André Rieu To Create The Music For Film "Tuscan Wedding"

 

André Rieu To Create The Music For Dutch Film "Tuscan Wedding"

André Rieu is very happy with his new challenge. He is going to create the music for the movie production "Tuscan Wedding", a new movie by Johan Nijenhuis. "This will be the first time. It's such a great story that I immediately thought of doing that", the violinist told RTL Boulevard. 

"They also immediately asked if I wanted to play the pastor in the movie", Rieu says laughingly. "I have to think about that first." 

André will not produce a waltz for the movie. "It has to be romantic music. I've already let them listen to some pieces they liked that",Rieu continues. "And there also needs to be a theme song," he says. To which Albert Verlinde asked whether he would compose that. "Yes, and it has to be finished very quickly," replied the artist. 

The film is expected to play in theaters in February. Cast members were announced on Tuesday, which included Jan Kooijman, Matteo van der Grijn, Diederik Ebbinge, Ruud Feltkamp, Simone Kleinsma and Dirk Zeelenberg, all who will play a role in the film.

Thank You To John For The Translation! 

ANDRÉ RIEU An Unforgettable Day in Amsterdam

An Unforgettable Day in Amsterdam

Chapeau Magazine: June/July - André Rieu Column - What a day, April 30th. I don’t think we will not soon forget that day. When you travel with your orchestra all over the world for so many years, you experience a lot. We perform abroad much more than we do in the Netherlands. But the special concert on the Museum Square in Amsterdam at the conclusion of the coronation festivities was for us quite unique. 

Such a coronation is a historical event, and even very beautiful and impressive. When you are asked to participate in such an event, you feel very honored. I am truly very proud that I and my orchestra were allowed to perform there. Images were shown all over the world. That is really something! For many people abroad we will still and often be associated with the coronation of Willem-Alexander to King. And in Argentina, where we will be performing shortly, especially of course with Queen Maxima. I love it, and will with pleasure and pride play there our "Coronation Waltz", complete with images of the inauguration.  

I am already looking forward to it! 

The day before the concert I was received in the Palace on the Dam and introduced to Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Maxima. They were very nice and quite "normal" in as far as you can call the future King and Queen "normal". They were very open and spontaneous and wished me luck for the concert the next day. They are of course surrounded by protocol, but in spite of this they are very spontaneous people. I noticed that too with Queen Beatrix, when we performed for her several years ago in the caves of Valkenburg. I kept strictly to the by protocol prescribed time, and when the concert came to an end, the Queen very spontaneously from the first row said; "Oh, what a shame! As far as I am concerned, you could have continued on for quite some time yet."

Of course I wanted to do something very special with the concert in Amsterdam, and adapted the program completely to the occasion. In order to thank Queen Beatrix, we played the beautiful song "Time to say Goodbye", with images out of her live on the screen as Princess, Crown-Princess and Queen – I noticed that the audience listened with a lot of emotion – and specially for our new Queen Maxima, the most beautiful song I know about Argentina: "Don’t cry for me Argentina" from the musical "Evita" by Andrew Lloyd Webber. No one sings these songs more impressive than the Australian Soprano Mirusia Louwerse with her beautiful voice and tremendous acting talent, so I flew her over from Australia, especially for this evening. With André van Duijn, there is always laughter, lovely. Also again that evening with "Willempie" and "Orange on High". Martijn Fisher, who rendered the voice of Amsterdam’s André Hazes, impressed me deeply.

The mood on the square was immediately fantastic, despite the cold. The temperature was around four degrees (39F) with an icy wind. The entire orchestra had cold fingers – me too, and that makes violin playing not so easy – but the audience jumped and sang themselves warm, and after a few numbers we were not so cold any more either. It became a unique happening, really a real big "Orange Festivity". Just prior, ten Royal Air Force jets did a fly-over, which I thought was very impressive. You noticed immediately that this would become a very special concert, and that is how we all experienced it, the orchestra, the audience and almost five million Dutch TV viewers!

The next day it rained congratulations, and that of course makes you feel tremendously well. Not only did the audience in front of us enjoy themselves that evening, but apparently everyone else at home did too. I found the reaction of old Chamber president Gerdie Verbeet during an interview with "De Wereld Draait Door" (The World continues to Turn) heartwarming. She had became chilled during the coronation, so she said, but during the evening with her partner wrapped in a blanket on a bench while attending André Rieu’s concert, that was heavenly. That had totally warmed her up again. She was still glowing with enthusiasm when she relayed the story.

     Gerdi, thank you very much!!

    André Rieu

Thanks to Ineke for sending this to us and John for Translating it!

CHAPEAU MAGAZINE JUNE COVER PHOTO: 

Watch for The English Translation of André's Column by John Here on The Harmony Parlor SOON!

►Click HERE To Pre-Order from André's Website

Hear André Rieu on Alan Jones Show

►Listen To André Talking on The Alan Jones Show Today!

André Rieu-What I Know About Women

André Rieu 

What I Know About Women

Brisbane Times May 12, 2013 by Paul Connolly

All boys want to be like their father, but I think my mother had more to do with making me like him – in a musical sense – than he did, because [as a renowned conductor with the Limburg Symphony Orchestra] he was always on the road. I don't remember my father doing a lot with me, like practising or giving advice. 

It was my mother who gave me a violin. She was the one who always said, "Hey, hey, you are playing outside, come inside and practise." She was rather severe. 

I am completely different to my mother. Of course, she helped to shape me, but perhaps not in the way she would have liked. I am who I am. She is very religious, my father was very religious, but I am not any more. I think we should take our own responsibility and try to make heaven now, not when we are dead. 

She was very strict and very cold – and I am completely the opposite. She was afraid to show her feelings. She always said to me, "André, you don't have to look people in the eyes like you do." But I like to [do that]. That's why I have my face to the audience, unlike other conductors. I want to have this contact with people. It's how you connect. Everything goes through the eyes. 

My mother was afraid to look people in the eyes because then your feelings come. She is 96 now, still driving ... very independent and strong-willed. We have contact, but not much. 

I grew up with three sisters [and two brothers, in Maastricht, the Netherlands], but, honestly, I was a dreamer. Of course I remember them, but I was not very close to them. It is very sad. 

My oldest sister, Cilia, became mentally ill at the age of 18. She's still alive. I still think she could have had a normal life had things happened in another way: let's say, had she had other parents. My second sister, Teresia, was a beautiful harpist. Sadly, she is ill now, too. My youngest sister, Gaby, although she is 10 years younger than me, I was very close to her. In fact, with our parents being away so much, I raised her, I changed her diapers, so I was practically her father. 

Having three sisters didn't help me with girls – oh no, not at all! Speaking of such things in my home was impossible. 

My wife Marjorie was 13 and I was 11 when we first met. She was in Teresia's class. There was a [Christmas] party in my home with her whole class and I remember one girl with a lot of curls in her hair. That was Marjorie. Then we met later on and, "Boom!" She's honest and nice and beautiful and I knew immediately that she would be my wife. ,

We work together now, something I dreamed of doing with a wife when I was a small boy - I don't know why - but we also have periods of separation when I am on tour. I think it's important for a marriage that you can be separated. 

I see marriage as like an open hand. You could go out of the hand but you don't, because you like to be in the hand. When you really are fixed together and dare not open the hand, then it's not a marriage. 

I often tell Marjorie, "Without you, I would be in the gutter." She says, "No, you would have met another girl," but I am serious. She helped me to be myself and to believe in myself and look people in the eyes. I think women have a gift for that. [It's why] I love to work with women - half my orchestra is [female], half the people in my office. Women can show their feelings much more easily than men and that appeals to me. 

Why are many women taken with me? I really don't know. A University of Maastricht professor called me a few weeks ago and she wants to scientifically study this exact question. I am very curious about the answer and I will call you back when she finishes her studies [laughs]. I think it could be because I have a lot of woman in me. 

I show myself completely on stage. When I feel nervous, I appear nervous; when I feel glad, I appear glad; when I feel emotional, I appear emotional. Women like that. So I don't only show that I am having fun, but that I am emotional. That's when people are going to like you: "Oh my god, he's a normal human being." 

In everyone there is a male part and a female part. I think in male composers the female part is the part that composes the music - yes, the soul of the music. That's the answer to why some men are artists and [others] are not. It's the female side of them that's driven them to an artistic life.

André Rieu's new album, Mother and Child, is out now through Universal Music.
►Link To Aticle

Photos of André Rieu Coronation Concert Amsterdam

André at The Coronation Concert in Amsterdam

Two Great Pics of Pierre taken at the Kings Concert in Amsterdam

Thank you to Gitti Marie who took them.

Mirusia Talks of Returning To Homeland

Soprano Mirusia to Return to Her Second "Homeland" 

AMSTERDAM - The Telegraaf by Wilma Nanninga: Mirusia Louwerse will again be in the Netherlands, starting in September, her second "Homeland" as she calls it. 

"My Dutch Oma (Grandmother) will be 90 years old in September. I have just completed my Australian 'hometour'. Don't you think it is then time for my 'second hometour'? And that will take place in my second "Fatherland". And that is here, my second "Fatherland", "THE NETHERLANDS" 

That is what Mirusia divulged to the Telegraaf. The soprano, a daughter of emmigrated Dutch parents was discovered by André Rieu with whom she traveled the entire world for five years. 

The songstress is called an 'unconventional popstar' in Australia since she also sings jazz as well as opera.

Thanks to John for this and it's Translation 

Shown Singing To ... "You'll Never Walk Alone".

André Rieu Cancels Aussie May Promo Visit

André Rieu Cancels Aussie Promo Visit

Australia Associated Press-May 2, 2013: André Rieu has cancelled his forthcoming visit to Australia after being ordered to take a break by his doctor. 

The violinist and conductor was scheduled to arrive in Sydney for the Mother's Day weekend to promote his new album Mother And Child. 

Following a busy schedule, including performing for the coronation of the new King of The Netherlands, Rieu has been advised to rest. 

"I am so very disappointed that I am unable to visit my wonderful fans in Sydney and Melbourne as promised," Rieu said in a statement from his home in The Netherlands. 

"Australia is like my second home, and has a special place in my heart. I am resting on doctors orders and am looking forward to seeing you all very soon for my tour". 

Rieu will bring his Johann Strauss Orchestra to Australia for And The Waltz Goes On concert Tour in October

Kings Concert Museum Square

Video: Full André Rieu Concert on Museum Square

►Click HERE To Watch Full Concert on Museum Square

The signing of the official Abdication document today.

The New King of The Netherlands!

André Rieu Waltzing at The King's Ball

Soundcheck today Mirusia's Twitter. "Notice my Orange pants and André's Orange Blazer!"

Waltzing at The King’s Ball

Tomorrow evening on the Museum square in Amsterdam, André Rieu will pay homage to the new King Willem-Alexander with his "Coronation Waltz." "I am quite nervous, because it is a huge honor to close the festivities in the Capital City." 

The Limburger: April 29 by Peter van de Berg - The chance that the "Coronation Waltz" of André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra will be sung along tomorrow evening on the Museum Square in Amsterdam, in contrast to the official "King’s Song" by John Ewbank, will be extremely great. The composition in reality is instrumental, but the lyrics of the pieces used are virtually known by everyone. This past week André Rieu has been rehearsing with his orchestra quite a lot in his studio in Maastricht, for the very important performance in the Capital City. In the meantime he has also experienced the commotion about the especially composed song by John Ewbank. "At this moment there are very more important issues in the Netherlands to be dealt with than the controversy about this song. I would have done it differently, but that is a question of taste. John Ewbank received an assignment, and due to that his hands were tied. And artists do not like that. That’s why I understand his reaction very well." 

Photo from Bela's Facebook Today

Rieu’s "Coronation Waltz" starts off very stately, but quickly changes happily into well known melodies such as "Orange on High" and Piet Hein and the silver fleet. It would be very odd if the masses on the Museum Square, with several alcoholic beverages behind their molars, would not automatically raise their arms in the air during the King’s Ball. "I immediately decided to keep it simple with melodies everyone knows. That is my way of doing things. It has to become a party. But there will probably also be some emotional moments. It would not surprise me if occasionally a tear was shed." Rieu addresses the song "Time to Say Goodbye" which is portrayed as a symbol to bid farewell to Queen Beatrix. During it, the concert images which were recorded earlier during the Royal Inauguration will be projected on the big screens. Didn’t he want to present during the ceremonies in the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church)? "Tuesday I am going to concentrate on the performance. And I always do that in the same manner by resting. And in between we are busy with the actual images. There is plenty to do." That André Rieu was invited by Mayor Eberhard van der Laan to close the festivities on the Museum Square, was for him an enormous honor. And in the meantime the stand-alone violinist from Maastricht has been performing concerts all over the world. "I am proud that I am allowed to perform against the backdrops of the Concert building and the Rijksmuseum. History is being formed on a very special day. And that is something you do not experience every day."

It was first the intention that Rieu would erect

Photo from Carla's Facebook Today

his Greek Temple stage (the stage he always uses at his Vrijthof concerts) in Amsterdam. "That actually never happened. Everything had to be donated and that was just not possible. But a nice solution arose with a nicely decorated stage where you see the Rijksmuseum as a backdrop."

Today the violinist will personally meet the Royal Couple. He is really looking forward to that. "We are not allowed to rehearse in the evening. The official banquette is then taking place in the Rijksmuseum. I propose they open a window. First we will the "Wilhelmus" (National Anthem). But none of that is allowed. I will meet Willem-Alexander and Maxima in the afternoon. I am still going to ask it again." Rieu understand that there are many rules associated with the event. A few years ago when he performed for Queen Beatrix in the Valkenburg caves, it was much the same. "There was controversy whether we could play the Limburg Anthem for the Queen or not. I did it anyway and she sung happily along. Music relaxes people."

View from stage on Vincenzo's FB Today

Although the NOS (Dutch TV) will be reporting the festivities the entire day, André Rieu’s King’s Ball will not be aired live. The concert will be aired on Nederland 1 after midnight on TV, following the program of Pauw and Witteman. (Talk-show hosts) "The NOS indicated they would bring lots of equipment, 7 cameras in all. I said: "We’ll record everything ourselves then." So we’ll bring in our own crew, who has access to 27 cameras in order to record everything that will take place on the Museum Square." In any case, Rieu will be ready. "I am quite nervous. You have to experience it. Would the Royal couple attend unannounced? I do not think so. That would create many problems with security. But if that would really happen, it would of course be totally insane." 

The nation Post Code lottery organized the events on the Museum Square in Amsterdam. There are approximately 3000 seats and 5000 standing places available. Entrance fee is 10 Euros with the proceeds going to a good cause. Tickets are still available.

Thank you to John for this and Translating it

Queens Day Netherlands/André Rieu Museum Square

QUEENS DAY AND ROYAL INAUGURATION, AMSTERDAM

The official ceremonies will take place around the Dam Square. At 10AM, the current Queen Beatrix will sign a document of resignation at the Royal Palace. With this, Willem-Alexander is the new King. Shortly after this (around 10.30 AM), the new King and his family will address the crowds on the Dam Square from the Balcony of The Royal Palace on Dam Square.

READ ABOUT DAM SQUARE ON WIKIPEDIA

►http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dam_Square

DAM SQUARE LIVE WEBCAM

►Click HERE To Watch Dam Square Live Webcam

Text Under Webcam Translated to English

HD PTZ camera Amsterdam Dam, after 15 sec. you can choose a different camera position:

Overview | Pedestrian crossing Madame Tussauds | Entrance to Palace | Balcony on Palace

New Church | Dam Monument [zoom] | Dam monument back | Beehive

Majestic | Europub | Junction Cafe black | Damstraat

INAUGURATION OF KING WILLEM-ALEXANDER 
STREAMED LIVE ON APRIL 30

(Now Showing Countdown to Events)

►http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ5uxO4yB-w

Amsterdam Schedule of Events Translated to English

A 14-hour live-stream of the inauguration of King Willem-Alexander and festivities in Amsterdam.

10:00 AM - Drawing the instrument of Abdication

10: 30 AM-Balcony scene with Princess Beatrix and the new King and his family

2:00 PM - Inauguration in the new Church

7: 30 PM - King song from Ahoy in Rotterdam and on the river IJ, followed by the King on the IJ

9:30 PM - Concert André Rieu on the Museumplein

I have posted these links for those interested in the events on Tuesday, including André's appearance ~ Enjoy!

André Rieu The Highlight of My Career

André Rieu: April 30th The Highlight in My Career

THE HAGUE - de Gelderlander April 26: The King's Ball is imminent and André van Duin, André Rieu and Martijn Fischer (in his role as André Hazes) have a lot in store for the royal couple. Rieu looks on ahead for BuzzR. 

"We are going to give a two-hour concert, which is completely adapted to the events of that day. First of course we play the "Wilhelmus" our national anthem. I think that's a wonderful composition, which I would like to perform very often so I like to take advantage of the opportunity,'' says the composer.

"In addition to that we also play of course the most beautiful waltz ever written for a prince, the truly majestic Kaiser waltz by Johann Strauss. As a tribute to our Queen Beatrix's we will play "Time to Say Goodbye." And especially for our future Queen Máxima, "Do not Cry for me Argentina." These last two songs will be sung by soprano Mirusia Louwerse, who will fly over especially from Australia. And then it will become a large celebration of recognition, with waltzes, happy marches, opera medleys ... wonderful, I look forward to it all!'' he continues.

An Important Day

Rieu already knows that April 30 will be the highlight for him. "It is an important day for the Netherlands, the inauguration of a king is a historic event, and that I am allowed to perform at such a special occasion touches me very deeply. It will be a highlight in my career, and also for my orchestra of course." 

The violinist is also looking forward with anticipation towards the reign of Willem-Alexander. '' It will be very different than what we were used to, I guess. Primarily since we now will have a king and a queen. Something really special. I'm a romantic, which is known, and it is noticeable by everything on our stage, so a royal couple really speaks to my imagination. 

"And as a romantic who prefers performing on the Vrijthof, André will need some time to adjust to the Museumplein." Every year at our summer concerts I call out that the Vrijthof is the most beautiful square in the Netherlands, but who knows ... I might need to rethink my opinion. No, just kidding. The Museumplein is especially very large, so it's nice that many people will be able to come on that day, but the Vrijthof is of course much more intimate, with those beautiful medieval churches on one side, and the sociable terraces all around."

Thanks to Ineke for sending this and John Translating it. 

André Rieu Discusses Sports

The Limburger April 24, 2013: In this section of the news paper a famous sports follower is allowed to shed light on current developments. He is all about everything and anything involved in the field of sports. He in turn has passed the baton on to someone who can give his views next week. But today André Rieu.

The Relay 

ANDRÉ RIEU 

Violinist and Orchestra Leader

You have received the relay baton from René Meulensteen, assistant coach of Manchester United. Manager Alex Ferguson, who together with United grabbed the Premier League title on Monday, raves about your music. Don’t you think it is about time for a concert in "Old Trafford" commonly known as the "Theater of Dreams"?

"Who knows what all will still happen in England. In December we completed a totally sold out concert tour throughout England and Ireland. Manchester was one of the cities on the tour. In December we will return, and again the tour is almost sold out again. So, who knows whether Old Trafford is a good idea or not."

Your popularity rose enormously after you played the "Second Waltz" at the Ajax-Bavaria Munich game in 1995, the year in which the Amsterdam team won the Champions League. Is Ajax’s title in danger this year?

"Back then Ajax was very important to me. I played the "Second Waltz" during the rest period of that match. And since Ajax was in the lead with a 2-0 score, the entire stadium sang deliriously along and waved flags with joy. These images are still seen all over the world. And yes, they will win the title again."  

You and your orchestra have just returned from Brazil. Have you noticed that the people there are already under the spell of impending World Cup Soccer?

There is no nation that is so involved with soccer as the Brazilians. They are really soccer fanatics. In Rio de Janeiro I called out the four names of the city’s soccer clubs to see which club would receive the loudest applause. In Rio Flamingo won hands down. I did the same in Sao Paulo and there Corinthians won. It was nice to be able to do that every evening. The audience who still had tears in their eyes from listening to the "Ave Maria", beautifully sung by our wonderful soprano Kimmie Skote from South Africa, jumped the next second on their chairs in order to cheer for their beloved soccer club. Just because I called out that club’s name. Wonderful."

And will they give team "Orange" a chance at the World Cup?

"They do not speak about team "Orange" at all. Only about Brazilian soccer."

Do you during you travels follow the performances of MVV (Maastricht Soccer Club), the club from your hometown?

"I think that MVV does alright. As long as they work out and practice a lot, and focus. Then everything will fall into place."

The play-offs threaten to become a small Limburg championship. MVV, Fortuna Sittard, VVV and RODA JC will more than likely become the four in the play-offs. Who will be victorious?

"All four."

Do you still watch bicycle races after the deluge of doping stories?

"Occasionally I watch. Yes. Unfortunately I do not have an abundance of time."

In the Spring classics, the leading Dutch cyclists have not played a major in many years. And not again this year. Is the Netherlands still a cycling country?"

"Of Course. It will happen again. Shortly there will be a wave of young talents, who will not want to relinquish anything. Just believe me."

Who would be more popular in Gemany? Sebastian Vettel, three time world champion Formula 1, and last weekend’s winner of Bahrein’s Grand Prix, or the "King of the Waltz" André Rieu?

"Haha, Vettel in car sports and I in music, I think. I like to watch Formula 1. If I was not a violinist, racing would appeal to me. Marjorie, my wife, is happy I am a violinist."

Back to soccer: would you be willing to play the roof off the Geusselt (Maastricht’s Soccer Stadium), should MVV be able to fill the stadium?"

"Seems like an exciting prospect! When will it take place? I’ll mark it in my calendar."

In closing, to whom will you pass the baton on?

"I would very much like to pass the baton on to my personal trainer, Ruud Gransier. He has helped to ensure that I returned to tip-top condition. The last years I had neglected my body and did not work out anymore. No time for working out, that does not happen again. I plan my schedule around my workout, and not the other way around. According to Ruud, this profession is also like a top sport. You need assistance with that. And according to me, he is the best." By Roel Wiche

Thanks To John for this and Translating it

Video: André Rieu The Coronation Waltz

►Watch André and JSO PlayingThe Coronation Waltz in The Studio

From Today's Courier Mail Magazine

Mirusia is off to sing for the King: I am so grateful for the opportunity that André Rieu has given me, to sing at the coronation of the new King Willem Alexander in Amsterdam on Tuesday. (Taken from Mirusia's Facebook Page) 

André Rieu on Coffee Time (English Subtitles)

Koffietijd ... Coffee Time

RTL 4 Morning Program of April 4th 2013. 

The interviewer meets with André on the Museum Square in Amsterdam.

 ►Click HERE To Watch The Video With ENGLISH Subtitles.

André Rieu Owns His Own Village in Maastricht

André Rieu Owns His Own Little Village

Castle in the scaffolds

April 7, 2013-By Doris Zonneveld: In the meantime André Rieu has amassed his own little district in Maastricht. The world renowned violinist owns no less than 34 properties, one of which is the castle "Huis de Torentjes", six buildings in close proximity to the castle and numerous parcels of land. His castle is being renovated. And that could bring surprises since André’s neighbor once found a real treasure in the cellar.

André owns at least 34 properties in Maastricht

We can justifiably speak about a small real estate empire on the southern slopes of the Saint Peter’s hill in Maastricht. Andre Rieu, who sold 30 million albums and DVD worldwide, has over the years acquired his own little neighborhood. In the center of that, his own mansion, the castle "Huis, de Torentjes." besides the castle he also owns six structures in the near vicinity. One of the structures was previously the the residence of the castle’s caretaker, adorned with  beautiful stairs. 

Rieu also built a studio elsewhere, while another structure was being demolished, but recently has been rebuilt. Possibilities are that son Pierre, the vice-president of Rieu Productions, is living there. For support and as a mainstay André prefers to have him in the neighborhood, just like his other son Marc. He is an artist and that is not exactly earning him a fortune, but reported he lives in the white villa at the base of the castle for free. (Marc has since moved away to another city) In that manner, Marc and Pierre share in the wealth of their parents. André Rieu owns no less than 23 private properties in Maastricht and another 11 designated as commercial, including large land parcels. Thus the violinist owns a large part of his beloved Limburg town where he was born.

Castle "Huis de Torentjes" dates back to 1526, requires a lot of maintenance and that is the reason why the violinist is currently having it totally renovated. The entire castle, up to and including the square tower on the roof is encased in scaffolding, and everyone is very busy, trying to have everything finished before the violinist opens its door this summer to the public. A special Rieu concert arrangement could be purchased for 789 Euros per person, which included a visit to the castle.

It is obvious that André is trying to impress his guests and that he wants his castle to be ready to perfection. Since Rieu’s castle is very old, it may contain some hidden treasures. One of André’s neighbors found a real treasure some years ago underneath the basement stairs. It consisted of a Cologne jar containing 346 golden and 1611 silver coins from a bygone time. And with sewer works on André’s street, they once found an underground limestone wall, a drainage gutter, stone construction elements and two fragments of a gravestone dating back to 1734. They also found rail track remains and a small tunnel for a rail track. It seems that the part of the Saint Peters hill where Rieu now resides was at one time a part of an early sand stone pit. There could even be more hidden treasures in the violinist’s castle or on his properties which these renovations might bring to light.

This summer André will conduct seven concerts on the Vrijthof in Maastricht for the ninth time in a row. Rieu’s tour schedule is filled to the brim. Prior to his Vrijthof series he will be performing in Brazil, Denmark, Chile and Argentina. After his Maastricht concerts he will depart for Mexico, Australia, Turkey and Ireland, with the 2013 concert tour ending in England. For Christmas, he is just like every year, home, but even before the 1st of January there are already concerts scheduled for Germany, followed by Poland, Switzerland and Austria. Everything up until May 2014 has already been confirmed, and then to think that Rieu only plays in the largest stadiums. 

In 2012 half a million people attended a total of 99 concerts by Rieu and his orchestra, which earned him 40 million Euros. Thus he ended up in tenth place of the most money making tours of 2012, a list compiled by the leading American music magazine "Billboard." Rieu remained ahead of world stars like Justin Bieber, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Barbara Streisand.

Rieu’s packed full tour schedule however can also have a downside, because in 2012 he experienced a puzzling phenomenon because he was overworked. He was dealing with a stubborn virus infection on his equilibrium which caused dizziness attacks. He was literally unable to appear on stage. As his son Pierre said: "He does not dare to go on stage." Because of his weakened resistance, he initially was not able to overcome this virus, resulting in cancelled concerts worldwide. In the meantime he has found a way to release his stresses and he seems to be as fit as before. All his hard work is now finally earning him some money. A few years ago, he was on the brink of bankruptcy. That was due to the out of control high costs overrun, and as compared with the tens of millions in revenue, there are also tens of millions in expenses. He also placed his very expensive Stradivarius violin up for collateral. 

 "The public probably did not realize how bad it was" he said later when speaking about this. In 2011 there was again a profit of over 3 million Euros.

Thanks to Ineke for sending this and John Translating it for us.

André Rieu in Australia May 2013

André Rieu To Visit Australia in May

April 9, 2013: Andre Rieu is heading Down Under for a week-long promotional tour to coincide with Mother's Day.The classical violinist will visit Sydney and Melbourne in May to promote his new album Mother and Child and new DVD Live in Brazil, it was announced on Tuesday. 

Fans will have the chance to meet the "King of the Waltz" at the Queen Victoria Building in Sydney between 10am to 12 noon on Saturday, May 11. 

Rieu will bring his John Strauss Orchestra to Australia in October for And The Waltz Goes On national concert tour.

Queens Day 2013 on The Vrijthof

Changing of The Throne Viewable Via Screen on The Vrijthof

The changing of the Throne in Amsterdam can directly be followed in Maastricht via a big screen on the Vrijthof. It is one of the many activities that the Committee "Orange" has planned for April 30th, in Maastricht.

After the changing of the throne the "Grameer" (the largest bell of Saint Servaas Basilica) will ring and can be heard throughout the inner city. City Carillon player Frank Steijns will play the Coronation Waltz on the town hall's carillon and a there will be a flag parade on the Vrijthof. The City Park will host aFree Market.

Queens Day will end with a Big Fireworks display above the River Maas.

Thank You to John for the Translation

ROYAL RIEU IN TEARS

King’s Waltz For The First King’s Day 

ROYAL RIEU IN TEARS

The Telegraaf, Privé by Wilma Nanninga: The tears flow over André Rieu’s bespectacled face. The sounds of his majestically orchestrated King’s Waltz are bringing him to tears. And the maestro of the violin is also being touched by the voice of the Dutch-Australian soprano Mirusia Louwerse, who sang "Don’t Cry for me Argentina" especially for princess Maxima. He sobs gently when playing his CD on his laptop while his orchestra plays "You’ll Never Walk Alone" later intended for Willem-Alexander. "I believe in a Monarchy." When I am in a Republic, I always say: "Elect a Queen, just like we did. Many of your problems would be solved. And I truly believe that."

André shows his sensitive face. It is the sensitive and intimate side of the otherwise happy Limburg concert master. The man who travels the entire world with an orchestra of at least fifty members has just returned from Canada, and is letting us listen to the specifically created music for the abdication.

On April 30, "Royal Rieu" will be performing on the Amsterdam Museum Square. He rubs his emotions from his eyes. "On stage I am in charge and I cannot afford such a misty look. But music really does that to me. Right now I am just letting it happen." The master violinist removed his shoes, and in a tailor’s style is sitting on top of a sleeping bag clad small couch in his dressing room, just prior to a performance for a charitable event. The lights in the star’s dressing room in the Beatrix Theater in Utrecht have been lowered. The atmosphere is intimate. "This is one of the three identical small couches" he says smilingly in an effort to change the mood. "Each one is in a different part of the world. They follow me because prior to a concert and right after dinner, I always take a nap in a familiar place. That way I can always feel at home. It is necessary. I always think about my health. Together with my son Pierre, we work out three times a week with weights. And then when my personal trainer comes by we move the cars out of the garage and we do our workout." 

André is not only emotionally affected by music, he still has problems with jet-lag after a long flight from Canada. On top of that and after a meeting with his financial advisors earlier this morning, he also has the responsibilities of his gigantic orchestra resting on his shoulders. "Everything is still running fine. Our company is healthy. But the responsibility for my fifty or so orchestra members sometimes weighs heavier than at other times. That depends on the frame of mind. We did very well in Canada. And the American tour went well, although I had hoped to earn more. The American market is always difficult, and I lost a lot to the concert organizers."

CRYING

"On the other side though, I was with David Foster a big promoter in Los Angeles and he told me that even the huge world stars in the region are changing over to smaller venues, simply because they cannot fill them. So there too, it is crying in the towels with the entertainment industries. And the audiences turn every dollar over twice. This silly Limburger is jealousy looked upon. We still fill huge stadiums with people who travel over 600 miles just to see our orchestra live. That is something to be proud of. The glass is therefore half full, and not half empty."

André stops for a minute and then explains: "The sales for our concerts in South America have slowed considerably. Because of that we did not perform for three months. But of course I continued to pay everyone’s salary. There are no less than thirteen couples in our orchestra. Entire families depend on their earnings. Everyone has a mortgage. That I continue to pay salaries is because I feel that it is necessary. With soap series on TV, the actors I believe have a yearly contract, and every now and then they receive unemployment, to prevent a permanent state of employment. I am old fashioned. I always want the best around me. So I continue to pay them, even though there is no work."

André van Duin enters the dressing room. He heard us talking about his namesake’s orchestra. "Great professionals. As Mr. Wijdbeens I participated a couple of times on the Vrijthof in Maastricht. (John’s note: To my knowledge, André van Duin has never performed on the Vrijthof with André, but he did perform with him in the Arena in Amsterdam) There I put André to the side and then conducted. The entire orchestra played effortless higher or lower notes. It was crazy. I tried that once with the Metropolitan Orchestra, but with those people it did not go as easily. And now we are going to do that again on the Museum Square. We will be there together, the two Andrés, along with Martijn Fischer who unprecedentedly plays André Hazes in the musical "She believes in Me." So, what will we be doing? Of course "Oranje Boven" (Orange on high), a Hazes-medley and André’s King’s Waltz.

Helicopter
André Rieu says, "I want to play that one at the beginning. When the royal helicopter takes off from Java Island. It is a medley of patriotic songs. It will erupt. First "In naam van Oranje doe open de Poort" (In the name of Orange, open the gate) then softly with piccolos "Oranje Boven" (Orange on High), then the Zilvervloot (Silver fleet) on the bagpipe." He starts the CD in his laptop again. In no time at all two Andrés are conducting in the dressing room.

The Limburg violin master composed the King’s Waltz spontaneously right after the British Royal House had requested a "Coronation Waltz". "Buckingham Palace" called due to the upcoming jubilee of Queen Elizabeth. I composed something very special for that. For those specialties I always work together with my first violinist Frank Steijns. When we heard this about Willem-Alexander, we immediately continued the effort. Next week we’ll meet with Amsterdam Mayor Eberhard van der Laan about the precise sequence of things to follow. The way it stands right now we are slated for a one and a half hour program."

When André van Duin returned to his own dressing room, the concert master reflects back on his finances again. In 2010 when André was first disabled due to a virus infection on his equilibrium, it caused him to come close to the financial abyss: "I was even willing to sell my Stradivarius. That currently is not necessary. I have been able to get caught up in my finances, but still have not had the time to build new and large reserves. So then I really feel the pinch when I have to pay salaries for three months while at that time I am not earning any monies directly." André Rieu smiles: "Will my new CD help us there? Universal Record Company is continually becoming happier with us. Every year we release a new CD and the sales are phenomenal. Furthermore, for the last ten years we have been in the top ten of most charts for the most selling artists in the world."

"My wife Marjorie and I do not live a jet-setters life. We do not wear expensive jewelry or clothing. The only thing I afforded myself was an expensive Mercedes. Because I love to drive. I also like to watch formula-1 races. I was reading about a Mercedes that could do 224 mph. I bought that one but it seems they had installed a limiter on it. If I wanted to remove that, I needed to follow a course and pay 4000 Euros. It drove me crazy." ... He grins, "After some proper negotiations, it has been removed. You do not notice anything special on the car, and I can use the car to just go shopping with Marjorie to buy sugar or something. But I did take the car up to 186 mph on the German Autobahn. That was insane.!" Reflecting back: "Indeed, those are  the only moments in my life when I do not listen to music. Only the music of the engine."

►Click HERE To See The Video From This Interview.

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