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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

Sep 30, 2013

A Big Happy Birthday to André Rieu!!


Happy Birthday André ~ From All Your Fans on The Harmony Parlor!
(André turns 64 on Tuesday, October 1st)

Thanks to Alice for this Newspaper Photo. :)

ANDRÉ RIEU New CD Cover ABBA


André Rieu ABBA

Sep 29, 2013


André on The Carmen Nebel Show "Yesterday" by Paul McCartney
Click HERE To Watch It
Notice it is played with all Strings as McCartney recorded it.
Click HERE To Watch Them Play The ABBA Hit "Chiquitita"

Sep 27, 2013


A Fun Photo that Gitti posted on the Parlor on Facebook today.

Sep 26, 2013


Maastricht 2013 - Release Date in October

Sep 21, 2013


André in Mexico this week ... Posted by Gitti on The Parlor on Facebook.

Sep 19, 2013

André Rieu (Chapeau Column) From Mestreechs To English


André Rieu From Mestreechs To English

Chapeau Magazine: The nicety of the summer concerts on the Vrijthof up until now was that it included my announcements in our dialect, in Mestreechs*. Just like in earlier times when we did the "Hieringebiete." But this year I clearly noticed that I was not able to fully continue this at 100%. During the very first evening, I was already thinking "What is going on here?" It seems as if they do not understand me. When I tried a sentence in English, a loud cheer arose immediately. Then I knew!

In the days afterwards we asked people from their country of origin and found that forty percent of the public on the Vrijthof comes from abroad. And in the other sixty percent there are of course many non-Limburgers present. That is why during the course of the eight concert series, and for the major part, I changed over into the English language. Next year, which will be our tenth edition, I will probably speak a lot of English, but an occasional sentence in Mestreechs will always remain fun, after all, it is a "hometown concert."

Forty percent of the public on the Vrijthof are from abroad.

I am amazed at how many people from various countries come to our concert in Maastricht. This year as many as 65 different nationalities. Many British, Irish and Scots, but also guests from counties which you would less likely to think about, such as the United Arab Emirates, Greenland, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, the Philippines, Saudi-Arabia, Taiwan and even the Vatican. I did not suspect the Pope himself to have been there incognito. But maybe his barber or an aide were there?

The arrival of all these foreigners is of course beneficial to our hotels and restaurants, which were always filled during those days. That pleases me, since in this manner I can do something elegant for our beautiful city.

After the Vrijthof concerts it was time for our holidays, several weeks even, and that was something which had not happened to us in many years. And we even enjoyed it! Just taking it easy. Except for my work outs, they just continued on, because I would like to maintain the shape I am in.

Since we started again at the end of August, we have recorded two CD’s in the studio, one with primarily all romantic violin music and the other one, by request from the record company, songs from ABBA, in commemoration of the fortieth anniversary of "Waterloo." I am very proud of these two wonderful products. Together they will form a double CD which will be released worldwide in October.

In the Fall (autumn) we will again be on tour in Mexico, with Australia and New-Zealand also on the agenda. And in October my own show will start on British TV, a series of ten episodes titled: "André Rieu, Welcome To My World." That is why I recently visited the legendary Vera Lynn, whom I told about the 3500 war veterans’ visit to the Vrijthof concert. It was an impressive afternoon visit with this still very fit and brisk 96 year old lady!

My wife Marjorie, who lovingly assists and advises me every day, has been very busy during our summer holiday (she looks upon that as "vacation work") with the republishing of my biography which she wrote: "My music, my Life." It will be re-released this month in Dutch, English, Spanish and Portuguese. So there is still no time for boredom yet.

André Rieu


* Mestreechs is the dialect spoken in Maastricht. Thank you to Ineke for sending us the Chapeau Magazine article. And to John for Translating it.

Sep 18, 2013

André Rieu - "Always Happy when I return home."


"Always Happy, when I return home"
The famous violinist, André Rieu is truly "a homebody". He never wants to live in any other city then Maastricht
Aachen by Angela Delonge: Our region is surrounded by large cities, whose appearances have extremely been altered in recent years. We see celebrities in cities like Maastricht, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Bonn or Bochum, who have lived there since their birth, and have seen the changes. For an interview series, we have asked them to reflect onto their hometown. What is it about this city, who still lives there, what has changed? Is it still their home town?

The beginning of our interview-series is with violinist André Rieu from Maastricht, to be followed by Cabaret artist Rainier Pause from Bonn, singer Pieter Hein from Düsseldorf, author Frank Goosen from Bochum and actor Peter Millowitsch from Cologne.

Rieu, the Waltz king, is a Maastricht citizen through and through. For him, who tours with his orchestra and performs concerts around the entire world, his home town is not only a love affair but also a source of power. André Leon Marie Nicholas Rieu was born in 1949 in Maastricht, was raised there, and would not even dream to ever move to another city.

Mr. Rieu, you and your family live primarily in Maastricht.
Rieu: Yes, I only live in Maastricht. I do not, like many other artists, have several homes around the world. Not even in Hawaii or Majorca, or a vacation home somewhere else. My family lives in Maastricht and also many of my friends. There I always gladly return to.

You are then truly a homebody.
Rieu: Oh, yes, absolutely! Just because I travel a lot around the world, I am happy that in the truest sense of the word, I have a home. I feel very comfortable there, I am always happy when I return home.

Have you ever thought about moving to another city?
Rieu: No, why should I? The entire year I visit foreign countries and continents, and many are very beautiful, but only here do I really feel at home.

How much time during a year do you spend at home?
Rieu: Honestly, I do not really know. Upon completion of every tour, I return to Maastricht. There, or in its close surroundings is where the majority of my orchestra lives. They are young people with families, and it is also very important that we do not stay gone too long. The majority of the time we are gone no longer than three weeks. In Europe, generally no more than a week.

Which do you feel more, a geographical or an emotional connection with Maastricht?
Rieu: In the first place of course an emotional one. I was born here, attended school and met my wife Marjorie here. And also my professional career started here. But apart from that, I like Maastricht and its surroundings very much. The city is not too large, dates back to the Roman times and has an interesting history. There are many medieval buildings which lend that special character.

How do the Maastricht citizens treat you? Do they view you as one of their own, or do you need to go incognito through the streets?
Rieu: The Maastricht citizens are all very laid-back about that. They know me, simply greet me warmly when they see me and at the most will ask then whether I am on tour or not. They do not bother me by asking for photographs or autographs or bother me in any other way.

Does that means that you feel as happy as a pig in mud here in Maastricht?
Rieu: Yes! I always want to live here and eventually, in a hundred years or so, also die here.

In the 50’s, you and five brothers and sisters were raised in the old city of Maastricht. How was that as a child?
Rieu: It was outside the city center, almost in the country. It was very quiet there. Across from us lived a farmer with a large piece of land. As a child I played there often. You could also play in the streets since there hardly were any cars.

In recent years Maastricht has rapidly changed. Do you like the "new" Maastricht?
Rieu: Luckily "Old Maastricht" has changed little. The beautiful old churches and other buildings are still there and lend the city its atmosphere.

In contrast to earlier times, what has changed?
Rieu: Everything! That is in Maastricht not any different than in any other city. You cannot compare Maastricht today with the Maastricht of the fifties.

Your birth house in Plenkershoven is just outside the "old" city. Are there still any connections to this house or its territory?
Rieu: Every now and then I drive passed the house and fondly remember the times we played there in the street.



Currently you reside in the city district of St. Peter at the base of the Sint-Pieter’s hill. What is so special about this place?
Rieu: It is the most beautiful of all Maastricht. On the one hand you are "outside" at the foot of the hill and on the Maas and on the other hand you are a twenty minutes walk from the city center.

Are you sometimes critical about your home town? And if so, in which areas?
Rieu: Too much traffic. Too many traffic signs and stripes on the roads. They distract, cost too much and are a danger to traffic.

You perform concerts all over the world. Are the Vrijthof concerts something special, maybe an expression of your love for Maastricht?
Rieu: Of course it is something special when you can perform in your home town and thousands of visitors come from all over the world. My orchestra and I dearly love these concerts. There always exists a great atmosphere, everyone is happy and glad at the end of each concert and sings our songs for hours on end in the streets and terraces. I think that does not happen anywhere else in the world.

When and why did you start with these concerts?
Rieu: For nine years now. Next year will be the tenth year that the concert series will take place. Why? Because the Vrijthof is the most beautiful place I know. It is very large, unobstructed (most squares in the word have either a fountain or statue in the middle), surrounded by terraces, restaurants and bars (pubs), and the atmosphere is unique.


Which is your personal favorite place in Maastricht?
Rieu: My house with my family, the garden, the Orangerie (greenhouse) with many blooming flowers, birds and butterflies.
 Thank You to Ineke for sending the article and John for Translating it.

Sep 17, 2013

Bela posted this on his Facebook today. 
Susana is a member of our Harmony Parlor on Facebook. How exciting for her!

"Just For Fun" ... A New and Recent Photo of André
(Click on photo to see full size)

Sep 16, 2013


They are all in Mexico now ready for the Concerts there!
(Photo taken by Vincenzo from his room today/ Facebook)

Sep 15, 2013

Radio Interview With André Rieu About New ABBA CD


Radio Interview With André Rieu About New ABBA CD

We decided to summarize this interview (as opposed to giving it subtitles) because it is merely a telephonic conversation between Gielen Beelen of a Dutch radio station and André Rieu there is no footage of the Maestro. However, it is a humorous, light-hearted conversation which is punctuated by bouts of uproarious laughter from both men.

Radio Conversation: The first couple of minutes of the conversation are devoted to a discussion of the research project on the phenomenon of André Rieu. André says that he has already been questioned by the leader of the research team, Professor Maaike Meijer, of the University of Maastricht. He also says that he and Marjorie have known the secret for many years but that they are not saying anything about it and leaving the academics to search for it.

Giel mentions Andrés nice classical music but wonders how he manages to appeal to so many people of a wide variety of cultures. According to André, there is a simple answer: He travels the world and he thinks that whether you’re yellow, brown, black or green doesn’t matter, because all people are humans of flesh and blood and their feelings are the same. If they feel sad they will cry, if they feel good they will be happy and if they feel like dancing, they will do so.

Giel responds by saying that there are many artists all over the world who share Andres feelings but have not been nearly as successful as he is. A coy Andre replies “but that is the secret. Once again, both men succumb to fits of laughter.

Giel questions André about when we can expect the findings of the research team to be made public. He replies that he believes in 2-3 years’ time. Giel wonders if it is not a case of Prof. Meijer wanting to obtain free tickets to all of Andre’s concerts ... An obviously amused André replies “who knows”? André says the professor is spending a lot of time with them, that (she) travels with him and his orchestra and that it is a friendly situation.

Giel then refers to his previous interview with André - when he was making beautiful music with Jermaine Jackson on the Vrijthof Square and wants to know what he’s been doing since then.

André answers by reminding Giel that it’s been 40 years since ABBA released Waterloo and that he has been busy compiling a CD of their songs because he has always been a great admirer of the band. He elaborates further: “It is a double CD that will be released soon. The one CD is named Music for the Night and is quite romantic, while the other is for the day and is simply named ABBA.”

André then proceeds to play part of a melody, Thank You for the Music, which had only been recorded the previous day. André also says the master copies of the 2 CDs will be delivered to the recording company on Monday as he and the JSO will be leaving for Mexico on Sunday and that some rehearsing still has to be done for that tour. He expects the CD to be released some time during the Autumn.

When Giel exclaims that André has an incredible lifestyle, Amdré asks whether the interviewer intends to accompany him and the JSO to Mexico. Amidst another bout of laughter Giel admits that he would like to, but unfortunately has to stay behind and be “the phenomenon of the radio”. (André and Company have left today {September 15th} for Mexico)

Thank you to Entia for Translating this Radio Conversation for us.

Sep 12, 2013

Update on The Ongoing Rieu Study


Update on The Ongoing Rieu Study

September 11, 2013, Maastricht Dichtbij
Rieu scholars to explain their research - By our culture editor MAASTRICHT:  The five experienced scientific researchers who will pour themselves into the global phenomenon André Rieu for the next two years, will provide a large presentation next Thursday in Maastricht’s City Hall. There they will give an explanation of the design of their study which they are considering. According to them, this research will focus on the work and the significance of the Maastricht Orchestra leader and cultural entrepreneur André Rieu in the context of current cultural dynamics.

The research consists of five experienced researchers from the Maastricht University. The initiator of this study is Prof. Dr. Maaike Meijer. She is assisted by Dr. Peter Peters, Dr. Louis van den Hengel and Prof. Dr. Mark Petersen (all from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences) and Dr Jacques van den Boogard of the Social Historical Center Limburg.

The aim of this project, which has been given the working title "The secret of André Rieu"' is to study all aspects of "Rieu"; the contents of his music, the adaptations these contents undergo in the hands of the orchestra, the cultural and historical backgrounds of the repertoire, the audience’s range and the emotions which surface during this cultural experience.

In addition marketing, the technical and economic aspects of these productions, their significance to the culture and economy to the city of Maastricht, the province, the Netherlands and the Euro region will also be studied. "Rieu’s works excites us tremendously" the researchers let know. We find them exciting, compelling, sentimental and sometimes very funny. The effects are spectacular - and we do not only just mean the fireworks which are ignited at the concerts, but also the fascination of the masses of the people who are attending a concert. As researchers we want to understand how that fascination evolves and continues."


This five-some questions amongst others, where does the charisma of Rieu - not only locally, but also internationally - come from. What makes the "Rieu-formula" (if it may be called that) work around the world? How does Rieu mix local and global traditions together? What determines how and when people get carried away at a certain point? Does it have anything to do with certain parts of the Rieu repertoire, the nostalgic effects of that, or the structure of the show? The manner in which Rieu places "classical" men and women on stage, where the sexy specificity of voices, clothing and body idealization is underlined, are they all part of the production? And what about the decor, the lighting, the sound, choreography and timing? And which position does Rieu take in bridging the gap between the lovers of "high culture" and that of the popular culture - a gap which is often projected onto Rieu and the basis of his work and is often violently discussed? Does the closing of the gap also provide historic opportunities for the image and the economy of the city of Maastricht and Limburg? "These are some of the questions formulated in the context of this comprehensive study. The contact between the scientists and André Rieu and his wife Marjorie Rieu was made in late 2012. They all thought it was a fascinating project and let it be known they welcomed the opportunity to assist in any way possible.



The researchers were given access to the entire company, they are allowed to research archives, speak with the staff and participate in all of the company’s activities, both in front as well as behind the scenes. This research, including all costs of the staff and the production of a documentary, will amount to about 535,000 Euros.
Thank You to John for the Translation

André Rieu Video of Maastricht 2013 Concert



Hi fellow André Rieu fans!

My wife and I took a 6 day trip to Maastricht in July, to enjoy one of Andre's concerts in that beautiful city.  In fact, we saw the concert twice, once from inside the auditorium on the Vrijthof, and the next night from one of the brasseries which surround the square.

I kept myself busy with my new video camera and have three videos which you may be interested to see and list for others to see.

PLEASE NOTE that all three videos were recorded, and uploaded to YouTube, in "1080 HD" quality.  If you have a reasonably fast internet connection, you should be able to click on "1080", and then the "Large Player" icon on YouTube - or even "Full Screen" - and get a nice high-def picture.  

1- MAASTRICHT - THE CITY YOU CAN'T HELP BUT FALL IN LOVE WITH.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d605XQHZ2nQ&feature=youtu.be

This was footage taken over our six day stay in Maastricht.  As the title suggests, we fell in love with the city.  It's hard not to - it's such a great place to live and to holiday in.  More so when you have an Andre Rieu concert to go and see.  At the end of the video I have incorporated a very brief clip from the concert.

2- ANDRE RIEU.  PART 1 - PRE CONCERT.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbUwlvMSP80&feature=youtu.be

This was footage taken in the hour or two prior to the concert and includes some close-up footage of Andre Rieu and various members of the orchestra. 

3- MAASTRICHT VIOLIN MAKERS MARTIN & NIELS RIJSEMUS.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBf9rl8DPZM&feature=youtu.be

Quite by chance, while walking through the old quarters of Maastricht, we came across the workshop of a father and son violin-making business.  Martin Rijsemus is the father and Niels the son.  From a photo in their workshop window it was clear that they worked with Andre Rieu.  I e-mailed them asking if they would grant me an interview.  To my surprise they agreed.  The next day we went along to meet Martin and Niels at their workshop.  And this video records the interview I had with them.  Can you believe that Martin studied music with Andre 35 years ago and worked alongside him when the orchestra was first formed!

At 39 mins long the video is not something to watch if you're in a hurry. It's a relaxed, informal interview.  I could have made the video shorter, but that would have been to miss out on so much fascinating information.  I almost guarantee that you'll find the video of interest.

Enjoy! Lloyd

Sep 10, 2013

André Rieu Playing The Tennessee Waltz

André Rieu Playing "The Tennessee Waltz"

Kay Berman sent me the music of the Tennessee Waltz by André and we tried to figure a way to post it on the Parlor on Facebook as you cannot post music on there ...

I remembered a small Photoshow I had made back in 2008 of a late March Snow Storm on the Vrijthof. I had heard that Maastricht was going to have snow, so I stayed up to capture pictures from the Webcam of the Sunrise. It was so pretty.

We combined Kay's Tennessee Waltz to that Photo Show and together we came up with something special!! (With a little help from André ;-)

(The Tennessee Waltz is from André's "Walzertraum" CD)

Sep 9, 2013

André Rieu Nominated For Album of The Year - Classic Brit Awards!


André Rieu Nominated For Album of The Year - Classic Brit Awards! 
André Rieu has been nominated for Album of The Year with his "Magic of The Movies".Click on the Below Link To Vote ~ You do not have to be in the UK to Vote ~ Anyone can Vote! 
Click HERE To VOTE For André!!

Tracklist
1. My Heart Will Go On (Titanic) 2. Love Theme (The Godfather) 3. John Dunbar's Theme (Dances With Wolves) 4. Love Theme (Romeo And Juliet) 5. Stranger In Paradise (Kismet)  6. Edelweiss (The Sound Of Music) 7. Lara's Theme (Dr. Zhivago) 8. Tara's Theme (Gone With The Wind) 9. The Windmills Of Your Mind (The Thomas Crown Affair)  10. The Rose (The Rose) 11. Moon River (Breakfast At Tiffany's) 12. Once Upon A Time In The West (Once Upon A Time In The West) 13. Piano Concerto No. 5 (The King's Speech) 14. Moderato from Swan Lake (Black Swan) 15. Adagio (Spartacus)  16. Boléro (10) 17. Conquest Of Paradise (1492: Conquest Of Paradise) 18. Parade Of The Charioteers (Ben Hur) 19. Zorba's Dance (Sirtaki) (Zorba The Greek)

Sep 6, 2013

A Visit With Violinist André Rieu in Maastricht


WHY DO WE IN GERMANY NEED A KING, MR. RIEU?

By Lars von der Gönna - Maastricht ... Star violinist André Rieu is certain that the Germans would like to have a King. "German fans told me after the Coronation in April: "We also want a King. What is wrong with that?" he says.

An interview about the longing for a monarchy and expensive violins.

André Rieu speaks proudly about the Orangery of his castle. "Old glass. Authentic in style. If I had not become a musician, I would have become an architect". As we already know, he became a musician ...

A meeting with the successful violinist in his native Maastricht
The evening before, André Rieu had delighted 10,000 visitors with an open-air concert. Now he speaks from his Maastricht castle about music without problems, small beginnings, really expensive violins and the monarchy.
Shortly before midnight last night, even the people with walkers were dancing in the isles during your concert. 

You certainly did not need to ask them if they truly believed in the healing powers of music.
André Rieu:" I do not really believe that is the only reason. This morning early over breakfast I talked with my wife about that. The people are happy about something. Those faces!! Those people are happy. Of course it is healing."

Loyal fans say: they see André as if they see someone from their family.
Rieu: "I cannot explain it. I do not have a theory on this. I can only say: "Every evening, no matter where in the world I perform, people come in droves. Some drive 3000 miles just to experience a concert. Why do they come from Argentina, Brazil or the Fiji Islands? I only see that they are overjoyed. Actually you would have to ask the people, not me ... A gentleman at one of the concerts gave me the answer. He said: "This is music without any problems". That’s it. Of course there are the purists who will ask why I do not play great dramatic music in my concerts. You know, I have had enough drama in my life-and I can do quite well without it, I like it this way."

Now that we have your attention ...

Rieu: When I am on stage there is only one central goal: to make the people and me happy. Problems on stage? Phew. There are plenty of them. Just go see an opera. I recently watched Arti Wagner’s "Meistersinger" on TV, beautiful music, but everything ultra modernly staged, that’s not my world. Or like recently with "Rheingold" on a barge on the Rhine, sweltering below deck with only room for 500 people. No thanks. I hope they all like that. But it is nothing for me." 

500 people are too few for you?
Rieu: Yes, you can say that, for me that would really be a few to few.

They were orchestral musicians, the classical concert business to which you deliberately turned your back.
Rieu: "Yes, quite deliberate. But enough about that. Every city has a subsidized opera and orchestra. But that is okay-for others."


Are there colleagues of those times that stayed?
Rieu: "Yes, my brother for example. He sits there in the Marseille Orchestra as a cellist. Not only is he a good musician, but he also has a tremendous comical talent. For 35 years I have told him: "Do something with that. Take the plunge. You know something. He is still with that orchestra. I told him: "One of these days this wall will bury you. At some point it will fall on your head. But unfortunately he is still there."

You have risked much as you have turned down a secure job as an orchestral violinist.
Rieu: I started really small, a salon orchestra with only a few musicians. We played at town festivals, and in nursing homes. That is where I learned what I can do. Actually I am still doing exactly now what I did then.

A good school?
Rieu: You can say that. During that time as an example, I played for 80 lawyers. I do not need to explain firstly that lawyers are the types to come out of their homes sober, dry and boring. But I have always made a sport out of it to have the people standing on the tables at dessert time. I have always managed to that, even with lawyers. And today it is still the same. At the end, the entire hall explodes.

Your orchestra acts like a single good-time team. They seem to have mastered the art so as to never make it seem like work.
Rieu: Many musicians apply who would like to join us. I notice immediately whether one fits into the group or not. What we do is dead serious. It must always be 100%, always. It affects everything, being so playful. And yes, so it is! But at the same time everything is under my control."

May we ask you about your Stradivarius?
Rieu: "Yes, it is currently being restored."

Was it difficult to obtain one?
Rieu: "On the contrary. From the minute the violin world knew that André Rieu was looking for a noble instrument, I could barely save myself from the offers. They were like flies. Really!! Afterwards I did not need to ask for anything more. I think Yehudi Menuhin had been dead less than a week and I already had one of his violins in my house."

In this world everything is copied, which has consequences. Have you counted all the boy-groups yet? And one wonders why there is no Rieu-plagiarism. 
Rieu: "Well, weird yes? Maybe this is proof that what we do is not so easy. It is truly a special business. If it were that easy there would have long been hundreds of orchestras doing the same thing and partake in the success. But there aren’t any."

To that you add humility by saying that you are not the best violist in the world.
Rieu: No, I'm not. I'm not the best violinist in the world, nor am I the best conductor. I'm also not the best entertainer. And the best businessman either. Actually, I'm not disciplined in any of the best. But then it all adds up to something special."

You performed a huge concert in Amsterdam for the coronation of the new King. Are you in favor of a monarchy?
Rieu: I am an absolute monarchist. No matter in which country I am, I always tell them: "Have yourselves a King! But please, one just like we have."

In contrast to the matter of politics?
Rieu: "My use for a monarchy is not nonsense. A republic is boring, impersonal. Thus a king or a queen - that says something!"

Do the Germans have the same desire?
Rieu: "But of course they do. In April after the coronation German fans told me: "We also want a King! What is wrong with that? Of course it is a relic from the middle Ages, and it really does not suit us anymore. But if you have a Queen like Beatrix, then a people have a real mother."

Couldn’t a President do that?
Rieu: "A good politician could of course be like a father to me, but I actually do not know of any."

Our thanks to John for this German Translation

André Rieu "Welcome To My World" New Series on Sky Arts

André Rieu: Welcome To My World 

Brand New Series Only on Sky Arts

Sky Arts today announces that world renowned violinist André Rieu will star in a new 10-part series, André Rieu: Welcome To My World. The biggest classical music talent in the world has invited Sky Arts’ cameras to capture never seen before aspects of his life through a combination of behind-the–scenes documentary and special heart-warming interviews. This unique series will follow the Classical Brit Award-winning artist and his very special guests as they prepare to perform in dazzling concerts around the world. André Rieu: Welcome To My World will start on Saturday 26 October 8pm on Sky Arts 2 HD.

From Australia to Argentina via Mexico and Maastricht, Sky Arts viewers will join Andréand the members of the famous Johann Strauss Orchestra in a spectacular journey celebrating music, waltzes and his spellbinding showmanship. Each episode will document an exhilarating part of the maestro’s life, as well as showcasing new concert performances. Special guests will join Andréalong the way; including singers Jermaine Jackson, who sings a moving tribute to his brother Michael, andTrini Lopez who explains why performing with Andréis so special and exciting.

Whether documenting André on the road during his whirlwind sell-out tours in Mexico City and Buenos Aires, poignantly marking Armed Forces Day with thousands of veterans and Dame Vera Lynn, or celebrating the inauguration of the new king and queen of Holland, this 10-part original series promises to capture the enchanting world of the André Rieu.

André Rieu: Welcome To My World will gain exclusive access to the team who work with the violinist and those who help make his concerts so memorable. The episodes will contain unique interviews with his sons Marc and Pierre Rieu and long-standing members of the Johann Strauss Orchestra, as well as his trusted concert soloists Carla Maffioletti, Carmen Monarcha and Mirusia Louwerse.

André Rieu has sold more than 35 million albums globally and has been awarded more than 330 platinum and 100 gold awards for his phenomenal success. The violinist burst onto the UK scene in 2010, selling more than 400,000 copies of his first UK release, and is now one of the best-selling live acts in the world. More than 700, 000 fans attend his concerts and stadium tours every year.

“I’m extremely proud about starting my own tv series on Sky. I’ve been performing for many years now with my orchestra and I’m very happy that Sky is offering me the opportunity to show you all the beautiful things we’ve done,” comments André Rieu. “In this series I’ll show you lots of wonderful music and beautiful places where we played. I’ll speak about my family and private life; about meeting and working with some famous guest stars. I hope you’ll enjoy it. Welcome to my world!”

“André Rieu is one of the biggest performers of our time – he regularly outsells Beyoncé and Justin Bieber – And there’s no question he’s just the best at what he does,” comments James Hunt, Director of Sky Arts. “We’re thrilled that Sky Arts is the only place in the UK that Andre fans can see his amazing performances, but we’re even more excited about this new series – we know how many of our customers adore him.”

Mirusia's First Concert in Amsterdam by Ineke


Ineke's Concert Photos From Mirusia's Amsterdam Concert 
Mirusia's Program- Home - Summertime - Solveig's Song - Botany Bay - Waltzing Mathilda (only by the choir), With or without you (choir) - Ave Maria - Romanza - Besame Mucho - Already home.
After The Intermission 
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious - Life is like a boat - O Mio Bambino Caro - Beautiful that way - Homeward Bound (choir) - Impromptu (harp solo) - There is a song in me - All I ask of you - Wishing you were somehow here again - Forever Shine (this song was composed by Mirusia).

Mirusia got Standing Ovations in Amsterdam!

Sep 3, 2013


 Mirusia Rehearsing Today for Her Second Home Tour
Tonight is the first concert of My Second Home Tour! So excited to finally perform with my own orchestra and choir. We'll have close to twenty people on stage - it will be amazing. You can purchase the last remaining tickets HERE  
(From Mirusia's Facebook today)

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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