André Rieu Concert Munich, Germany
Wednesday 23 February 2011
My guest tonight is 95 year old Irma, from Munich, who came with me last year also. Over a glass of 'sekt' (German sparkling wine) she tells me 'Adele did you know, André has been very ill, I have seen it on television, I have been very worried that the concert would be cancelled, and I so enjoyed it last year'... 2 'sekt's' later, we arrive at the Olympic hall.
André's introductory speech promised us an evening 'filled with beautiful music, including a lot of waltzes, and so it was.. A higher proportion of waltzes than normal. And it was wonderful. Voices of Spring, the Skaters Waltz, Dein ist mein ganzes Hertz, Chianti song & Mama (Platin tenors) The Snow Waltz was a lot of fun ; I was in the middle of row 2 , but did not have to put my ski hat on, as the snow fell gently onto rows 7/8/9, ending with an avalanche on the last notes. Die Csárdásfürstin with the Platin tenors , Kimi, Mirusia & Kalki , Bummelpetras with Noël & Roland in fine form. Balade pour Adeline (Richard Clayderman's hit from the 1970's) Wiener Blut, & the Danube (of course), with a good turnout in the aisles. Kimi sang Ave Maria, and Mirusia sang 'don't cry for me Argentina' ... (tear jerking)
THE ENCORES
Strauss & Co, In München steht ein Hofbräuhaus (beer drinking song) , Amazing Grace with Manoe on the bagpipes, Marina, Brindisi & Adieu with tenors & Sopranos, and a big surprise ~ 'The Wild Rover', a famous Irish song. So then I thought, they are getting ready for the UK/Ireland tour ... And maybe this accounts for the relatively high proportion of waltzes ...The marketing to the UK had been very big on waltzes.
André looked great, he did not ask where anyone was from, and there was no chastisement for late comers to the second half. His humour was truly excellent as always. Missing from 'the cast' were Mireille (Drums) Glenn Falize (percussion) Kremi (violin) , and Alicja (harp). Franco was present, having apparently missed a couple of previous concerts.
And I think to myself, aren't I the lucky one, 18 concerts down, and tickets in hand (or nearly) for another 7 or 8. Wow! ... Adele
8 comments:
Thank you, Adele, for the concert report and photos. Sounds like an amazing concert with lots of waltzes and fun. Counting down the days to Maastricht!!
Thanks for the report,hope he keeps to the selection, sounds very good. What is going on for percussion if Marcell and Mirelle are missing?? Lucky you all those concerts.
Yeah! Sounds like Royal Albert Hall with Flying Dutchman. LOVE those waltzes. And I love that word "Avalanche" :) Thanks Adele!
Thanks for the great report. Adele. Checking on the pictures on Andre's website NEWS, it seemed like a rather small touring orchestra. Hope they aren't out with the flu!!
Kremi is still on maternity leave. And Glenn Falize is probably in "school". I believe he attends the Conservatory in Maastricht. (Steph Padgett, Glenn is Marcel's son and tours with them whenever he can.)
We sure lucked out with Atlantic City last June (and the other northeast concerts.) By far the largest orchestra I have ever seen over her and by far, the best concert. Helped to have them all over here for the TODAY SHOW broadcast. (And mostly new gowns, besides!!)
Laurie
Hi Adele,
Thanks for your report!
We just heard that Alicija left the JSO. Linda is on maternity leave, she won't go on tour to South Africa. Franco has had an operation, but is back again. And we think Kremi is still at home, caring for the baby.
See you soon in Maastricht!
Thanks Adele! Glad you had a great time, and that we have such great reporters from that part of the world!
Hi Adele
You look as young as ever. Lucky doer.
Liz Perth
thanks all for the nice comments.
I made a mistake in the programme, surprised no one noticed !
it was Feuerfest that was performed with Nöel & Roland, not Bummelpetras.
the latter was also performed. (you can find it on 'the Flying Dutchman' DVD, when the audience was provided with small bottles of water, to gargle)
Laurie, whilst some of the 'regulars' were missing, they were replaced with others, (apart from Alicja , harp) , therefore I would not say that it was a 'reduced orchestra'.
Post a Comment