The signing of the official Abdication document today.
The New King of The Netherlands!
Soundcheck today Mirusia's
Twitter. "Notice my Orange pants and
André's Orange Blazer!"
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Tomorrow evening on the Museum square in Amsterdam, André Rieu will pay homage to the new King Willem-Alexander with his "Coronation Waltz." "I am quite nervous, because it is a huge honor to close the festivities in the Capital City."
The Limburger: April 29 by Peter van de Berg - The chance that the "Coronation Waltz" of André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra will be sung along tomorrow evening on the Museum Square in Amsterdam, in contrast to the official "King’s Song" by John Ewbank, will be extremely great. The composition in reality is instrumental, but the lyrics of the pieces used are virtually known by everyone. This past week André Rieu has been rehearsing with his orchestra quite a lot in his studio in Maastricht, for the very important performance in the Capital City. In the meantime he has also experienced the commotion about the especially composed song by John Ewbank. "At this moment there are very more important issues in the Netherlands to be dealt with than the controversy about this song. I would have done it differently, but that is a question of taste. John Ewbank received an assignment, and due to that his hands were tied. And artists do not like that. That’s why I understand his reaction very well."
Rieu’s "Coronation Waltz" starts off very stately, but quickly changes happily into well known melodies such as "Orange on High" and Piet Hein and the silver fleet. It would be very odd if the masses on the Museum Square, with several alcoholic beverages behind their molars, would not automatically raise their arms in the air during the King’s Ball. "I immediately decided to keep it simple with melodies everyone knows. That is my way of doing things. It has to become a party. But there will probably also be some emotional moments. It would not surprise me if occasionally a tear was shed." Rieu addresses the song "Time to Say Goodbye" which is portrayed as a symbol to bid farewell to Queen Beatrix. During it, the concert images which were recorded earlier during the Royal Inauguration will be projected on the big screens. Didn’t he want to present during the ceremonies in the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church)? "Tuesday I am going to concentrate on the performance. And I always do that in the same manner by resting. And in between we are busy with the actual images. There is plenty to do." That André Rieu was invited by Mayor Eberhard van der Laan to close the festivities on the Museum Square, was for him an enormous honor. And in the meantime the stand-alone violinist from Maastricht has been performing concerts all over the world. "I am proud that I am allowed to perform against the backdrops of the Concert building and the Rijksmuseum. History is being formed on a very special day. And that is something you do not experience every day."
Photo from Bela's Facebook Today
It was first the intention that Rieu would erecthis Greek Temple stage (the stage he always uses at his Vrijthof concerts) in Amsterdam. "That actually never happened. Everything had to be donated and that was just not possible. But a nice solution arose with a nicely decorated stage where you see the Rijksmuseum as a backdrop."
Photo from Carla's Facebook Today
Today the violinist will personally meet the Royal Couple. He is really looking forward to that. "We are not allowed to rehearse in the evening. The official banquette is then taking place in the Rijksmuseum. I propose they open a window. First we will the "Wilhelmus" (National Anthem). But none of that is allowed. I will meet Willem-Alexander and Maxima in the afternoon. I am still going to ask it again." Rieu understand that there are many rules associated with the event. A few years ago when he performed for Queen Beatrix in the Valkenburg caves, it was much the same. "There was controversy whether we could play the Limburg Anthem for the Queen or not. I did it anyway and she sung happily along. Music relaxes people."
View from stage on Vincenzo's FB Today
Although the NOS (Dutch TV) will be reporting the festivities the entire day, André Rieu’s King’s Ball will not be aired live. The concert will be aired on Nederland 1 after midnight on TV, following the program of Pauw and Witteman. (Talk-show hosts) "The NOS indicated they would bring lots of equipment, 7 cameras in all. I said: "We’ll record everything ourselves then." So we’ll bring in our own crew, who has access to 27 cameras in order to record everything that will take place on the Museum Square." In any case, Rieu will be ready. "I am quite nervous. You have to experience it. Would the Royal couple attend unannounced? I do not think so. That would create many problems with security. But if that would really happen, it would of course be totally insane."
The nation Post Code lottery organized the events on the Museum Square in Amsterdam. There are approximately 3000 seats and 5000 standing places available. Entrance fee is 10 Euros with the proceeds going to a good cause. Tickets are still available.
The official ceremonies will take place around the Dam Square. At 10AM, the current Queen Beatrix will sign a document of resignation at the Royal Palace. With this, Willem-Alexander is the new King. Shortly after this (around 10.30 AM), the new King and his family will address the crowds on the Dam Square from the Balcony of The Royal Palace on Dam Square.
THE HAGUE - de Gelderlander April 26: The King's Ball is imminent and André van Duin, André Rieu and Martijn Fischer (in his role as André Hazes) have a lot in store for the royal couple. Rieu looks on ahead for BuzzR.
"We are going to give a two-hour concert, which is completely adapted to the events of that day. First of course we play the "Wilhelmus" our national anthem. I think that's a wonderful composition, which I would like to perform very often so I like to take advantage of the opportunity,'' says the composer.
"In addition to that we also play of course the most beautiful waltz ever written for a prince, the truly majestic Kaiser waltz by Johann Strauss. As a tribute to our Queen Beatrix's we will play "Time to Say Goodbye." And especially for our future Queen Máxima, "Do not Cry for me Argentina." These last two songs will be sung by soprano Mirusia Louwerse, who will fly over especially from Australia. And then it will become a large celebration of recognition, with waltzes, happy marches, opera medleys ... wonderful, I look forward to it all!'' he continues.
An Important Day
Rieu already knows that April 30 will be the highlight for him. "It is an important day for the Netherlands, the inauguration of a king is a historic event, and that I am allowed to perform at such a special occasion touches me very deeply. It will be a highlight in my career, and also for my orchestra of course."
The violinist is also looking forward with anticipation towards the reign of Willem-Alexander. '' It will be very different than what we were used to, I guess. Primarily since we now will have a king and a queen. Something really special. I'm a romantic, which is known, and it is noticeable by everything on our stage, so a royal couple really speaks to my imagination.
"And as a romantic who prefers performing on the Vrijthof, André will need some time to adjust to the Museumplein." Every year at our summer concerts I call out that the Vrijthof is the most beautiful square in the Netherlands, but who knows ... I might need to rethink my opinion. No, just kidding. The Museumplein is especially very large, so it's nice that many people will be able to come on that day, but the Vrijthof is of course much more intimate, with those beautiful medieval churches on one side, and the sociable terraces all around."
The Limburger April 24, 2013: In this section of the news paper a famous sports follower is allowed to shed light on current developments. He is all about everything and anything involved in the field of sports. He in turn has passed the baton on to someone who can give his views next week. But today André Rieu.
The RelayANDRÉ RIEUViolinist and Orchestra Leader
You have received the relay baton from René Meulensteen, assistant coach of Manchester United. Manager Alex Ferguson, who together with United grabbed the Premier League title on Monday, raves about your music. Don’t you think it is about time for a concert in "Old Trafford" commonly known as the "Theater of Dreams"?
"Who knows what all will still happen in England. In December we completed a totally sold out concert tour throughout England and Ireland. Manchester was one of the cities on the tour. In December we will return, and again the tour is almost sold out again. So, who knows whether Old Trafford is a good idea or not."
Your popularity rose enormously after you played the "Second Waltz" at the Ajax-Bavaria Munich game in 1995, the year in which the Amsterdam team won the Champions League. Is Ajax’s title in danger this year?
"Back then Ajax was very important to me. I played the "Second Waltz" during the rest period of that match. And since Ajax was in the lead with a 2-0 score, the entire stadium sang deliriously along and waved flags with joy. These images are still seen all over the world. And yes, they will win the title again."
You and your orchestra have just returned from Brazil. Have you noticed that the people there are already under the spell of impending World Cup Soccer?
There is no nation that is so involved with soccer as the Brazilians. They are really soccer fanatics. In Rio de Janeiro I called out the four names of the city’s soccer clubs to see which club would receive the loudest applause. In Rio Flamingo won hands down. I did the same in Sao Paulo and there Corinthians won. It was nice to be able to do that every evening. The audience who still had tears in their eyes from listening to the "Ave Maria", beautifully sung by our wonderful soprano Kimmie Skote from South Africa, jumped the next second on their chairs in order to cheer for their beloved soccer club. Just because I called out that club’s name. Wonderful."
And will they give team "Orange" a chance at the World Cup?
"They do not speak about team "Orange" at all. Only about Brazilian soccer."
Do you during you travels follow the performances of MVV (Maastricht Soccer Club), the club from your hometown?
"I think that MVV does alright. As long as they work out and practice a lot, and focus. Then everything will fall into place."
The play-offs threaten to become a small Limburg championship. MVV, Fortuna Sittard, VVV and RODA JC will more than likely become the four in the play-offs. Who will be victorious?
"All four."
Do you still watch bicycle races after the deluge of doping stories?
"Occasionally I watch. Yes. Unfortunately I do not have an abundance of time."
In the Spring classics, the leading Dutch cyclists have not played a major in many years. And not again this year. Is the Netherlands still a cycling country?"
"Of Course. It will happen again. Shortly there will be a wave of young talents, who will not want to relinquish anything. Just believe me."
Who would be more popular in Gemany? Sebastian Vettel, three time world champion Formula 1, and last weekend’s winner of Bahrein’s Grand Prix, or the "King of the Waltz" André Rieu?
"Haha, Vettel in car sports and I in music, I think. I like to watch Formula 1. If I was not a violinist, racing would appeal to me. Marjorie, my wife, is happy I am a violinist."
Back to soccer: would you be willing to play the roof off the Geusselt (Maastricht’s Soccer Stadium), should MVV be able to fill the stadium?"
"Seems like an exciting prospect! When will it take place? I’ll mark it in my calendar."
In closing, to whom will you pass the baton on?
"I would very much like to pass the baton on to my personal trainer, Ruud Gransier. He has helped to ensure that I returned to tip-top condition. The last years I had neglected my body and did not work out anymore. No time for working out, that does not happen again. I plan my schedule around my workout, and not the other way around. According to Ruud, this profession is also like a top sport. You need assistance with that. And according to me, he is the best." By Roel Wiche
►Click HERE To Watch The Video With ENGLISH Subtitles.
April 7, 2013-By Doris Zonneveld: In the meantime André Rieu has amassed his own little district in Maastricht. The world renowned violinist owns no less than 34 properties, one of which is the castle "Huis de Torentjes", six buildings in close proximity to the castle and numerous parcels of land. His castle is being renovated. And that could bring surprises since André’s neighbor once found a real treasure in the cellar.
We can justifiably speak about a small real estate empire on the southern slopes of the Saint Peter’s hill in Maastricht. Andre Rieu, who sold 30 million albums and DVD worldwide, has over the years acquired his own little neighborhood. In the center of that, his own mansion, the castle "Huis, de Torentjes." besides the castle he also owns six structures in the near vicinity. One of the structures was previously the the residence of the castle’s caretaker, adorned with beautiful stairs.
Rieu also built a studio elsewhere, while another structure was being demolished, but recently has been rebuilt. Possibilities are that son Pierre, the vice-president of Rieu Productions, is living there. For support and as a mainstay André prefers to have him in the neighborhood, just like his other son Marc. He is an artist and that is not exactly earning him a fortune, but reported he lives in the white villa at the base of the castle for free. (Marc has since moved away to another city) In that manner, Marc and Pierre share in the wealth of their parents. André Rieu owns no less than 23 private properties in Maastricht and another 11 designated as commercial, including large land parcels. Thus the violinist owns a large part of his beloved Limburg town where he was born.
Castle "Huis de Torentjes" dates back to 1526, requires a lot of maintenance and that is the reason why the violinist is currently having it totally renovated. The entire castle, up to and including the square tower on the roof is encased in scaffolding, and everyone is very busy, trying to have everything finished before the violinist opens its door this summer to the public. A special Rieu concert arrangement could be purchased for 789 Euros per person, which included a visit to the castle.
It is obvious that André is trying to impress his guests and that he wants his castle to be ready to perfection. Since Rieu’s castle is very old, it may contain some hidden treasures. One of André’s neighbors found a real treasure some years ago underneath the basement stairs. It consisted of a Cologne jar containing 346 golden and 1611 silver coins from a bygone time. And with sewer works on André’s street, they once found an underground limestone wall, a drainage gutter, stone construction elements and two fragments of a gravestone dating back to 1734. They also found rail track remains and a small tunnel for a rail track. It seems that the part of the Saint Peters hill where Rieu now resides was at one time a part of an early sand stone pit. There could even be more hidden treasures in the violinist’s castle or on his properties which these renovations might bring to light.
This summer André will conduct seven concerts on the Vrijthof in Maastricht for the ninth time in a row. Rieu’s tour schedule is filled to the brim. Prior to his Vrijthof series he will be performing in Brazil, Denmark, Chile and Argentina. After his Maastricht concerts he will depart for Mexico, Australia, Turkey and Ireland, with the 2013 concert tour ending in England. For Christmas, he is just like every year, home, but even before the 1st of January there are already concerts scheduled for Germany, followed by Poland, Switzerland and Austria. Everything up until May 2014 has already been confirmed, and then to think that Rieu only plays in the largest stadiums.
In 2012 half a million people attended a total of 99 concerts by Rieu and his orchestra, which earned him 40 million Euros. Thus he ended up in tenth place of the most money making tours of 2012, a list compiled by the leading American music magazine "Billboard." Rieu remained ahead of world stars like Justin Bieber, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Barbara Streisand.
Rieu’s packed full tour schedule however can also have a downside, because in 2012 he experienced a puzzling phenomenon because he was overworked. He was dealing with a stubborn virus infection on his equilibrium which caused dizziness attacks. He was literally unable to appear on stage. As his son Pierre said: "He does not dare to go on stage." Because of his weakened resistance, he initially was not able to overcome this virus, resulting in cancelled concerts worldwide. In the meantime he has found a way to release his stresses and he seems to be as fit as before. All his hard work is now finally earning him some money. A few years ago, he was on the brink of bankruptcy. That was due to the out of control high costs overrun, and as compared with the tens of millions in revenue, there are also tens of millions in expenses. He also placed his very expensive Stradivarius violin up for collateral.
"The public probably did not realize how bad it was" he said later when speaking about this. In 2011 there was again a profit of over 3 million Euros.
April 9, 2013: Andre Rieu is heading Down Under for a week-long promotional tour to coincide with Mother's Day.The classical violinist will visit Sydney and Melbourne in May to promote his new album Mother and Child and new DVD Live in Brazil, it was announced on Tuesday.
Fans will have the chance to meet the "King of the Waltz" at the Queen Victoria Building in Sydney between 10am to 12 noon on Saturday, May 11.
Rieu will bring his John Strauss Orchestra to Australia in October for And The Waltz Goes On national concert tour.
April 5-The Limburger: André Rieu surprised the Jostiband with an invitation to perform together with him on the Vrijthof in Maastricht. That was the reason for the world renowned violinist's visit to the rehearsal of the band. This is what the Jostiband revealed via twitter. André Rieu performs traditionally with his Johann Strauss orchestra in his hometown of Maastricht, this time in June and July. The precise day and how many times the Jostiband will perform is not yet known.