André Rieu's Birthday Gift ~ I'm a Grandpa!

André Rieu's Birthday Gift ~ I'M A GRANDPA

WOMAN'S DAY (Australia) October 12,2009
As he celebrates his 60th birthday and the birth of his first grandchild, Lucy Chesterton takes a look inside the maestro's family photo album. A 60th Birthday is reason enough for a party, but musician André Rieu enjoyed a double celebration when he became a first-time grandparent shortly before his landmark day.

"I am extremely proud of my grandson," André says of Ivan, the child of his older son, Marc. "I like to play and romp with him, just to look at his face, admire and to really enjoy him."

Adding to the joy of Ivan's arrival three months ago was younger son Pierre's news ... his wife is also expecting, and due next month. "I was so thrilled when Pierre told me," smiles André. "My wife, Marjorie, and I were very excited, but it wasn't until five minutes later, when Pierre showed us the ultrasound, that we realised they were having twins. What I had thought was the heart of one baby was actually another baby."

André says the imminent arrival of the twins put his birthday plans ... a few days away with Marjorie and friends ... on hold. "We stayed at home instead and celebrated the simple way."

A violin virtuoso still deserves a special cake though, and his featured a chocolate violin so perfect it made André "feel like I want to make music for at least 60 more years!"

But André's Australian tour, which begins on October 16, means that he may be far from his family when the twins enter the world. "I hope not, because then it is impossible to fly home quickly," he says.

Best known for his extravagant sets, which include imitation snowstorms and Viennese castles, André insists his flamboyant streak is all for show. When he isn't on stage, he's happy to pick blackberries for his homemade jams and cook cutlets for the family's dinner.

"I never thought that I would be so involved in enjoying my grandson," he says. "And then, in a while, two more little ones! It will be busy in the Rieu house with all the attention on the children. That does not matter ... there is enough room in our house, and in our hearts." With a fond smile, the musician adds he is looking forward to watching his new grandchildren grow up. "I cannot wait to hear them call me Opa, the Dutch word for Grandpa," he grins. Thanks to Jann for typing this up for us and sending it!