Rieu To Play Two Weekends on The Vrijthof 2010

Maastricht City Council Very Positive About Plan

Rieu To Play Two Weekends on The Vrijthof in 2010

Limburger article, dated 15 July 2009.
English translation copyrighted by ©John
Story by Casper Cillekens

Maastricht: The City Council of Maastricht is very positive about André Rieu's plans to conduct concerts on the Vrijthof for two weekends next year. This according to a Maastricht City Council spokesperson.

The decision is ultimately the Maastricht City Council's, since the expansion of Rieu's performances will lead to more event days on the Vrijthof than originally allowed. According to a spokesperson of the City Council, the normal fifty event days, determined by an Advisory Body, has already being exceeded. Expanding on the number of Rieu Concerts and the possibility of a new Summer Festival in between the two Rieu weekends, would lead to even more event days.

The Advisory Body has already issued the City Council a yellow card (a formal warning) for exceeding the normal fifty event days on the Vrijthof. Approving Rieu's requests could lead to a disregard of the norm authorized and cave in to the wishes of other organizations. Rieu has since performed a string of Five concerts on the Vrijthof. According to a spokesperson of the City, the atmosphere was excellent. All hotels were booked solid, and the profits better than expected. "In view of what has transpired the beginning of July, we look very favorable upon Rieu's plan".

The period in between the two weekends would be used to organize a Summer Festival in Maastricht. "Rieu has already given his approval to use the stage for other events".

Plans for a Summer Festival are in the making with the Theater at the Vrijthof, the Hotel and Restaurant owners around the Vrijthof and the neighboring Platielstraat.

Thanks John! He's been VERY busy Translating since he got home!! :)