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►Click on Photo To See and Hear Nightingale Serenade

Oct 31, 2012

Oct 30, 2012

André Rieu Returns to Australia in 2013


André Rieu Returning To Australia!!
October 31, 2012: He’s one of Australia’s favorite artists and also calls our land his second home. We’re delighted to announce André Rieu will be back in Australia. 
More Details Later in The Week!!

Oct 28, 2012


André Rieu at Limoges, France October 23, 2012

Oct 25, 2012

André Rieu's Birthplace Refurbished



"Rieu House" Refurbished
MONUMENT: The Meuse Valley Housing Association converts a dwelling near the Poort (Gate) Waerachtig into two apartments by John Hoofs. 
Near the Poort Waerachtig, inside the city walls, the final tasks are being completed on a full refurbishment of a monumental building on the Jeker, the birthplace of André Rieu.
The contractor is a somewhat strange owner: the housing association "Meuse Valley." Corporations sometimes have a portfolio whereby one sometimes raises his eyebrows. It was once in bygone times, purchased and then sometimes the question arises as to what to do with such a strange duck. Thus the housing association Meuse Valley owned a monument near the Poort Waerachtig, a large white house on the Jeker where André Rieu saw light for the first time on October 1, 1949.

What should a corporation now do with such a property? Property Manager Camiel Kruchten does not know when the Meuse Valley Association took possession of the property. What he does know though is that such a monument reflects on the identity of the corporation. Not only to provide people with small budgets suitable housing, but also maintaining valuable monuments in the city.

Kruchten: "That is something that characterizes us: community involvement." The Meuse Valley Association had to think as to what to do with the dilapidated and damp monumental building when the last occupant, the mother of the world famous violinist left. To start with: it needed to be presented in a socially responsible manner. This also included as to whether it could be converted into a youth hostel. Eventually it was decided to refurbish the dwelling with the assistance of a sheltered employment force. 
It was selected to be used as commercial rental property. The large building, about 350 square meters (3767 square feet) of floor space, was divided into two apartments. They have already been rented, even though they still need to be completed. The completion is in full swing, with next week the garden. The rent is around 1500 Euros per month, and based on a cost analysis "For that location it is justifiable." (Note: The Jeker is a small river running through Maastricht and alongside André’s birthplace.) 
Thanks to John for The Article and Translating it for us!

Oct 24, 2012



André Rieu's Christmas Concert film 'Home For Christmas' will be screened for one night only in cinemas across the UK and Ireland at 5pm on Saturday November 24th. With the rapidly approaching holiday season, André Rieu invites you to his home for a festive Christmas Concert. 
The "Home for Christmas" concert is filmed primarily at Rieu's house, a romantic medieval castle in his hometown of Maastricht in The Netherlands. Together with his Johann Strauss Orchestra, soloists and choir, André performs 26 holiday classics in his snowy, beautifully decorated garden and Saint Pieter Church across the street from his home. 
"Home for Christmas" includes special guest performances by The Royal Choir Society Mastreechter Staar, The Sjamaes Children's Choir and 10 year old ballerina Rosa. The romantic celebration of Christmas, ranges from Christmas classics to emotional ballads. André commented, "I would never be away from my family around Christmas – especially now since I can enjoy the glowing faces of my grandchildren and their excitement when they see the Christmas tree and the gifts waiting underneath. I travel around the world for the whole year working hard to bring music and joy to my audiences and fans but I am always home for Christmas". 
Exclusively for cinemas, André Rieu will take part in a live satellite Q&A and conversation with his fans across the UK and Europe, before introducing Home for Christmas. This very special event will be hosted by Charlotte Hawkins, and will give fans a chance to interact with the ‘King of Waltz’ like never before.Rieu's celebration of Christmas is just what you need to get into the festive spirit.

Oct 23, 2012

André Rieu 2013 USA/Canada Tour



International Superstar André Rieu Announces US and Canada Dates

MAASTRICHT, Netherlands, Oct. 23, 2012 /CNW/ - Violin master Andre Rieu, one of the best-selling live acts in the world, is returning to the U.S. and Canada with a brand new show. Rieu will hit Florida, The west coast and Vancouver and kicks off March 7 in Orlando's Amway Center. The upcoming dates will be part of Rieu's international "And The Waltz Goes On Tour", named after his successful album for which he collaborated with Sir Anthony Hopkins. 
On October 30, 2012, Andre Rieu is releasing Home For The Holidays on CD, DVD, and Blu-ray. Home For The Holidays features two hours of Christmas-themed music, filmed and recorded in a winter wonderland setting designed by Rieu himself in his hometown of Maastricht, Holland. With American fans in mind, holiday classics such as O Come All Ye Faithful, Silent Night, Jingle Bells and White Christmas were recorded in locations decorated with thousands of lights and glitter. 
And just in time for the holiday season, a spectacular one-hour television broadcast will air in November and December on stations across the U.S., featuring select footage from the Home For The Holidays DVD 
André Rieu "And The Waltz Goes On" Tour North America 2013 
March 7, 2013 Orlando, FL Amway CenterMarch 8, 2013 Tampa, FL Tampa Bay Times Forum
March 9, 2013 Ft. Lauderdale, FL BB&T Center
March 11, 2013 Phoenix, AZ Comerica Theatre
March 12, 2013 San Diego, CA Valley View Casino Center
March 13, 2013 Ontario, CA Citizens Business Bank Arena
March 14, 2013 Los Angeles, CA Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE
March 15, 2013 Sacramento, CA Power Balance Pavilion
March 16, 2013 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion at San Jose
March 18, 2013 Portland, OR Rose Garden Arena
March 19, 2013 Seattle, WA KeyArena at Seattle Center
March 20, 2013 Vancouver, BC Rogers Arena
Tickets go on sale on Friday October 26th at 10am 
More info via: http://www.andrerieu.com Also check www.ticketmaster.com for pre-sales starting 24 Oct at 10 AM

Oct 21, 2012


"Photo of Sanne Mestrom by Frank Steijns"
For those who don't have it, Sanne posted this on her Facebook yesterday.

Oct 20, 2012

André Rieu Took South America by Storm



Even the Samba fans are lying at his feet
André Rieu Took South America by Storm
The few months when he was out of circulation due to his vestibular problem, were by no means influential in the enormous popularity of André Rieu. After Europe, North America and Australia, the violinist and orchestra leader has now definitely conquered South America.
At the beginning of this month, André Rieu, together with Anthony Hopkins, were standing on stage in the Royal Albert Hall in order to receive the Classic Brit Award for the album "And the Waltz Goes on" for which the British Actor wrote a piece. Hopkins used that occasion to show his admiration for the violinist and orchestra leader by stating, "André is a great musician, a fantastic showman and a wonderful violinist." And people in South America agree with that. Rieu, together with his renowned Johann Strauss Orchestra were able to totally conquer the lovers of the samba and mariachi music. I have always said, "If and when we go to Brazil, it will explode there." And this "explosion" aided Rieu immensely with his incredible success. This "explosion" encompassed as many as thirty sold out concerts in a row in Sao Paulo. No single artist has been able to achieve that. Approximately 200.000 tickets were sold, while within a single year twice as many CD’s have been sold. "A show with hallucinating moments" headlined a huge Brazilian newspaper. One fan after the show was shouting, "This show is a gift from God! Outrageously beautiful." The audience was entranced by the beautifully dressed musicians. Reviewers spoke of "the Disney like" pink, light blue and salmon colored dresses. But Rieu did not really touch the Brazilian emotions until he performed his classic version of the pop song "Ai Se eu Te Pego", a world hit by Brazilian Michael Telo.
Illegal: "The Brazilian public was fantastic" said Rieu reflecting back. "They had to wait a long time before we finally arrived to do a live performance. That it would turn out to be thirty concerts, no one would have dared to dream that." This Brazilian fairy tale is not yet finished. In April the Johann Strauss Orchestra will fly to Rio de Janeiro. And for the end of 2013 there are apparently a series of Christmas shows in the planning for Sao Paulo. The success in Latin America did not just come falling out of the sky. DVD’s and CD's have of course found their way to fans in Columbia, Mexico, Argentina and Brazil. But to organize a series of concerts, with approximately one hundred musicians and technicians, and then fly half way around the world, is a bit more complicated. That is why Rieu first and very carefully tested the waters in Mexico, where the 62 year old musician and his Johann Strauss Orchestra now feel at home. But Mexico had a surprise in store for him. "I was dumb founded" said André after one of his concerts in Mexico City. "When we thought, "Let’s try Mexico first", I seemed to be already famous there on the streets!" Pirate versions of his DVD’s and CD’s being offered everywhere in stands, seemed to have boosted his concert ticket sales enormously. Outside the concert halls, son Pierre filmed the shameless vendors selling their illegally begotten wares to the public. "They even wanted me to autograph them" he said laughing. 
Music Prize: The illegal sales did simply not keep Rieu from implementing his official sales in Mexico towards the end of 2011. In total he performed eight concerts in Guadalajara, Monterey and Mexico City. Approximately 70,000 spectators came to watch the violin virtuoso, including famous musicians like Armando Manzanero. This series of concerts yielded him a nomination for the Lunas Award, the prestigious music award for the best live performance in Mexico. Previously Elton John and Paul McCartney won this prize. On October 31, only Placido Domingo seems to be a serious contender for this trophy. The Limburg citizen is not surprised at all with his success in South America. "The kind of music I play is accepted all over the world. From the Eskimo’s to the Aborigines. As long as you open yourself up to the music. We play with all our heart and that the people in the hall notice that. My orchestra members and I are there because we enjoy it. Our happy faces are not put on, that is why there is a good interaction with the audience. And that works everywhere.
Thank you to John for Translating this and Ineke for sending it. 

Oct 19, 2012

Brazilian Carla Maffioletti Shines in Rieu Shows


Brazilian Carla Maffioletti Shines in Rieu Shows  
Weekend Gezet: Most know Brazilian soprano Carla Maffioletti primarily through her concerts with André Rieu. Although she performed in 24 sold out concerts in her native Brazil with Rieu, she considers Maastricht as her home. 
Carla Maffioletti possesses both the Brazilian and Italian nationality. The latter she owes to her Italian father. She began her musical career by playing classical guitar. Her vocal qualities were discovered during her guitar studies by Brazilian soprano Neyde Thomas. "In Rio de Janeiro I was doing a master class with Mia Besselink, who hailed from Maastricht. We clicked right away. I was subsequently invited to continue my studies at conservatories in the United States, Karlsruhe and Maastricht. Since I clicked with Mia I chose Maastricht, a place I only knew in name only, through the European Convention. 
In 1998 she started her opera studies at the Conservatorium Maastricht and while there came in contact with André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra, with which she did a project and recorded a CD. "A nice experience. I had already returned to Brazil, when Rieu called me and asked if I would like to travel the world with him as a soloist. That was in 2000."
Home Sick
"I was happy for more than one reason: I was homesick for Maastricht. I'm from Porto Alegre, a city of millions, but still small in Brazilian standards. Maastricht is nice and compact, intimate, cozy. Moreover, Rieu carries Maastricht with gusto all over the world. He had made Maastricht known worldwide. "Carla Maffioletti feels that Limburg is a very musical province. "There are a lot of bands, brass bands, drum bands, choirs and other musical ensembles. 80% of the people here make music one way or another: That is wonderful! Here I feel at home." Maffioletti speaks seven languages, including Dutch. She understands the Maastricht dialect completely, but does not dare to speak it. 
Permanent Job
Rieu offered her a permanent job, which she accepted. "It's a great orchestra, which also takes you all over the world. But at some point or another you want to do something for yourself. Luckily that is allowed with Rieu. "I became a free lancer and we see what we can do together and where we each go our own way. Just take those performances in Brazil which of course I did not want to miss. At least 30 impressive shows in my home country for large, full halls, I have been waiting for that for over ten years. " With Rieu’s Johann Strauss Orchestra she recorded numerous workings on CD’s and DVD’s, which were aired worldwide by the great TV stations, and also made her as a soloist, famous."Rieu always says my name when I sing a solo." Since 2009 Maffioletti is also connected as a soloist with the opera in Giessen, where she performs in the roles of such as Papagena and Queen of the Night (Die Zauberflöte), Olympia (Hoffmanns Erzählungen) and Valenciennes (The Merry Widow). Recently she made her debut as the Contessa Boissy by the Brazilian composer Carlos Gomes. And also plays as Barbarina in Le Nozze di Figaro. 
Mandolin
Since 2008 she has been part of Mandolin ensemble "The Strings" from Stein. "I myself play the classical guitar. Leonique Hermans from "The Strings" played mandolin solo in one of the Rieu concerts on the Vrijthof and introduced me to the ensemble." She has sung with the men’s choir Sittard, men’s choir "Mignon", the Kerkrade Symphony Orchestra, with brass and marching bands, the salon orchestra "Da Capo and Voces Vocales," contributed in the recording of the album of the Sweykhuizer Men’s choir and more. In short, she is completely at home in Limburg 
Carla Maffioletti remains a solo artist, in January, for example as an opera singer in Switzerland. She will also continue to perform as a guitarist, but will never permanently leave Rieu. "Team Rieu has become such a large part of my life." Meanwhile, there is also her first solo album, "Blue bird", on which she herself sings and plays guitar. She is accompanied by the mandolin orchestra "The Strings" and members of the Johann Strauss Orchestra ("JSO Friends"). It has thus become a pure Limburg product although the album contains mostly a classical and Brazilian repertoire. "As to pop and popular songs, I will not venture into them too quickly."
Text: Bert Salden/Photo: Wim Langohr Thanks to John for the Translation
 

Oct 13, 2012

André Rieu Invites Fans To His Castle

So nicely lives the world star from Maastricht
André Rieu Invites Fans To His Castle

October 12, 2012 Weekend Magazine: André Rieu protects his private life very well, but for his upcoming concerts he will be making an exception. Early July 2013, fans will be welcomed in the beautiful castle where he and his wife Marjorie reside. For such a visit there is a very a special price attached ... 
Where previously everyone in the world knew who Johan Cruijf was, that now holds true for André Rieu. The Maastricht citizen is a real world star and together with pop stars Madonna and Lady Gaga is in the top 10 of most attended concerts. But with the Netherlands, however, he maintains a very special bond, mainly because here is where his success started. That is why he always keeps several days free in his schedule so he can perform concerts at home, in his city of Maastricht. 
The days for 2013 are already known. He will again be entertaining his audiences on the Vrijthof with his Johann Strauss Orchestra and special guests. Specifically for his fans, Rieu has made special packages available to the program, which includes a visit to his castle or studio. With this VIP package there will be a good seat near the podium, a drink after the concert and a four course dinner with the Maastricht Salon Orchestra is included, and an overnight stay in the exceptional Kruisheren Hotel, which is within walking distance from the Vrijthof. Whoever would like to take a peek in André Rieu’s castle will have to dig deep into their pockets as the total arrangement costs no less than 789 Euros per person.
Winter Atmosphere
André Rieu and his wife bought the castle several years ago when he was still at the beginning of this world fame. Marjorie Rieu was afraid they would not be able to afford it, but André knew for sure everything would be just fine. "Huis de Torentjes" (House the little Towers) which is the official name for the castle is located on the southern slope of the St. Peters Mountain at the edge of Maastricht. To which towers the name refers is not exactly clear. In the 16th and 17th century, the house was named after its then owners, the Beisel or Spreeuwarttoren. It was built on the ruins of a medieval house from 1294 and was known then under the name of Bevors from Beaufort, who were then the current residents. In the beginning of the 15th century, the dwelling was destroyed and afterwards rebuilt. Throughout the centuries it was used as a vineyard, villa and farm. Now it is the home of Rieu and his family. Moreover, fans have already been able to see the director’s house.* Last year, special recordings were made in and around the castle for a Christmas special for the German TV station ZDF. These recordings were made in the middle of summer. They worked with all their might for days to transform the gardens and the interior of the world star’s castle into a winter atmosphere. Even the roofs were covered with a layer of artificial snow, while in reality it was midsummer. The audience* was asked to arrive dressed in winter clothing, and also the orchestra arrived all bundled up through the artificial snow, while the temperatures that evening outside were high in the 20’s (C or 80’s F). Thousands of lights, Christmas trees and even a real Santa ensured that is was really Christmas during that summer. The finishing touches were the serving of mulled wine and hot chocolate milk, while everyone was dying for a cool glass of wine or cold soft drink.
The Happiest Man
These special images can also be seen on the DVD "Home for Christmas" which will be released on 22 October. "During the holidays, I am always at home, especially now since I can enjoy the excited faces of my grandchildren when they see the Christmas tree and the presents underneath it. I travel all year long, but at Christmas I am really at home". On this DVD and a similar CD is a special composition called "December Lights." André wrote the piece himself and was inspired through the encounter with his Marjorie in the wintry streets in Brussels. "I was a poor young student studying the violin at the conservatory. Despite the material inconveniences the company of such a great person made me the happiest man in the world" according to André. 
Note* The audience and/or fans participating in this DVD special were relatives and friends of André Rieu Productions.
Thanks to Ineke for sending this and John Translating it for us. 

Oct 7, 2012

New André Rieu USA Concert Dates

New Concert Dates André Rieu USA Tour 2013
PHOENIX Arizona: Comerica Theatre Monday March 11, 2013 at 7:30 p.m
SACRAMENTO California: Power Balance Pavilion (Former "Arco Arena") Friday March 15, 2013 at 8:00 p.m.


Oct 5, 2012

André Rieu on The Red Carpet at The Classic Brit Awards

Oct 4, 2012

André Rieu Fan Goes To Classic Brit Awards!

Enjoy The Classic Brit Awards With Stephanie!
I got into London about 1:30, checked in my hotel and then walked down to Royal Albert Hall in the wind and rain battling my brolly (umbrella). Just thinking of the things we do go see André Rieu, we are bonkers! It only took 10 minutes, so I knew it would be fine to walk down in the evening. I wandered around, did not see a truck or a bus there so thought maybe they had gone back to their hotel, but saw later on twitter that they were still there!! I spotted the stage door, most important and the red carpet was already laid. 
I went back to hotel to relax, shower and get ready. Adele said she would be there about 6:45, so I thought I would go down 6:15-6:30. There I am in my finery and its raining AGAIN. Still battled with the brolly (umbrella) and got around the railing and sat on the side of the red carpet. I saw Rhydian (for those who do not know, he is a welsh baritone who found fame on UK X Factor 2007, Very good) arrive. Followed closely by the amazing Andrea Bocelli. I noticed they closed the gate then so I asked someone if they had seen André Rieu arrive and they said he was one of the first to go in about 5:15. He did not look at or wave to anybody even although people shouted at him. 
A few minutes later Adele arrived and found me, she introduced me to her friend Olive and her lovely hubby Maurice. We waited outside for a while for Olives friends to arrive and then went and took a couple of pics at the classic brits billboard, then went to get our seats a little before the start, looked pretty full up. Good seats with a good view. Had a good scan of the tables to see if we could spot AR or any of his team but no. Did keep looking as well. 
Andrea Bocelli opened the show with a fantastic rendition of Amazing Grace, I have never heard it sung so well, he is fabulous!! Then it was the first award followed by a spectacular performance of "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" and "The Phantom of The Opera", both singers were absolutely outstanding. More awards and time flew by ... before we knew it, it was interval time. 
Just before this I had noticed someone at a table that looked like Pierre sitting next to a grey haired man and dark haired lady. As the lights came on, he stood up and yes it was Pierre with Sir Anthony and his wife! At last we knew the table he would be sitting at!! We took a peep in during the interval and the stage was being set up for André Rieu. (I went to the loo before we went back to our seats and the call came for 5 minutes!!! The bit I did not want to miss was going to start with out me!) Made it back in plenty of time and the orchestra was on stage in semi darkness with André in the wings doing his caged tiger impression, pacing back and forth looking very nervous as usual. 
Myleen introduced him and he got the loudest cheer of the night!! Obviously a lot of fans there. He played "Roses From The South" fantastically as always. Some people clapped along and many were swaying ... he looked very well and very slim. He got a tremendous applause at the end!! A bit surprising, only one piece was played. 
As the next award was being introduced, André appeared in front of where we sitting to make his way to his table. (wearing his Stage Suit and glasses, Wow !! Just love that look). At the table was also Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. The rest of the awards went on, John Williams getting Life Time Achievement Award, a medley of his music was played and clips of the films were shown, very enjoyable. 
Then it's the BIGGIE!! The one we were waiting for. Alan Titchmarsh came on the stage to announce the nominations, (André removed his glasses at this point) as Alan Titchmarch read out the nominations, André's got the loudest cheer again!! Finally the winner was announced, YES he did it!! "The award for Album of the Year goes to ANDRE RIEU!!!" Massive, Massive Cheers went up for him. Probably Adele and I being the loudest!! (I had been told off for using my flash by this time! Even although they were going off all the time) Cannot remember most of what he said, but he did point out Sir Anthony who stood up for a round of applause. He went off to back stage, then one more piece was played and that was it, over for another year. The time flew by. 
We made our way out and to the stage door in the hope of spotting him, lots of people around the stage door but I noticed a sign that directed Artists to another door, so I said to Adele to keep her eye on the stage door and I will watch the other one. There were lots of Mercedes with blacked out windows around at this point. I spotted Johan through the glass door and yelled to Adele! André got mobbed to autograph things, so I flew around the other side of the car and he had his back to me. 
I called out his name and put my program (already opened to the correct page) under his nose, he signed it and I said thank you. 
Then he turned and looked at me with his little smile ... when those amazing eyes lock on you even if it's for seconds, it is like warm sunshine or the bubbles from champagne hitting the back of your throat and the butterflies arrive in your tummy ... just magic. And it makes you feel light headed for hours!! Johan and Pierre finally managed to get him in the car, but I could not see anything due to blacked out windows. Adele and I both waved like mad as they drove off ... 
A fantastic end to a fantastic night ... A massive thanks to Adele and Maurice for their kindness and for taking me back to my hotel. It took a couple of hours until I could sleep though ...



An Interview with Carla Maffioletti



Carla's Dreams!
An Interview with Carla Maffioletti 
The Limburger October 3, 2012 - Opera singer Carla Maffioletti was born in the Brazilian metropolitan city of Porto Alegre. She possesses the Italian as well as the Brazilian nationality and she speaks seven languages. She first studied classical guitar before she developed her talents as a soprano. André Rieu discovered her while studying at the Maastricht conservatory. She has been part of the Johann Strauss Orchestra for the past 10 years. In addition, she is a member of the mandolin ensemble "The Strings" from Stein. 
An Emotional Reunion With Brazil 
For me the Sao Paulo concerts were very emotional. For the first time since I joined the Johann Strauss Orchestra, my father Carlos was in attendance. He normally does not travel, but this time the performances were in my home country. I blinked away a few tears! His presence meant everything to me!"

For over two years she worked on her first own album. Soprano Carla Maffioletti, from André Rieu's Johann Strauss Orchestra, stands with "Blue Bird" on her own legs.
 A discussion about family ties, ambitions and unfulfilled dreams. 
Thirty sold out concerts in the Brazilian metropolitan city of Sao Paulo. Carla Maffioletti  cannot stop talking about the André Rieu and JSO performances in the South American country of her birth. It was not only the enthusiasm of the fans that touched her deeply. Her 66 year old father Carlos Maffioletti saw his daughter sing live for the first time in ten years in the company of the famous conductor’s orchestra! She wells up with emotions when she tells the story. "Daddy would rather not travel, so he has never been to one of my performances. My entire family was in the first row, included little nephews and nieces." Tears roll down her face. The comparison with Princess Maxima, who had to miss her father Jorge Zorreguieta on her wedding day to crown prince Willem-Alexander is very similar. Certainly emotional in every aspect. 
"In the past I have often wished that he would have been there", she said. "I experience a lot with the JSO and those experiences you wish to share with your loved ones. Mother has been to my concerts before. I am so happy that my father was finally able to see me perform too. For the soprano, the homecoming was in every aspect, very successful. Currently she is only able to see her family once or twice every two years. Often we are on tour and I have been living in the Netherlands now for 14 years. After my studies at the conservatory in Maastricht, I went back for a while to my place of birth, the city of Porte Alegre in the South of Brazil. That was quite an adjustment again! From the burgundian city of Maastricht to a metropolis of 3 million people. The unsafe feeling of being out at night. Unable to quietly ride my bike through the city ... No, I prefer Maastricht. It is a lot quieter there. She is happy living in the Limburg capital.

With "Blue Bird" Carla intends to show that she can hold her own. "When you are young, your head is filled with dreams. To have my own album was one of my wishes. That has now been accomplished. I am proud of that." Although she is rooted in the opera world, Carla Maffioletti would also likes to discover pop music. On the "Blue Bird" CD she sings her favorite arias, but Carla also has fourteen new self composed pieces, which she would like to release in the future. "It is a combination of pop, jazz, samba and bossa-nova. Brazilian artists are currently very popular in Europe. I like to do something with the songs, but let's first see what "Blue Bird" will do. I am very curious what people think of the CD."
 
Currently she does not have much time to work on her own pieces. There are tours scheduled with André Rieu to France, Germany, England, and Belgium. And in January she has her own opera project scheduled in Switzerland. "Some day I would also love to perform in Liége’s opera house. It is close by and a nice place to sing in." Although Carla Maffioletti travels the entire world, she loves to come home. "I don’t see my home all that often any way. We are normally gone for about six months out of the year. Then it is just nice to be able to cook and live in your own familiar surroundings. Returning from a tour I often need a week to readjust. And then the routine starts all over again: doing laundry, ironing, and packing suitcases. But I feel privileged that I am allowed to experience all this. André Rieu took me in ten years ago during an audition. I had to leave my family behind, but in return I have also received a lot of beauty."
The "Blue Bird" album, with well known aria’s from operas and operettas

Carla Maffioletti has worked for more than two years on her first album, named "Blue Bird". On this CD she recorded her favorite arias from operas and operettas and also a number of instrumental compositions. The soprano, who is also trained on the classical guitar, received support from the mandolin ensemble "The Strings" from Stein and several guest musicians from the Johann Strauss Orchestra. Since 2007 in addition to performing with André Rieu, she is also part of the "The Strings". "The mandolin is an instrument with a beautiful sound. I have been playing the classical guitar for years. Also with the ensemble. If ever I have but a little bit of time, I am always present at the rehearsals." She thinks the CD is a nice adventure. "I look upon it as a business card. I have indeed chosen the compositions which I personally like, but my audience is also very important. I have not lost sight of that. In the first place, "Blue Bird" must be an album for people who follow my work." 
She learned a lot during the recordings. I have done almost everything myself. Did André Rieu assist me in any way? He is constantly giving me tips. In that aspect I am like a sponge and soak up all his advice. André tells me in which manner I should tackle things. He, like no one else, knows how important it is to make your own music. In his orchestra, several musicians are busy with their own projects. It is nice that we are afforded the chance. He certainly contributes in your development as a musician."
Thanks to John for the Article and John and Ineke Translating it 

Oct 2, 2012


André and Anthony Hokins Live on The Red Carpet at Brit Awards Right Now!
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UPDATE: ANDRÉ WON !!
THE CLASSIC FM ALBUM OF THE YEAR AWARD GOES TO ANDRÉ RIEU!
(And The Waltz Goes On)

Oct 1, 2012

André Rieu to Release HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS


André Rieu to Release HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS in US
October 1, 2012: André Rieu, the world’s most popular classical musician known for his energetic and festive live concerts, is releasing HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS in the U.S. on October 30, 2012, on CD, DVD, and Blu-ray™.

The HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS DVD features two hours of Christmas-themed music, filmed and recorded in a winter wonderland setting designed by Rieu himself in his hometown of Maastricht, Holland.


Just in time for the holiday season, a spectacular one-hour television broadcast will air in November and December on stations across the U.S., featuring select footage from the HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS DVD.

André Rieu is one of the best-selling live acts in the world. Billboard ranked his 2011 tour as the ninth highest grossing of the year, just behind Lady Gaga, and his popularity continues to grow with more than 30 million albums sold worldwide. His world stadium tour is second only to U2’s 360 Tour in terms of scale and scope, as he toured the globe with a replica of the Viennese Schonbrunn castle to which he added fountains and two full-size ice rinks, making it the biggest stage in the world. His concerts are known for their festive atmosphere, where fans are encouraged to get out of their seats and dance in the aisles.

CLICK ON LINK BELOW TO CONTINUE READING ALL ARTICLES ON THE HARMONY PARLOR!!

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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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