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Mar 28, 2009

An Interview With André Rieu of His Travels and Home

André Rieu Musician, Travels a Lot
And Every Time He Leaves His House in Maastricht He is Saddened

Interview with André Rieu by Jady Petovic

Where are you? (on January 23rd 2009)
In Braunschweig, Germany. We are going to perform here tonight and we are just beginning the sound check.

You travel a lot. Your agenda is booked solid until 2010 with performances abroad. How do you persevere?
Going on tour is relaxing to me. When I jump on stage I think: "That's why I do this!". At home, where my office is, I have to work hard. I have to arrange everything and make sure we can still perform in 2012.

Does your wife always join you?
She never does. That's why we have been married for 34 years. Of course we both think it is tough that I am gone so often, but that's the way it has been our entire lives. She is my right hand. She takes care of the company when I am gone and pays the bills.

And when you really are on holiday?
That never happens. I hate holidays. To lay around on a beach for two weeks not doing anything, is not my cup of tea. Scrap booking isn't either.

The entire orchestra, all the decors and instruments travel with you. How do you do that?

It is quite an operation and a challenging puzzle. We transport everything in containers, also the hand made gowns for the ladies. Except my violin, which stays with me. I could not bear the thought of not being able to take my violin as hand luggage.

Do you have fixed places when you are on tour?
O, yes, when I return to a nice hotel, it feels like coming home. We are with 100 people, far away from home for a long time, so we try to make it as pleasant as possible. I am quite attached to our own buses with our reclining chairs.

You are very popular in Australia. How do you explain that success?
We perform on stage like normal people, although we play classical music. Australians are also very down to earth people. Maybe that's the reason we click.

Do you still have contact with your fans abroad?
Personal contact is difficult when there are 30.000 people in attendance for a concert. During the encores they come to the front and after the concert they wait near the buses.

Do you go into town after the performance?
No. Afterwards we have an after performance snack and a glass of wine. Performing gives you an enormous high. Afterwards we talk and we slowly come back down to earth. I always missed that with the classical symphony orchestra. Orchestra members went straight home after the concert.

Do you miss your hometown Maastricht when on tour?
From the moment I leave home, I feel sad. But we seldom stay away longer than two weeks. I enjoy seeing the world. It is informative and exciting. Politicians should let youngsters travel the world for two years of their lives so they could study the world and learn each others languages. That would provide more peace on earth. I am not a tourist in the way of sightseeing buildings in Rome, but I want to know the Italians.

What is the first thing you do when you return home?
I just step into normal life. When I arrive at home at 7:30 AM, I might put out the garbage, go to the supermarket or walk the dog.
Thank You to John and Ineke for the Translation!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a great interview. Thanks again John and Ineke for the translation.
I really enjoy the "behind the scenes" and learn how Andre manages the great enterprise. Good thing he doesn't require a lot of sleep! Otherwise, one person couldn't handle all that he does. (Of course, he has Marjorie to manage the company, too. They are a great team.)

Laurie

Anonymous said...

This is great article. Somehow I can't picture Andre putting out the garabage, but he probably does! He does everything else! Thanks John and Ineke, we sure do appreciate those translations!

Eileen

Anonymous said...

Hi Eileen,
When Andre was interviewed at Radio City by Denise Richardson (PBS) she asked him about his life at home. He said that he was just like any other husband. She then asked him if he put out the garbage and he answered. "Yes", but then laughed and said,"Well, not all the time. But I do go grocery shopping and to the bakery with Marjorie!"

Laurie

Anonymous said...

I wounder what does he mean when he says "I have to arrange everything and make sure we can still perform in 2012." I hope he's not thinking about retirement. I really pray he will plays the next 10 years (at least).
Adriana/Brazil

Anonymous said...

Hi Adriana, I dont think we have to worry. I think Andre means that advance plans have to be made; i.e. they are now booking venues for 2012. I reckon that some stadiums & arenas get booked up to 2 or even 3 years in advance.
Adele

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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)



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