Hotel Bankruptcy Has Duped Many André Rieu Fans

Bankruptcy Disappoints Rieu-Fans

Declared bankrupt hotel-restaurant in Maastricht sold possibly hundreds of concert packages

The bankruptcy of hotel-restaurant Anna's on the Vrijthof in Maastricht has seriously duped an unknown number of André Rieu fans.

May 29 - The Limburger: by Laurens Schellen - Probably at least several tens and possibly hundreds of enthusiasts of the stand-alone violinist have booked and paid for one of Rieu's concerts on the Vrijthof in July at Anna’s on the Vrijthof for an all-in arrangement (with multi-course dinner and possible overnights). For the cheapest package (without accommodation) the company charged almost 80 Euros per person. The guests had to pay the full amount when they made their reservations.

This HORECA establishment, however, was declared bankrupt this week. Last year Anna’s sold several hundred packages for the André Rieu-concert series, which well informed sources confirmed.

The family "de Vries" from Alphen aan de Rijn is one of the victims. "Five years in a row now we come to Maastricht for Rieu. This time for variety we chose the terrace of Anna's. Early January though I booked three packages for which we immediately had to transfer the full amount of funds (almost 240 Euros). When I called last month to ask where the tickets were, we heard nothing more. Precisely now, we would take our birthday celebrating granddaughter. In a short time she will be taken violin lessons from no less one of André Rieu’s orchestra members " says Isse de Vries. In the meantime he has filed for fraud.

Owner Anna Raemaekers was unavailable for comment yesterday. Liquidator Joep Tummers says he does not know how many of the André Rieu fans have been duped. "I still have to sort that all out yet. I will take everything into account."

The VVV (Tourist Office) speaks of a "very annoying thing." Spokesperson Robert Hoogenboom stresses, however, that his organization cannot do anything for the victims. "The sales by Anna’s were run entirely outside of us."

The liquidator offered the victims last night still a glimmer of hope. "In consultation with André Rieu, we will examine the possibility whether there is still room for a settlement for them."

Thanks to John for this news and  the Translation of it.