to travel the world would someday become too much for him.

That there is sufficient interest from abroad is clear when one takes a look at the Market square in Maastricht where, down the road, Rieu is performing with his orchestra on the Vrijthof. The previous evening the town hall had been almost totally obscured by a hundred coaches which had been allowed to park temporarily on the Market square. 48 of the luxury buses came from an entrepreneur from Newmarket in England: he had chosen this venue specifically because his customers, mostly elderly people, would in Maastricht have the unique opportunity to see their idol perform without having to walk far.

In order to make a mega venue such as this – which can accommodate huge audiences from across the world – economically viable, Rieu concluded a deal with Joop van den Ende. This entails that Van den Ende would occupy the venue for 200 days annually, while Rieu would take care of the remainder.

These plans are not new. Even in the heyday of Mayor Gerd Leers the newspapers were full of reports of a possible transition of Maastricht (at that time “the best city in the Netherlands”) to Las Vegas on the Maas. Leers (who, at that time bore the unofficial title of “best mayor in the country”) invited Joop van den Ende to have a look at the little city on the Maas, so conveniently located in the heart of the Euro region. The ambitious plans for the theatre included the construction of a large casino, which would provide the city with at least 4,000 new jobs.

Leers was already at that stage certain of the location of such a mega theatre; it had to be in the center of the city on the site occupied by the Landbouwbelang building (a centre for the promotion of local culture). In order to accommodate the needs of well-heeled guests from around the world, negotiations took place with the Hilton hotel chain which recognized the economic viability of a five-star establishment within a stone’s throw of the new theatre.

Remarkably, during the same period, the Maastricht businessman, Benoit Wesly, caused a stir in the city about something similar. The entrepreneur, who was once a close friend of Van den Ende, but fell out with him after disagreements regarding the establishment of the Circus Theatre in Scheveningen, promptly tabled detailed plans for the construction of a theatre and health centre on the site of the Guesselt Park. He had contracted the Maastricht architect, Arn Meijs, who also designed the Circus Theatre in Scheveningen, the Entre Deux shopping centre and theatres in Berlin, Oberhausen, Hamburg, Stuttgart and Paris.

Wesly put Leers and his supporters who did not support the development in the Geusselt area, under considerable pressure: he announced in his own Derlon Hotel that he would only abandon his idea if handsome compensation was forthcoming.

After two years of political wrangling and uncertainty about the course of negotiations with Van den Ende - who at that time was embroiled in an instance of real estate fraud within his own company – the ambitious plans were shelved. Nothing further was heard about Wesly’s plans either.

Meanwhile, Leers, who insisted that there had indeed been negotiations in this regard, was ousted from his position after upheaval about the acquisition of a holiday villa on the Bulgarian coast.

But now the old plans have resurfaced again – and at a very opportune time. Maastricht will hear later this year whether or not it will be the European Capital of Culture in 2018. A nice, big, privately funded theatre, which can also accommodate the better amateur work, will be like the answer to a prayer for the city.



Article Sent by Ineke and Translated by Entia

Jul 9, 2013

André and Marc Rieu Duet Maastricht

André Rieu 'Duet' With Son Marc
AMSTERDAM - de Telegraaf July 9, 2013: His father André enjoys fame worldwide and his brother Pierre is well-known amongst the general public. But Marc Rieu lives in the shadows. However, that has changed! While Dad enchants audiences with his baton until July 14 at the Vrijthof in Maastricht, Son Marc does the same in the theatre on the opposite side with his brush. A 'duet' of father and son! 
No, it is no coincidence that Dad is giving his well-known open-air Vrijthof concerts on the Square at the same time. He laughs: "My father provides the background music for my exhibition!''
Thank You to Entia for the Translation 

 One Proud and Happy Dad! Marc, André and Pierre
Great photos taken by Hanne on the Theater Steps in Maastricht

Jul 8, 2013

André Rieu and Maastricht Entertain Veterans


André Rieu and Maastricht Entertain Veterans

June 30, 2013: Waltzing soldiers on and around the Vrijthof in Maastricht. This is not a common sight. Uniforms are a rare phenomenon in the South Limburg town. Yesterday evening, however, hundreds of soldiers received tremendous applause under the watchful eye of André Rieu. He had invited 3,500 veterans, with a partner or companion, to attend his concert on Veterans Day.

Warm Heart: Both older as well as younger members of the forces, amongst them the Commander of the Land Forces, Lieutenant General Mart de Kruif, enjoyed the festivities. They were not tucked away in the far corners of the Vrijthof, but occupied prominent seats in the center of the square. Rieu treated the Dutch veterans generously and they participated in some song and dance.

Great Respect: "Veterans have as long as I can remember, played a role in my life," said Rieu via large screens in the city center. "As a postwar child I heard stories from my parents about the war, but even more about the liberation." That also applied to his wife Marjorie, whose Jewish father, grandfather and other relatives had to go underground. Her mother worked in the resistance movement. From her earliest childhood years, Marjorie experienced the gratitude that her parents harbored towards the liberators. According to Rieu the veterans have always had a special place in the family and in both families were always spoken about with great respect. In the Rieu family the annual commemorative days were consciously honored.

Giving Something Back: And now, on Veteran’s Day, Rieu gave soldiers, who have worked for peace and security all over the world, some extra attention in front of a huge public. This was achieved not only through a parade, but also by playing music for them. "I am very glad that this year at the Vrijthof I have the opportunity to do something for all those people who have put their lives at risk in order to guarantee others’ freedom," said the violinist.

Call From Pierre: The idea of inviting the veterans to the concert started with a phone call to the Land Forces (or army) at the beginning of June. During a telephone conversation, Pierre Rieu disclosed that his father had made tickets available to 3,500 veterans with a partner or companion. The Army, along with Rieu, transformed the idea into a plan and established contacts. Within just three weeks everything had been arranged. Former, as well as serving, soldiers were eligible and could contact the Veterans Institute to obtain tickets. That solicited a huge response. According to the Communications Officer of the Veterans Institute, Charlene Cloo, all the tickets had already been appropriated ten days ago. “Unfortunately we then had to disappoint a lot of people."

Excellent Places: Those who managed to obtain tickets did not regret the trip to Maastricht. According to Cloo: "This was really a very nice gesture from Andre Rieu towards our veterans." She realizes that Rieu’s organization worked very hard to ensure the best possible evening for the veterans. "It was not only excellent places that were provided free of charge; there was also a box with goodies for every veteran and ponchos just in case ...".Charlene Cloo can only hope that this good example will be followed. "We, as the Institute for Veterans, will support similar initiatives with pleasure."

This was an Article from last week that Entia Translated for us and I didn't get a chance to post it. A nice article ~ Thank You Entia!

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

.

.

.

.
Pierre and André September 30, 2016 Maastricht

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.
Photo Taken at Mexico City Concert ~ September 2013

.

.

.

.
"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

TOP TEN VIEWED POSTS IN THE PAST WEEK

TOP TEN VIEWED POSTS IN THE PAST THIRTY DAYS

TOP TEN ALL TIME VIEWED POSTS