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Jan 30, 2012

There is Snow in Maastricht Today!

If You Missed The Webcam Today, Snow on The Vrijthof!
André Rieu Cancels More Shows
The Telegraaf AMSTERDAM: André Rieu is still laid up in bed. The violin virtuoso would have given several concerts this week, but since Rieu still has the flu, these will not take place. The Maastricht citizen would have performed three times in Germany.   
Last week Rieu had already canceled two shows due to the flu. He had to cancel numerous performances last year due to a virus infection on his equilibrium ...  
(Concerts in Leipzig, Erfurt and Berlin now cancelled)
Thanks to John for this
We all wish André the best and that he is well soon. And that he continues to take care of himself.

Jan 28, 2012

Maastricht Bells a Wave of Sound on The Vrijthof

MAASTRICHT BELLS
Composition written by Greek and French conservatory students and their German Teacher
A WAVE OF SOUND ON THE VRIJTHOF

The Limburger by Ruud Maas: In order to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Maastricht conservatory, thousands of hand bells rang in the festivities yesterday on the Vrijthof. Quite a happy spectacle.  The largest hand and church bell concert in Europe ended on a rather cold day, but director Bart van Dongen received many outreaching hands of people who wanted to congratulate him on his recently completed achievement. Try and see how you can pull this off: keep fifteen hundred exuberant school children from school groups five to and including group eight quiet all while directing this horde for a twenty minute long music spectacle. But Van Dongen and the artistic leader of "Intro in Situ" were successful. He is very satisfied he said smiling while climbing down from his elevated podium.
Besides having whisper-quiet and concentrating children there, Van Dongen also had the sun working with him, along with hundreds of curious onlookers on the square. "It was a joy for all of us to make music together. I found it amazing to note the commitment." With white gloves - so he would be very visible to his eight flag bearers of the Maastricht Conservatory - Van Dongen directed the Maastricht Bells Composition. It was written by conservatory students Yannis Katirzoglou and Christos Chalnaridis, both from Greece, Frank Bovet from France and their teacher Robert Platz from Germany.
The gathered children each received a colored bell. These bells were manufactured in the eight tones of the music ladder and in eight colors, which in turn determined a specific box on the square with a corresponding flag bearer. The flag bearers, who receive instructions from the director through headsets, indicate to the children what is expected of them: to be quiet, ring the bells moderately in rhythm with the music or ring them exuberantly. (The newly minted musicians are best at the latter)
In the meantime city carillon player Frank Steijns is also playing the biggest mobile carillon, built on a truck. And in order to bring the sound wave to unprecedented levels another 250 church bells and several other carillons are also put into play. This campaign puts the cherry on top of the Maastricht Conservatory's birthday cake.
Apparently the often discussed title of Maastricht as the Cultural Capital of 2018 has already been placed on the Maastricht Bells. The children probably could care less, since they happily return home with a nice brightly colored hand bell. And how happy they are with them is apparent as they return in droves to their respective schools.
After having played for twenty minutes in a disciplined fashion, all restrictions are removed. And that can definitely be heard.

Thanks to John for the Translation of this Article

Jan 27, 2012

Criticism of The New Rieu Maastricht Dates


VRIJTHOF CONCERTS
Collaborating Hotels: Many rooms to be given up Theater: Changing performances
Criticism of The New Rieu Dates
MAASTRICHT - By Stefan Gybles: The Maastricht Hotel owners, united through the Collaborating Hotels Organization (SAHOT) criticized the changing of the Rieu concert dates towards the end of June. According to SAHOT, the hotels rooms for that particular period are almost booked solid. Furthermore, if Rieu decides to perform during the last weekend in June, there are only a handful of rooms still available, according to the president of the SAHOT organization, Antoine Scheerens. "He will be in conflict with the start of the Tour de France in Liège. Many hotels have already reserved rooms for this event" says Scheerens. 
Rieu performs on the Vrijthof the weekend of June 22nd. Should the ticket sales be successful, the orchestra leader would than possibly add the last weekend of June to his concert series. Rieu moved his concerts to the end of June due to his concert series in Brazil.
Scheerens says he is sorry there has been no discussion. "We built a good relationship with him, but it has become very one-sided with Rieu." Spokesperson for Rieu, Kerstin Cornelis says "It was not clear why there should have been a discussion." "We can not take everything into account. For us it was most important to find a date that would fit in our plans. To discuss that with every one you would lose focus." 
Also in the Theater on the Vrijthof, there was criticism, although less than with the hotel owners.The theater already had planned performances for that particular weekend, including one with the LSO (Limburg Symphony Orchestra). The restaurant part had also been reserved. "Not very nice, but that is the way it is" said business director of the theater Jos Spauwen. " We. together with the City Council are now in discussion with Rieu as to how we can resolve this problem.  
"The Tourist Information Office (VVV) has according to their spokesperson Janne Baetsen not received any complaints. "The fans who had reserved for July, we were able to rebook."
Thanks to John for Translating this for us

Jan 25, 2012

A Sick André Rieu Cancels Dortmund

A Sick André Cancels Dortmund
Dortmund, Flu Infection: the André Rieu concert for Thursday 26 January, in Dortmund's Westphalia Hall 1, as well as the Hanover concert on Wednesday, has been canceled due to illness. An early alternate date has not yet been disclosed. Tickets already purchased will remain valid. 
Because of a common flu infection, André Rieu has been placed on sick leave on Wednesday for the entire week by his doctor, one day before his scheduled concert on the 26th of January in Dortmund's Westphalia Hall 1. The performance in Hanover on 25 January has also been canceled. The tour organizer, along with the office of the star violinist, will look for replacement dates. These dates will be announced shortly. Tickets already purchased will remain valid. 
First, it was said that an alternate concert date for February or March would be announced shortly. But now other sources indicate that this could be as late as May. Further specific details have not yet been given by the concert Schoneberg, the organizers, since further discussions are still necessary. For Rieu's performance in the Westfalenhalle there are still plenty of tickets available. 
In addition, the waltz king is a regular guest in Dortmund. After his successful tour in 2011, a delighted André Rieu is looking forward to his tour in 2012: "The German public is a very loyal audience - I look forward to the lively atmosphere at my concerts every year in the large German Halls."

Thanks to John for Translating this for us!
And Get Well Soon André!!!
 

Jan 20, 2012

Rieu's Maastricht 2012 Concert Dates Released

For 8th Year In a Row Rieu Will Be in Maastricht
From Maastricht Aktueel: On Friday 22, Saturday 23 and Sunday, June 24, Andre Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra will give a series of outdoor concerts on the Vrijthof.
Dates and Times will be:
Friday, June 22, 2012, 21:00 CET
Saturday, June 23, 2012, 22:00 CET
Sunday, June 24, 2012, 21:00 CET
 
Tickets are on sale via:  www.andrerieu.com  VVV offices and all Primera, and will start 21 January @ 10:00 CET. (Central European Time) Gold member sales are currently in effect and will end 21 January @ 9:00 AM CET

It looked as though the concerts on the Vrijthof this year would not take place because of the overwhelming success in Brazil. "I think it is important to honor this annual tradition and have therefore decided to return from Brazil and change the eventual other concerts to a later time." According to Andre Rieu.

This year again Rieu will transform the famous square into a grand, romantic open-air concert hall with room for about ten thousand people. Fans can enjoy an unforgettable evening of captivating waltzes, classical music, operetta and musicals, to unique performances by Andre Rieu and his orchestra, famous soloists and special guest artists.

"We play all over the world, but I think it is always nice and special coming back to Maastricht. It's really a home game. Playing on the most beautiful square in the Netherlands for my friends, family and my grandchildren in the audience! " according to Rieu. "We have been busy with preparations. I divulge nothing, but this year we are making it a special festival, that's for sure!"

Thanks to John who was up at 4:30 in the morning to post this for all of us!!

Jan 19, 2012

André's Instrument From André Rieu Magazine

THE LEGEND TELLS IT ALL
André's Instrument From André Rieu Magazine
Is it acceptable to be nervous with a Stradivarius in your hands? This enthusiastic reporter was and quickly handed it back to our host, the Viennese violin master, Marcel Richters.
He was going to clean André Rieu’s Stradivarius today; an essential maintenance procedure that has to be performed now and then. But because this instrument has the allure of a Rembrandt, everything seems to be just that little bit different ...

Jan 18, 2012

Maastricht: Lovely Little Bells and Heavy Metal

Maastricht Bells with 250 church bells and 1500 children, the biggest hand bell concert ever.

Lovely Little Bells and Heavy Metal
Maastricht citizens with sensitive hearing beware: next week Friday hundreds of church bells and thousands of hand bells will be ringing. Maastricht bells: a huge and loud spectacle. 
The Limburger by Vickie Bartholomeus: It might sound strange, but he will be happy if he can get everyone to be quiet at the same time.That is going to be according to artistic leader Bart van Dongen of the "Intro in Situ" the biggest challenge. "If that works, I will be a very happy and proud person." Van Dongen is the director of the largest hand bell and church bell concert in Europe ever, which will take place on the Vrijthof next week. It is the opening of the jubilee year of the conservatory which will celebrate its fiftieth year.

At the same time is it a prelude to Maastricht as a Cultural Capital. Eight thousand small hand bells in rainbow colors were ordered from China, in all eight tones of the scales ladder. Approximately 1500 children will be ringing them as directed by colored flags. Simultaneously 250 church bells from 25 churches, the carillons of City Hall, the Servaas Cathedral and the private carillon in the Kleine Stokstreet will all be ringing. In addition "De Paltz’ will be placed on the Vrijthof: it is the largest mobile carillon built in a truck. Ten thousand kilos (22000lbs) of bronze bells.

"Now that’s some heavy metal," says city carillon player Frank Steijns laughingly. Conservatory students have written a composition for the Maastricht bells. A rough piece, which will be refined in place with improvisation. All the bell ringers are in contact with one another in order to stay in rhythm. 
Frank Steijn thinks it is formidable that children in this manner learn about music and cultural heritage."In earlier times, bells were the radio for the people. Just like 3FM now, previously they learned pieces like the "Vogelvanger" (Bird catcher) by Mozart from the carillon." How many decibels the Maastricht Bells will produce, he dares not to say, but the children will be issued earplugs. For security as well as an educational aspect: be careful with your hearing. "The only sad thing is that there is no place where you will be able to hear the entire composition, unless you are sailing above the city in a hot air balloon." Who knows, maybe that could still be arranged ... Thanks to John for finding this for us and Translating it.

Jan 17, 2012

André Rieu's Photography by Govert de Roos

A GOOD PHOTOGRAPHER FOLLOWS AT A DISTANCE, BUT
LEAVES YOU THE FREEDOM IN WHATEVER YOU WANT TO DO

In the meantime it has already been three years since Govert de Roos and I met each other. He was going to take photographs for the new CD cover. A nice collaboration developed and a few months later he told me he had a huge wish which he would like to discuss with me. Govert wanted to follow me for a year in order to learn to know the person behind the artist and above all, to photograph him. I knew him as a renowned photographer. Throughout his career he has just about photographed the entire Netherlands and many famous artists. I was immediately interested in his idea, but did tell him: "Under one condition! You can follow me for one year, but I cannot notice you anywhere around!" Govert looked at me strangely, but understood what I meant.  
A good photographer follows, at a distance, but leaves you the freedom in whatever you want to do. And if at some point it clicks, that then also produces some natural spontaneous snapshots. 
Believe me, when it does not click, no matter how good a photographer you are, it will just not work. Some sort of trust needs to develop, a friendship between the lens and the person. 
The nice thing about Govert is, that he is not only a fantastic photographer, but he is also a pleasant, quiet and cheerful person, who observed me very closely during the time he was with us, and because of that he knows, like no other, when at a certain point I feel my best which of course also makes me look my best. He has a particular image in his head, and once I am there, he takes one, maybe two photos. 
Govert de Roos is a real artist, a perfectionist, just like me, and he knows his profession like no other. I considered it a huge honor to be photographed and followed by him. One of his results became this wonderful glossy magazine, but he has created so many more wonderful things for us that there will be many more to follow.
André Rieu

Thanks to John for Translating this article for us

Great Uncertainty About Concerts of André Rieu on The Vrijthof


Great Uncertainty About André Rieu Concerts on The Vrijthof
January 17, 2011 Maastricht dichtbig Newspaper: There was a huge influx of messages on the Internet last week,in particularly the social media networks like Twitter and Face book: "Great uncertainty about the acclaimed concerts of Andre Rieu on the Vrijthof." These concerts would out of necessity have been advanced due unexpected successes of the stand-alone violinist in Brazil, where twelve concerts in the city of Sao Paulo were sold out in no time at all. It was reported that the interest was so great that it was envisioned to continue the concert series in this South American country into July, which would then automatically place the Vrijthof performances under pressure. 
The Maastricht Tourist Board received hundreds of telephone calls from concerned Rieu fans from at home and abroad, many who had arranged their holiday schedules to match with the weekends that the maestro would perform in his own city. What was true? And what was not? Were the concerts moved or were they - like a few suggested - not moved at all? Apparently no one, who knew the proper answer, could or would clarify this. The city municipality does not know, the tourist board does not know, the entrepreneurs of the Vrijthof don't, and least of all, André Rieu Productions.
Last Friday, the Mayor and the Maastricht superstar would give an explanation together. At least that was the assertion, but even that claim was wrong. Apparently the city of Maastricht is fed up with all the confusion about the moving of dates. Through Facebook the city tries to quell the rumors. There is only one thing clear and that is: that there is still no clarity, according to their rapid publication in both English and Dutch ... "In response to all reports about the concert of André Rieu in Maastricht on the Vrijthof: We have read your posts/messages. Once there is more clarity and the exact concert dates are known and definite, André Rieu Will publish the dates.
André rules Maastricht! We too will have to live with that rule for a while. As soon as more is known, we will pass that information on to you as soon as possible.
Thanks to Ineke for sending this and John Translating it!

Jan 13, 2012

Rieu Chief Operating Officer Frans Neus

Getting Acquainted With Chief Operating Officer
FRANS NEUS
Frans Neus’ mother was a stay at home Mom, who liked to sing operetta pieces during family festivities. As a small boy he listened bashfully to her voice underneath the table. He would continuously take the record with the famous "Radetzky March" out of the cabinet. Coincidence? Now he works with excessive energy behind the scenes to make Rieu’s dreams into an overwhelming success.

"There Are Three Complete Sets For Each Instrument And Decor" 
"I started to work for André on January first, 2001. Many facets of my work are very different and difficult to delegate; together with an entire team I do the ticketing, part of the logistics, marketing, the personnel department and visas. I also do legal matters, such as contracts for (guest) artists, CD/DVD contracts, publishing contracts and intellectual property rights. The logistics are unbelievable, as an example, we have three complete sets of every instrument and décor, which travel the entire world. A series of concerts in different countries requires a sophisticated approach. Transportation and accommodations for the orchestra and crew must be provided to perfection. When we travel less than 700 kilometers (420 miles) it is often more efficient to travel in our own very comfortable busses rather than going by airplane; the checking in and out, the security controls of personnel and baggage/instruments often requires too much time which in the end negates the gains we would have made had we flown.
When André performed an open air concert in front of the famous Schönbrunn Castle in 2006 in Vienna, an idea evolved in him to copy the castle. In 2007 the largest transportable décor and erectable stage was completed; a 125 meter stage, 150 square meter LED screens, two fountains, and two 600 square meter ice rinks. The first two performances would be by the end of December 2007 in Toronto in front of sixty thousand viewers. To ship this décor to other continents, more than one hundred sea containers are needed. Only large stadiums such as in Melbourne, Toronto, Paris and the Amsterdam ArenA are sheltering this unparalleled visual spectacle. Maastricht is our home port and there in 2005 we started a tradition of open air summer concerts on the Vrijthof. André always invents a surprise and we invite a mystery guest. Sometimes I experience stress, but relatively little goes wrong, and with an average of ten thousand tickets sold per concert, this makes André the best selling classical artist ever. He has a strong vision and wants to pass his passion for music on to the people, which is an upright and pure motive. Most of his earnings flow back into the music and productions. I have the talent as it were to take off in a helicopter and overview the entire picture, and organize everything so that the phenomenon André and his people are perfectly able to perform. You will never get accustomed to the end result; in a full house, I experience great positive emotions."  
Frans Neus was born in 1954 in Meerssen. He hails from a large Limburg family with eleven children. They all maintain an impressive family web site with genealogy and birthdates. He is married to his wife Anja and they have a son, Menno, and a daughter, Marthe.
Thanks to John for Translating this for us

Rieu Vrijthof Concerts Probably at The End of June

Rieu Vrijthof Concerts Probably at The End of June
A little bit more patience is required
Dates of André Rieu's Vrijthof concerts will probably be officially announced next week. Discussions with police are still ongoing as new dates will clash with the soccer finals (European Championships).
Earlier this week's announcement that today, (Friday) information would be provided about the Vrijthof concerts by André Rieu and the Maastricht Mayor Onno Hoes, has been moved to next week. According to a spokesperson of the city of Maastricht it has to do with further discussions which need to take place with the police, due to a very busy events calendar. 
It is very likely that the yearly concert series of André Rieu will take place earlier than depicted on the city of Maastricht's events calendar. There it is reflected that the performances of André Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra will take place between July 6th and July 15th. According to several sources, the Dutch musical export cannon would like to perform his Vrijthof concerts between June 22nd and 28th. During that period the European Championship soccer games will also take place and that is when a lot of Maastricht citizens go the the city center to follow the games.  
The plans to change the concert series to the end of June is favorable for André Rieu as it will make it possible for him to return to South America again in July. The successful sale of 12 concerts in Sao Paulo has not gone unnoticed in Rio de Janeiro. Several sources say that he is preparing a concert on the most famous beach in the world: the Copa Cabana. That is where the girls from Ipanima usually parade around and the Ronaldo's and Robinho's show off their ball virtuosity, and that is where André Rieu would give concerts for an unprecedented number of viewers. A unique and maybe a once in a lifetime possibility for the Maastricht citizen and his orchestra. 
For the hard core André Rieu fans the end of June is not a bad time either. The school holidays for the fans from the most southern part of Holland start the beginning of July. Then it will be nice to enjoy their favorite artist on the Vrijthof just prior to their vacation ...... Maybe next week the dates will be confirmed, who knows ...
 
Thanks to Ineke and John for Translating this together, as today is John's Birthday!

Jan 12, 2012

Rieu Wants To Perform His Concerts End of June

Rieu Wants To Perform His Concerts The End of June

The Limburger January 13, 2012 by Stefan Gybels
Maastricht--André Rieu wants to perform his Vrijthof concerts this year during the last two weekends in June. Rieu presented this proposal to the Maastricht city council, who is now looking at the possibility of changing the concerts.
In previous years the orchestra leader performed his highly visited concerts in July. This coming summer he would like to change due to his concert performances in Brazil. Rieu will perform in Sao Paulo from 29 May to and inclusive 10 June. Since ticket sales are so enormous there, he would like to return to South America a month later according to sources.  
According to reliable sources Rieu wants to conduct his Maastricht concerts during the weekend of 22 through 24 June. If the tickets sales are successful he also wants to include the following weekend of 29 June through 1 July.  
Of notice is that the concert on 22 June and that on 1 July might again interfere with the soccer match of the Dutch soccer team. On these days the quarter final and final of the European soccer championship are being played. In 2010 Rieu's concert clashed with the World Cup final, which at that time brought on the necessary discussions.  
The city council first wants to see whether the changing of concert dates will create too many problems or not, before they give their approval.
(This is the latest information available. As soon as we find out anything more we will post it here) We are still waiting for the News Conference ... Thanks to John for finding this and Translating it immediately for everyone ...
 

ANDRÉ RIEU To Be on CBS Good Morning Show!!

ATTENTION TO ALL USA FANS!!
NEWS From the "CBS Good Morning" show.

Last year his concert tour earnings were just behind Lady Gaga's but bigger than Justin Bieber's. With his orchestra, he has sold more than 30 million recordings. Any guesses on what musician we’re featuring this Sunday Morning? (January 15, 2011) ... We got some great guesses, and a few of you were right: it's ANDRÉ RIEU! We'll catch up with "the Waltz King" this Sunday Morning. Please join us!
 CHECK YOUR LOCAL TIMES FOR THE CBS SUNDAY MORNING SHOW THIS SUNDAY!!!

Jan 11, 2012

Maastricht Concert Tickets Go Onsale Friday 13th

ATTENTION MAASTRICHT CONCERT GOERS!
Maastricht Concert Ticket Sales Will Start This Friday!
This Friday sales will start for the concerts in Maastricht. Mega sales of tickets in Sao Paulo are making the Maastricht dates still uncertain ...
The concert dates for the André Rieu concert dates on the Vrijthof for this year are still unknown. Allthough ticket sales will start Friday, according to a spokesperson of the municipality in spite of uncertainty surrounding the concerts. Rieu and Mayor Onno Hoes will together provide an explanation on Friday.
Tickets for the annual concert of André Rieu Vrijthof have for quite some time been for sale in many ticket shops on the internet. The VVV also offers tickets for sale on its site. And indicates on its site: "In 2012 Andre Rieu will once again organizes the Vrijthof concerts in his hometown. Book your group package for this spectacle now!" When asked what can be ordered and especially for which date, the answer to that question however, remains a mystery to everyone. André Rieu Productions, the municipality of Maastricht, Maastricht Tourist and catering businesses of the Vrijthof could or did not want to give anyone an answer this week. It is not inconceivable that Andre Rieu wants to play as long as possible in Brazil. Indeed, sales of concerts in May and June this year are selling like hot cakes. Twelve concerts in Sao Paulo were sold out in no time. Sources report to the Maastricht Actueel that Rio de Janeiro also beckons. What do you think of a concert of the Maastricht citizen on the most famous beach in the world: Copa Cobana. Andre Rieu is hot news there in the land of the samba and the world's most famous violinist can greatly benefit from it all there next spring to early summer. 
As it looks right now Andre Rieu will give his last concert in Sao Paulo on June 10 this year. Should the series be extended, the start date of the next round would be July 6 - that is the date indicated on the events calendar of Maastricht - and will perhaps come under pressure. Tuesday Andre Rieu Productions ensured that the Maastricht citizen will absolutely again this year have his concert streak in his hometown on the Vrijthof. The dates, however, remain a little unclear. Also again on Friday Andre Rieu and Onno Hoes will give further details about the upcoming concerts, but the dates may still not yet be known. However, that day the ticket sales will start.
Thanks to John for Translating this for us as soon as he woke up!! :)
 

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Pierre and André September 30, 2016 Maastricht

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Photo Taken at Mexico City Concert ~ September 2013

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"Hello to all my fans on The Harmony Parlor!"


Soundcheck in Maastricht 2013 (RTL Photo)



Maastricht 2012 ~ "André on The Theater Steps" by Bee

Maastricht 2012 ~ "André and Pierre on The Theater Steps" by Bee

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