Interview With André Rieu Soloists Mirusia Louwerse

Never heard of Mirusia Louwerse? She is young, talented and has the voice of an angel!

This Aussie soprano is currently touring as soprano soloist with the World Famous Violinist and Conductor, André Rieu. With her beautiful smile, golden curls and sparkling personality, she sings her way to fame. She was the youngest singer to win the Dame Joan Sutherland Opera Award and she recently released a news solo Album, Always and forever.

I got the opportunity to ask her a few questions, take a look at what she said! by Retha du Plessis (Click on the picture to read the interview) Our Thanks to George Harper for having Retha du Plessis forward this to us.

Third André Rieu Concert Added To Cape Town

Having topped the tour rankings with his sold out SA tour last year, the Dutch violinist and conductor is set to do it all again in March when he brings another grand-scale production to our shores featuring his Johann Strauss Orchestra, choir and soloists, plus a number of surprise special guest performances.The response has been such that a third Cape Town show at the Grand Arena, GrandWest has just been added to the SA tour schedule, for Sunday 13 March 2011, bringing the total performances to seven arena shows nationwide.

Bookings for the newly added Cape Town performance will open tomorrow (Saturday, 29 January 2011) at 8am via Computicket. Click on link for full article and informaton ...

►http://www.artlink.co.za/news_article.htm?contentID=26323 

Twenty André Rieu Orchestra Members Get Skating Lessons

About twenty or so members of André Rieu's Johan Strauss Orchestra received their first ice skating lesson yesterday in the Glanerbrook ice skating hall in Geleen.The Maastricht violinist will record a DVD special next month in Vienna, which includes outdoor recordings.That is why he asked for volunteers in his orchestra who would like to do the skating. 

André Rieu's spokes person, Kerstin Cornelis does not know whether they will be playing and skating simultaneously. "It is not yet quite clear what all they will be doing on the ice." The stand-alone violinist will definitely  not put on the skates. But it is already clear that ZDF will air the recordings in the fall.

Thanks to Ineke for sending this and John ©Translating it.

André is Back In The Docusoap "André Rieu’s World"

The World of André Rieu

André Rieu is Back In the Docusoap "André Rieu’s World"

We Follow the 61 Year Old Violinist on His Tour From Mexico City to Orlando, Florida.

In total quiet, dresses are being adjusted, violins tuned, and make-up is quickly being touched up. Only the sound of André’s glistening shoes can be heard on the stone cold floor. There is an unwritten rule that just prior to a performance every one remains totally quiet and no one approaches André. Even the camera crew, which caught up with André here in Mexico City and will be following him the coming weeks to film "The World of André Rieu," stays aloof.

Spirited and Shouting

Tonight is the second concert in the Auditorio National of Mexico City. One down, three more to go. After these performances, the king of the Waltz and his entourage of 120 people, including their own catering, security and private doctor, will fly in a chartered jet to Phoenix, Arizona. It is almost unimaginable that a short while ago, the 61 year old violinist was flat on his back due to a virus infection on his equilibrium. Says André: "It was a most horrible period. The only thing I could do was to lie there very quietly and heal. With a lot of patience, love and crazy visits from my grandchildren, I recovered." The violin reappeared again, the orchestra members were alerted, and so they waltzed merrily along. But at a deliberate slower pace. André: "I rest more frequently, am more focused and I delegate more, which takes some getting used to; but then it has to, since I am no longer 18. This will never happen again! I am so happy again that I can do what I enjoy doing; making people happy with classical music."

Stradivarius

After a smashing start in Belgium, the entire Rieu group boarded an airplane to bubbling Mexico City.

André: "Tickets were sold in no time at all. Four performances in the Auditorio National. That equated to forty thousand tickets. That’s fantastic, isn’t it? Part of them will be all dressed up tonight in the hall waiting for me to make my entrance. Another part will try to sell all their illegal Rieu merchandize just outside the entrance of this colossal building, from coffee cups and T-shirts to key chains and DVD’s. And without a doubt, must-haves for young and old." The buzzing in the hall increases, while back stage it is still dead quiet. André’s violin, his Stradivarius, worth several millions, is where it is suppose to be: tightly clutched in the left hand of its master, ready for a phenomenal performance. The case, in which this musical piece of perfection travels worldwide, is already with a neatly ironed blanket. Just like its personal bodyguard who keeps a close watch on it all day.

Relaxing

Father and son exchange a last quick look of understanding. Pierre, already André’s right hand for the last ten years, rushes into the hall as quickly as possible not only to enjoy the live atmosphere, but also as a way to relax. And there you have it, the curtains open, the spot lights search for the shiny shoes and the audience applauds. Even more intense and livelier then yesterday Rieu would say later. "I still do not know exactly what causes it, but one note, one scream and immediately the evening is turned into a party, WHAM and tonight was such a night. Nice, very nice.

*The First Episode will be aired in the Netherlands on Feb 4th and then again every week for the next five weeks. Of course Ruud and Ineke will have them soon after each one with the English Subtitles for us ...

Thanks to Ineke for sending this and John for ©Translating it.

Continuation of André Rieu's Gold CD

Three New Video's on Ruud and Ineke's Site

What does a gold ring, a gold record, wrought-iron candle holders and a bronze wild boar have in common? And what happened to the old Mercedes? The answers can be found by going to ►www.andrerieu-movies.com

André Rieu Chapeau Magazine February 2011

Another Rhythm

Chapeau Magazine Feb. 2011 ~ The year 2010 has been rather strange, since I was unable to perform for three months. I was so used to the high paced rhythm of the many performances, and also the many other activities associated with them, or I rather should say, activities that were connected with them.

That rhythm has changed rather drastically. I am planning to perform as many concerts as before, but in the past months I have rejected many associated activities. I give a lot less interviews, am less involved with activities in the city of Maastricht, and a lot of business aspects I leave to my son Pierre. Because of the necessity I see in it. My body has been very clear to me: I can no longer throw my energy around like I used to do. Especially on the days when I am performing, I have to insure sufficient rest. This is very logical, that when you are performing in a concert of about three hours, it is like being in a major sport competition. It is physically very demanding. A soccer player will not involve himself just hours before a very important match with all sorts of very strenuous activities. On the contrary, he rests his body in good preparation. While in all those previous years before a concert, I attended to all sorts of business meetings or other mandatory tasks, and had no prior indication of ill effects, so I continued. It is good that this signal came, and now I was required to rest for some months. Some people will be disappointed that they no longer can invite me to meetings or other commitments, but there is no choice. I keep my new rhythm, and it suits me well.

My first tour after my recovery was quite tough. It had been planned well in advance and could not be changed. First we performed concerts in Brussels and Antwerp and immediately afterwards did a tour of no less than three weeks in Mexico, America and Canada. That was actually too long. And I will no longer do that. Two weeks on tour from now on will be the maximum. But it was inevitable and luckily everything went very well. In Mexico we played four evenings for a sold out crowd. Every evening had ten thousand enthusiastic Mexicans. That was like taking a warm bath. In back of the stage, there was even a Maria altar. Many an artist kneels down there and prays prior to performing. But I just passed that by. I have to do it all myself anyway. The itinerary was a bit of a jumble. That was because we had to do a make-up concert in Toronto, which was cancelled this past summer due to a huge demonstration against the G-20 top conference. The concert hall was therefore simply just not accessible. Pierre accompanied me the entire tour. That was very nice. He functions as a sparring partner and support column. And together during that period, and via the webcam, we watched his children take their first steps.

This year there are a lot of interesting tours on the program. Up until February, we are touring primarily through Europe, just as always, in March we’ll return to South Africa, and in April we can finally go to England. That too had to be postponed, and the interest there has only been growing in the past few months. In May-June we will go to Australia and New Zealand and in June we will be in the ArenA in Amsterdam. And then in July, we’ll be on the Vrijthof again. The end of August will find us in Brazil, which has been moved up. It seems that the people there are very impatient in anticipation of our arrival. Someone over there opened a website, primarily to get me to go there. On that alone, 27000 people reacted. Unbelievable!!.

"Hello, I am not dead yet"

Marjorie and I together have created a new program which we have been playing since the beginning of this year. With lots of new pieces and compositions. Very nice. And then I am actually busy with a new film. At any rate, they are busy with it in Hollywood. Leon de Winter has written a wonderful script. He lives in Los Angeles and has visited us a few times. I composed very special movie music and Marjorie wrote very nice lyrics. In the coming months, de Winter will be speaking with production companies. He has produced several movies already. When there are enough financial guarantees, the project can get started this year. It will become a sort of a fairy tale movie. De Winter first wanted to make a movie about me, but I told him: "I am not dead yet". And I do not want to play a particular role either, but just myself. He has adapted the script to that. I am very curious.

André

Thanks to Ineke for sending this and John ©Translating it

Extra André Rieu Tour Date Added to Birmingham Arena

Extra UK 2011 Tour Date Added to Birmingham Arena 

MAASTRICHT, The Netherlands, January 19, 2011

2010's Biggest Selling Classical Artist Tours the UK for the First Time, Ever! Having outsold artists such as Cheryl Cole, Susan Boyle, JLS, Florence & The Machine, 2010's biggest selling classical artist, Andre Rieu, the Dutch violinist and conductor, brings his spectacular production to the UK for the first time.

Due to popular demand Rieu has added a second show at the LG Arena in Birmingham on Saturday, April 23 2011. Tickets for the second date added go on sale from 20th January 2011. Early booking is advised.

At last, adoring fans across the UK can see for themselves just why Andre Rieu is the most successful solo male touring artist in the world. A musical phenomenon, Andre Rieu and his touring production is unlike anything else in the entertainment world. Music fans can expect the experience of a lifetime when they attend the only classical concerts where the audience jump to their feet and dance in the aisles.

The stunning costumes and elaborate stage-sets add to the romantic and festive atmosphere Rieu creates. Conducting the Johann Strauss Orchestra with his violin bow - just like the composer himself - Rieu's onstage charisma and rock-star demeanour make his live shows simply irresistible.

Fully recovered from his illness, Andre said: "I am so thrilled and excited to finally be able to play in the UK & Ireland in April. I look forward to the most amazing concerts! Thank you all for your support and love, it has been the best medicine for my recovery! See you in April!"

Kicking off at Newcastle's Metro Radio Arena, Rieu - known as the 'King of the Waltz' and his Johann Strauss Orchestra, Choir and soloists, will visit arenas up and down the country.

Fans of Andre Rieu, who have already purchased tickets to the 2010 shows, will automatically be transferred to the new date as outlined below.

►Tuesday 19th Metro Radio April 2011 Newcastle Arena http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk
►Wednesday 20th April 2011 London The O2 http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk  
►Thursday 21st April 2011 Manchester MEN Arena http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk
►Friday 22nd April 2011 Birmingham LG Arena http://www.theticketfactory.com  
►Saturday 23rd April 2011 Birmingham LG Arena http://www.theticketfactory.com  
►Tuesday 26th April 2011 Dublin The O2 http://www.ticketmaster.ie  
►Wednesday 27th April 2011 Belfast Odyssey Arena http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Tickets for the second date added, 23rd April 2011 -Birmingham LG Arena go on sale from 20th January 2011. Early booking is advised.

Distributed by PR Newswire on behalf of André Rieu Productions

How To Get André Rieu Tenor Gary Bennett's Signed CD

Note From Gary Bennett on His Facebook

Just a reminder to all those who have bought my CD that an English translation is available to download from my Website www.gary-bennett.de.  Also a reminder that if you order a CD during the next few weeks I will be able to sign it for you.


Welcome to Gary Bennett
►www.gary-bennett.de

André Rieu Tenor, Béla Mavrak's New CD

Béla Mavrak: Platin Tenor in Cuba

BERLIN: The Platin Tenors ... Shortly after Gary Bennett's recent release of Schubert's "Winterreise" was underway, it brought Béla Mavrak to a warmer climate, in particular, Cuba ... not since the Wenders film "Buena Vista Social Club" (1999) has there been such a constant source of musical inspiration.

"Un soplo en el Aire" is the title of his album which was recorded with the assistance of the stars of Buena Vista & the Musicians of Termidor Orquesta Cuba. Excerpts of the recordings can be viewed on an accompanied DVD. The songs, which tenor Béla Mavrak personally selected, are not the typical Cuban popular songs, his selections go much further.

It contains arrangements by Charles Aznavour from Charlie Chaplin's "Lili Marleen" to "Besame Mucho", soundtracks (Nino Rota), pop songs (Ivo Robic) and original compositions. The tenor does not suffer from stage fright since he feels just as comfortable appearing on stage with Yehudi Menuhin as well as with André Rieu.

The album is being advertised as being exceptionally colorful: "The origional sound of Cuba is being combined with gentle hints of modern Western popular music, music from my country, and is supported by Indian rythem, Turkish drums and electric guitars with the Latin sound," says Mavrak, who was born in Austria in 1966 and grew up in Vojvodina (now part of Serbia), and who's own unique sound of classical coloratura will certainly bring out the negative results of the very purists of critics.

Mavrak is thwarting any common place expectations: He maintains his distance from a supposedly exuberant Caribbean joyful way of life, and relies more on a longing and melancholy sort of music which touches the heart and soul in the best possible manner.

Together with Gary Bennett from Australia and Thomas Greuel from Germany, Béla Mavrak is part of the successful Platin Tenors. Primarily through their performances with star violinist André Rieu have they made a name for themselves. These three, who individually do not have to complain about the lack of commitments and achievements, are on the road with Rieu throughout his World Tour.

Thanks to Ineke for sending the Berlin article and John for ©Translating it.

BÉLA MAVRAK: The great Yehudi Menuhin, with whom I had the honor of working together in 1999, shortly before he died, once said: "Singing is the mother tongue of all humanity." This remark by such a truly great yet unassuming man and musician touched me deeply and has influenced me to the present day.

Another source of inspiration and influence was my time alongside André Rieu, who gave me a unique opportunity to sing with his orchestra in front of an audience of tens of thousands and millions of television viewers in all five continents: an experience I am eternally grateful for. Thank you, André!

When I had the opportunity to select the tracks for this CD, I was keen to combine two things: the music I as a classical tenor have sung to people on stages all over the world in so many delightful years; and the original sound and authentic playing of the Buena Vista Social Club, which have been touching people's hearts for more than twenty years.

DVD includes video clips of the songs "Besame Mucho" , "Dos Gardenias", "My Little Pretty" and a "Making Of" documentary.

André Rieu Maastricht Concert Tickets Onsale Now!



André Rieu Concert Tickets for SATURDAY JULY 23rd are on Presale now to 'Gold Members'. (You should have received an email from André if you are a member). Public sale starts this Saturday, 15 January 2011 @ 10:00 AM, Central European Time. Watch André's Website for further information ... ►http://www.andrerieu.com/

Photo of Maastricht 2010 by Al Girard

The Harmony Parlor Wishes John a Happy Birthday!!!

A Very Happy Birthday To John!!

There are not enough words to thank John for all the hours he puts into The Harmony Parlor to bring all of us the News of André in English with his German and Dutch Translations!

We hope all your wishes come true today and that the coming year is filled with Health, Happiness and Beautiful Music!

Hartelijk Gefeliciteerd John!!

André Rieu's Gold Record From His Private Collection

Hanne With Gold Record From André's Collection

For André's Gold Record they were looking for an object with a value higher than EUR 1000,00. So I decided to offer them 4 candle holders made of Bronze. And yeahhhh, they took them and I get my Gold Record from André's private collection!! Hanne

Autographed CD from André Rieu Tenor Gary Bennett!

Get an Autograped CD From Gary Bennett!

For those of you intending to order my CD during the next few weeks. If you wish, I will write a personal dedication on the CD for you. Just send me a mail from my website ►www.gary-bennett.de at the same time as your order, with the name of the person to whom it is to be dedicated ... Gary Bennett

Note: Gary just posted this information on his Facebook Page. I'm posting it here for those of you who don't have Facebook and would like to take advantage of this! It's a great CD and now you can get it signed by Gary when ordering it.

Link to Gary's Website to order: ►www.gary-bennett.de

Hanne Wins Gold Record From André Rieu's Private Collection

Hanne New Years in Cologne

Some of you may have seen the post in our Guestbook from the German Television Station. It was written in German, so many of you may not know what it was. In an update, Hanne has explained that it is a contest ... and she won!! (She will send us a picture of her with it soon.) Here below is what Hanne wrote about it ...

For André's Gold Record they were looking for an object with a value higher than EUR 1000,00. So I decided to offer them 4 candle holders made of Bronze. And yeahhhh, they took them and I get my Gold Record from André's private collection!!

Now the team of the WDR must swap the candle holders into something else, of course with a higher value. In the end the proceeds will be spent on poor children ... Hanne

VIDEO of André Rieu Ice Sculptures in Maastricht

VIDEO of Ice Sculptures on The Vrijthof in Maastricht

On December 21st 2010 we went to Maastricht to see the ice sculptures. There we met the Brincat family from Malta: Anna, Joe and their son Andrew. Our granddaughter Natascha joined us. It was freezing cold and hot punch kept us warm! Click on the link to see the small video of it ... Ruud

►http://www.andrerieu-movies.com/ice_sculpture_2010.html#IceSculptures

Photos of André Rieu's New Year Concert

Richard and Linda are just back from their holiday and New Year's Concerts in Cologne. Click on the link to see some of their great pictures! ►http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&id=596525210#!/photo_search.php?oid=290887450975&view=all

Mirusia Louwerse Appearance in Drunen for New CD

For those who haven't seen this with the "English Subtitles", Mirusia's appearance in a small concert at the Dickens festival in Drunen is on Ineke and Ruud's site. ►http://www.andrerieu-movies.com/Mirusia_191210.html