André With André Rieu With Subtitles

The live CHAT interview with André and Wima Nanninga is now on Ruud and Ineke's Website ...
With ENGLISH Subtitles.  ►Click HERE To Watch It!

Marc Rieu Doing It His Own Way ...

Marc Rieu Doing It His Own Way

De Limburger: December 16, 2011 by Peter van de Berg

His paintings are already hanging in the office of British actor Anthony Hopkins. While his famous father André visits all the corners of the world with the Johann Strauss Orchestra, Marc hopes to achieve the same fame, but as a renowned painter/artist. "I‘ll do it my way"

MARC RIEU'S OWN WAY 

He is, with his brushes and paint, perhaps the most creative spirit of the Rieu family. Marc, son of the famous Maastricht conductor and leader of the Johann Strauss Orchestra, inherited just like father André, mother Marjorie and brother Pierre, the feeling for art, music and culture. It is in the genes. While André and Pierre are in the spotlights, Marc is satisfied with a role in the background. But he will not stay there. Like his father he has a dream. Marc wants to build a name as a painter to eventually end up with his works in galleries and museums across the world.

His interest in painting was really awakened when he in group eight, watched a documentary about Vincent van Gogh in elementary school. "When I started painting, Vincent definitely was a big source of inspiration. I still admire him. That man had an enormous drive. He created over 800 paintings. Try doing that!"  

Marc Rieu has in recent years evolved into a landscape painter. He calls his style: suggestive illusionism. On his website (www.marcrieu.com) he writes: "I suggest reality with my paintbrush as a magic wand. His preference for landscapes is deliberate choice. 

I become sad due to all the misery in the world. People fight and make war. And that while our planet has so much beauty to offer. The landscape is innocent and often beautiful. Look at the Grand Canyon in the USA or Tuscany in Italy. Sometimes I get the idea that the earth protests and fights back. Maybe a tsunami is a kind of a warning of "Don't go too far"." He is a romantic. A realistic artist? Does not exist!! Each artist lives in his own world. Considering that, I too am a dreamer. 

During the last three years he has been earning a living as a professional painter. His studio is in his home. "That gives me freedom to decide when I go to work. Sitting behind the easel is not the only thing I do." He is also the daddy who changes his children's diapers, goes to the petting zoo, or sings a little song for the little ones. In the last six years he has created about 100 paintings. Panoramas, sunsets, or ships at sea. He cannot get enough of it. 

"It's not as if I copy photos precisely on canvas for instance. I give my own twist to each painting. Recently, I painted the Hamburg skyline. Not every building is straight. That's what they call suggestive illusionism". Just like his brother Pierre, Marc too could have worked in his father's company. But he prefers a different career. "Dad is my big role model, and I admire him tremendously. I regularly attend his concerts. But I do not aspire a position with him. I like to build my own career and name. I conduct regular exhibitions. I then have a conversation with the people who organize the event and then very frequently the last question is: "Can André come and open the exhibition?" Then I sometimes think: "Is it all about him or my paintings? That's very particular.  

His paintings do not only hang in Castle "De Torentjes", (André and Marjorie Rieu's castle), but in the meantime also by Anthony Hopkins. The famous British actor attended this year’s Vrijthof concerts, after having composed a waltz for André. During that same time Marc Rieu was conducting an exhibition in the Theater on the Vrijthof. "I saw him sitting in the audience and I wanted to shake his hand, but was pushed aside by one of his body guards. Later on the body guard learned that I was André's son. He felt very bad and ashamed. The next day we had breakfast together. Anthony Hopkins’ wife bought four of my paintings, and they are hanging in his office. Of course I am very proud of that." For the second time his works were exhibited in the Theater on the Vrijthof.  

In 2010, during the concerts, eleven paintings were sold. This year twenty four. He sold a painting to a couple from Singapore. That was very funny. These people were on holiday in Maastricht. Not because of the concert. They did not even know André, but were interested in art. They bought a painting of a mill against a deep blue sky as background." Marc plans his itinerary carefully. In March an exhibition can be seen in the BRF broadcasting building in Eupen, Belgium. He is looking for an art gallery which can permanently represent him and ultimately presents his exhibitions in many different places. "Dad also started small with the Salon Orchestra. I have all the time. Of course I would like to end up in renowned museums. Every artist dreams of that ...

Thanks to John for this article and Ineke/John’s translation. (Printed with permission)

WIN THIS BOOK IN RUUD AND INEKE'S CONTEST!

We have a small Christmas competion for you! Just for fun. People who have never studied a second language, have no idea. The person with the right answer can win the new Andre Rieu Magazine, the new glossy! Although it is only written in Dutch, it is worth while to watch the photos. And in time we'll translate a few chapters. The question to you is: How many hours do you think Ruud, John and I all together, need, to post a 30 minutes interview on our website with subtitles? (Like the recent live chat we are working on). I mean: move the video to our computer (Ruud), do the translation (Ineke), check the language (John), do the technical things to prepare (Ruud), drag the subtitles into the video (Ineke), post it on our website (Ruud). The person with the right answer (how many hours do we need for a 30 minutes talkshow/interview) will receive the glossy in the new year! You can respond in our guestbooks, on Facebook or private mail.

Live Interview With André Rieu

Live Interview With André Rieu 

André Rieu did a live Chat for Prive with Wilma Nanniga. During the live chat interview excerpts of the new Christmas DVD are shown and is going to be a fantastic DVD. This will again be a "MUST HAVE" DVD ... Bobbie

(No Subtitles yet, but Ineke and Ruud will soon post it with subtitles!)

►Click Here To Watch Live Interview With André

André Rieu's Sons Out of The Shadow

André Rieu's Sons Out of The Shadow

Pierre Rieu, son of Waltz King André Rieu, has a hobby which bears no resemblance at all to the graceful and charming performances which brought his father world fame. He is crazy about everything associated with World War II. His already extensive collection of vehicles, camouflage outfits and other military items, are stored in the same shed as his father's decor pieces.

"It will become a museum, but I don't like to call it that", says Pierre in the André Rieu Magazine. In this magazine Photographer Govert de Roos displays images of the life of the renowned Limburg violinist. Son Pierre talks about his fascination with WWII, which evolved from his mother Marjorie's family history. She had a German/Jewish father and a resistance heroine as a mother. Pierre continues: "In a museum people can stay 5 minutes and leave again. That's too casual for me. I'd like to offer the visitors an experience. Which after a couple of hours will give them an idea as to what it was like to live during WWII.

Not only in the Magazine does Pierre allow us a peek into his life. Brother Marc, who regularly does exhibitions as a painter in the Netherlands and abroad, also allows the readers a peek into his life.

"Just like my father I become deeply touched by beauty", says Marc in this very seldom given interview. He prefers a life far outside his father's empire. "I resemble him a lot in his passion. Just like him, I find a lot of satisfaction in creating. My father is a dreamer and in that aspect I am like him. Pierre and my mother are more realistic. I see myself as an ideal mix of my father and my mother. The same goes for Pierre. We really received the best from the both of them.

Telegraaf, December 16^th 2011 Photo Govert de Roos Translation by John and Ineke 

 ►Posted with permission

An Important Notice Regarding The Harmony Parlor

►An Important Notice Regarding The Harmony Parlor

André Rieu Pays Tribute to The Love of His Life

André Rieu Pays Tribute to The Love of His Life

"Marjorie is my silent force"

The Telegraaf, By Wilma Nanninga:

This is a memorable interview. Marjorie, a cheery Limburger with a head full of curls, slides in cheerfully next to us as a surprise. She is always out of the limelight and does not want to be photographed. She handed me a picture of the both of them from an earlier time; l love it when I can just happily move about, rather than being Mrs. Rieu. I even travel under my maiden name. I would like to remain a mystery.

André looks at her lovingly, "Marjorie made certain that I could become the waltz king. She has since then freed me from Beethoven. And now it's wonderful for me to know that she is in the office, or my studio. Her objectivity and yet playful, flexible intellect is my compass in the sometimes turbulent times of the business. She guards me from mistakes, differentiates, thinks along and was for instance my pillar of strength when I was down for weeks with an inflamed labyrinth. We have braved many a storm together. In a Christmas movie now being filmed around André’s castle, an actor who plays André walks bleakly through a snowy alley. Until the lights come on and he is embraced by a young woman. "I studied at the Conservatory in Brussels. I lived in a gloomy little room in the back on the third floor. I did not know where my life was going, had very much the feeling that I was on a dead end street. I studied violin without enthusiasm. Very prim and proper, just like most classical music is. In a school where envy and competition reigned. No one cared. I was to the point of giving up, despite the wishes of my father, who was a concertmaster. I wanted to choose something different. And then suddenly Marjorie lit up my life. And she made me discover happy, light music. From Berlin, where her Jewish parents grew up. Actually I had an aimless life, from my birth until my meeting with Marjorie. After that, it erupted. André smiles: "I knew her a little bit from my sister Theresa’s high school class. But when she came to visit me in Brussels 37 years ago, it really happened. She did not leave. And ever since then I know that destiny takes its course. No matter what happens. Marjorie gives me courage and energy. Over and over again. Even last year when we financially wise crept through the eye of a needle, after we had traveled the entire world with those huge castle decors. That really was, looking back at it now, a little dumb. Everything was in jeopardy; I even had wanted to sell my Stradivarius. But Marjorie continued to believe in positive results. And she was right.

André Rieu (62) would be nothing without the sparkling power of his wife Marjorie. As visible as she is for him and their sons Marc and Pierre, she is as invisible to the outside world. That is why André composed a tribute to her. Together and for the first time they tell about their unique love story: "Six weeks long we wrote each other letters."

St. Nicholas Celebration: Marjorie pipes in, "I always had that cute guy André Rieu on my mind. We had met once at his sister Theresa. But he was 13 then and I 15. I remember a Sinterklaas (St.Nicholas) celebration. I celebrated that at Theresa’s, which was more enjoyable. I was an only child and there were six of them. Nothing more than a little chat is all that transpired then. But from that moment on he remained on my mind." Smilingly she says: "I was 27 and a German teacher and when I was organizing a concert for my school and thought of Theresa as a harpist. André and I met again. From that moment on and for six weeks long we wrote each other long letters. André is very romantic. The flame really intensified when I visited him. I arrived on Sunday morning with the intention of leaving again that Sunday evening. But I stayed over and spend the night, truant from work, I was really hooked. Although I am a very good girl. What in André touched you I ask Marjorie: "He was kind to someone else, I think that was it. That Sunday a16 year old fellow student from the conservatory came to him in a panic with a swollen hand. He was so kind to her, I just melted. And to be precise, a week later I told a girlfriend that I thought that what André and I had would be short and intense. It was so emotional, so much. I do not think I would have survived it otherwise. And now, look at us sitting here nearly forty years later; still beautiful!!.

André: "I will never forget that a few months later I sat on the sofa with her father. I asked him permission to marry her. And him posing the question: "So, André, can you provide for her?" I replied honestly: "Well actually it is Marjorie who is providing for me, I am still studying." Marjorie interrupts: "My father roared with laughter. My parents really liked you. And later on, you have more than made up for it. I did less and less teaching. Standing in front of a classroom was not my first love. When you started with the salon orchestra, I did translation work. And slowly, I joined the business. I love music, help with the compositions of the albums. We think and choose a lot together. André takes her hand: "As a child I dreamed that I would find a woman with whom I could do everything together." You made sure that I discovered the "Bummel Petrus" polka. When we were searching for music which the salon orchestra could play back then, we made an appeal for all the Limburgers to look for old music in their attics, but only melodies which Marjorie already knew emerged. Toselli’s serenade, lovely light music. My first "gold" record. Marjorie: "My Jewish father fled the Germans. He had experienced live in Berlin during the 20’s. And the creaking 78 rpm records from that period were the music in my youth. André is a violinist who plays the happy party songs but with the skill of a classical concert violinist. That, I think is André's secret." Marjorie is always home or in the office when the violin virtuoso is touring all over the world. "I do not like to fly" she says laughingly. "And on top of that, André does not want a wife trudging two meters behind him carrying his violin case." He adds: "That’s how the violinists in earlier times came to visit my father. A dreadful sight to behold. No, during our married life I have spent a capital on telephone costs. Because we are always in contact with each other."

Marjorie: "When André is gone for two weeks, I stay in Maastricht. If he is gone on tour for three weeks, like to Australia, then I’ll go for a week’s language course. French, Italian ..... I love languages. But then I go by train. André: "Marjorie is also the business talent here at home. Her father was a businessman and from childhood on Marjorie organized a lot. She had a library in her street and gave ballet lessons to the neighborhood children. In the beginning she even organized a scholarship for me. I had a whole stack of papers lying around and really thought it was too much of a hassle. So I’ll eat a sandwich less, I thought. Luckily Marjorie took control." The Christmas special they are making, is aptly called "Home for Christmas." André: "Universal wanted to use it for the American market for next year’s Christmas. But in the Nederland and Germany the special will be shown this December. Marjorie and I together have thought out the entire process. And so it has become a very personal story." Marjorie: "It was no small task to put a two-hour script together about something. Moreover, a waltz lasts seven minutes. But then there are also many Christmas songs in it, and they can last for up to three minutes. So we came up with our own lives and recorded it entirely here at home, in the city and the church next door to us. Our children and grandchildren can be seen. But not I, which was the agreement." André: "We have spared no expenses. Everything here was sprayed under with real snow".

The couple will spend Christmas Eve with their children and grandchildren. Painter Marc with his wife and their offspring, and Pierre, who works in the company, with his wife and children. Marjorie nods as if she already knows what André is going to say: "With the arrival of the grandchildren, we have discovered a new form of love. And I always tell them very proudly "Grandpa loves Grandma very much!!"

Thanks to Ineke for sending this and John Translating if for us

André Rieu ZDF Special "I Am Home For Christmas"

André Rieu "I Am Home For Christmas"

For this year's Christmas party Andre Rieu invites the ZDF viewers to a festive Christmas concert at his house, or rather to his snowy winter like garden on December 24 from 8.15 - 10.15PM. Together with his Johann Strauss Orchestra, he will play the most beautiful German and internationally famous Christmas carols.

Contributors are the Platinum Tenors, the sopranos Carla Maffioletti, Mirusia Louwerse and Kimmy Skota, the children's choir "Sjamaas" and the sweet 10-year-old ballerina Rosa. Andre Rieu, with his usual charm, tells how he celebrates Christmas with his family, which customs are celebrated in his house and which beautiful traditions he has maintained from his childhood. And he shows us how he himself decorates the house with great joy.

One of the highlights is undoubtedly the song "Decemberlights", which Andre Rieu composed for his wife, Marjorie, which he will play for you for the first time during this concert . Of course André will be reading a surprising Christmas story of his life under the Christmas tree, which for him has been of great importance for his career as a musician.

The special concludes with a concert in the St. Peter's Church next to his house, by the above mentioned soloists, as well as a performance by the world renowned men's choir "the Mestreechter Staar".

During this evening André Rieu will be playing amongst others the wonderful and famous songs, "Silent Night," "Oh Holy Night," "Every year again," "Oh Christmas Tree," "Adeste Fideles," "Ave Maria," "Hallelujah," but also happy songs like "In the Christmas bakery "(of course in his kitchen!)," Jingle Bells ", "Walking through the winter wonderland "and many others. 

André's house and romantic garden were for this wonderful ZDF concert beautifully decorated in a Christmas like atmosphere, whereby it looks like a fairytale castle. Truly a very special Christmas concert which should not be missed!

Thanks to Hexlein and Kathy from the German Fansite for this article and to Ineke and John for translating it for us.

André Rieu Shown on UK Television "Loose Women"

André did an interview on the UK television show "Loose Women" today.Thank you to Mike W. for recording it for us as it can't be shown in the US and Canada ...

►Click HERE To See André on Loose Women Today

André Rieu Concert Review: Fairfax, VA.

Review and Photos by Craig Hunter Ross: Over the years, the Patriot Center has played host to hundreds of sporting events and concerts, some undoubtedly more memorable than others. However, opening up the 10,000 seat arena to a large orchestra for an evening of live classical music is definitely a stretch. On this particular night, the large LED marquee outside the venue promised an evening that would be ‘unforgettable’. Combine that adjective with the name Andre Rieu, and suddenly the lofty billing takes on a whole new meaning.

The Patriot Center is located in Fairfax, Virginia , roughly 20 minutes outside Washington , DC on the campus of George Mason University. For most typical shows, when you exit off Braddock Road to the parking grounds, you’re greeted by a couple artist tour buses and maybe a handful of tractor trailers, parked by the road away from the arena. Arriving to see nine semi-tractor trailers and at least 7 motor coaches was definitely an unexpected sight. It further raised the mystery as to what sort of spectacle awaited the audience inside.

As fans descend down the concourse stairs into the arena, they were greeted by the juxtaposition of old world charm and state of the art technology. The stage set was enhanced by a breathtaking view of thousands of elegantly arranged flowers. The fine brass seating and music stands were situated in front of a mammoth LED display that rest below two massive high definition screens, surrounded by a bank of lights. 

At 8 p.m. sharp, the sound of “Seventy-Six Trombones” filled the air. The grand entrance begins. From the back of the arena, the members of the Johann Strauss Orchestra make their way toward the front in grand parade style. The men are formerly attired in full tuxedo garb. The women are adorned in colorful bejeweled gowns. They are led in all their resplendent glory by the “Flying Dutchman” himself, Andre Rieu.

Once the parade of players is positioned on the beautifully designed stage, it’s more than appropriate the evening commences with the orchestra performing “Voices of Spring” by Strauss. The sheer joy of watching Andre Rieu conduct his ‘symphony of color’ is matched only by machinations of the conductor himself. His unbridled enthusiasm carried over to the musicians on stage. This ‘all world’ assembly of players were often seen smiling and exchanging laughs throughout every piece performed. Besides being masters at their trades, they were well rehearsed in audience interaction as well. For instance, as the audience was treated to beautiful renditions of Abe Holzmann’s famous march, “Blaze Away” and Emile Waldteufel’s “The Skaters Waltz”, the sight gags among the gentlemen in the orchestra had the crowd laughing.

As for highlights of this show, literally, where do you begin? The Platinum Tenors – Gary Bennett, Bela Mavrak and Thomas Greuel – delivered a flawless version of “Heut’ ist der schonste Tag” followed by Puccini’s aria, “Nessun Dorma”. The delivery was so stirring it literally left many in the audience somewhat teary-eyed.
A flawless master showman, Rieu instinctively knew that following a highly emotional song, a change of pace was in order. Thus he led the orchestra in Thomas Koschat’s famous German folk song, “Snow Waltz.” While the LED display beamed a winter scene in Holland , those seated on the floor noticed a gentle snow begin to fall upon them. That gentle snow by waltz’s end was literally 3-4 inches deep on the arena floor to the delight and whimsy of Rieu and those who chose to purchase the less expense seats in the lower bowl and upper levels. With the crowd in absolute hysterics, Rieu proclaimed “Isn’t it nice to enjoy life!” to rousing applause.

Following a brief intermission, Rieu took the opportunity to single out those late to return to their seats, resulting in great rounds of laughter as embarrassed concert goers realized they were the focus of attention on the massive high definition screens above.

The evening would continue with classic waltzes, beautiful arias and crisp versions of legendary opera pieces and show tunes. High points included “Vilia” from The Merry Widow as sung by South Africa’s Kimmy Skota and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” from Evita, sung by Australia ‘s Mirusia Louwerse. You could have heard a pin drop during both, before being encompassed within the deafening applause and standing ovations, both of which were frequent through the night.

The evening wouldn’t have been complete without “The Beautiful Blue Danube”, perhaps the most well-known composition by Strauss, during which the house lights were raised to reveal numerous couples of all ages waltzing in the aisles. The second and final set concluded with an incredibly powerful version of Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus”, which sent the audience soaring into the heavens. Countless encores and a massive balloon drop would follow.

Tonight’s show more than exceeded its marquee billing. It’s no wonder that the Wall Street Journal called Andre Rieu the “Maestro for the Masses.” It’s also not surprising that Rieu’s current trek around the globe ranks as one of the top grossing tours in 2011, beating out the likes of country sensation Taylor Swift and pop icon Elton John.

The true brilliance behind Andre Rieu is this. Regardless of your musical tastes or inclinations, this master conductor gently guides outside your comfort zone to enjoy the real beauty of music. He brings you into a world of sight and sound that challenges and delights all your senses. The power of music is on wonderful display during this show and is expertly handled by this incredible violinist / composer and conductor. Yes, it was an ‘unforgettable’ evening, and then some.