André Rieu "Shadowed"
The Telegraaf July 5th 2011: Renowned photographer Govert de Roos followed André Rieu for two and a half years. He toured with him to Mexico, America, Brussels and Austria. He saw how famous and beloved the man from Maastricht is all over the world.
The big actor Anthony Hopkins was almost humble and Whoopie Goldberg was so happy that she was allowed to talk to Andre for a few minutes.
Govert de Roos is still amazed. "Being abroad you really notice how big André Rieu is. Not only the size of his shows, but even more, the admiration that other big stars show him. It was magnificent to see ... in Holland we have no idea! I was in stadiums where no one could stop the tears. You can like his music or not, but you can never say it lacks quality. It is overwhelming to see how he conducts choirs of hundreds of people! And the orchestra members are very skilled."
"We underestimate him in Holland. He is a world star." At the end of this year a Photo Book will be released of the complete work of top photographer Govert. During the concerts on the Vrijthof, there will be a foretaste with a Tour Book.
"I photographed unique situations ... André surrounded by 'twelve bodyguards' in Mexico city, Anthony Hopkins who was asking him very politely whether he would like to perform his self composed waltz ... Nobody knew that this big actor composed music in his spare time. He is a big fan of André and he stood with shaking knees in the rehearsal room. I was also allowed to photograph André when he was sleeping just an hour prior to the concert and that has never happened before, but we had absolute confidence between us. His own bed, his own pillow and his own duvet tour around the world with him. Otherwise you are dependent on what they place in your dressing room. And you never know whether some hard rock star just celebrated a party in that bed, or something like that ... André owns three sets, as there are also three sets of decors travelling somewhere in the world."
Govert has a picture of himself in a tuxedo looking as if he was playing in the orchestra too. "That was very funny! It was my wish to take a close up of André with the concentrated conductors face watching his orchestra. The only possibility to do that, was by sitting in the middle of the orchestra with my camera as an instrument. The condition was that I would do everything that the violinists around me do ... Like standing up to thank the audience in case of a standing ovation ... It was all a splendid experience ..."
Click on link for Biography of Photographer Govert de Roos: ►http://www.govertderoos.nl/page.php?id=75
Thanks to Ineke for Translating and sending this to us
3 comments:
As our little one sleeps! We need to see a lot more of Andre here in Canada. Halifax, Nova Scotia,- Moncton New Brunswick, - Quebec City and he should also check out Niagara Falls Ontario. Thank you Govert de Roos for all the great pictures you have given us of Andre. Love Barb.
Hi! I think a lot of people all over the world, not only in Nederlands, have yet to realize how big the André Rieu name has became.
Over the years, I've heard my share of comments from people who either hold prejudices against any form of classical music, or against the JSO and André Rieu themselves, for their somewhat "flashy" appearance on stage.
As if the dress you wear hindered your musical talent...or studies.
Govert de Roos, Dank u! Sometimes, a picture is really worth a thousand words.
I agree with Barbara: some people in Canada certainly wouldn't mind more JSO concerts in here!
Zita
Angels East, Angels West, North and South just do your best and guard him while he rests. We must look after and take good care of Andre for i would be lost without him and his music and i am so happy i found him, or did he find me???? Love my Blue Eyes, Barb
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