ANDRÉ RIEU Made His Dream Come True

André Rieu

International Artist Who Made His Dream Come True

In the mid 90’s André Rieu waltzed the Netherlands flat with his Viennese sounds.  In 1998, he was in the Top 40 for at least 28 weeks with the Second Waltz. From Algemeen Dagblad August 26, 2015 by Arno Gelder. 
A monologue by the most popular international artist, André Rieu - homegrown and one who made his dream come true.

Since 1988 we have been touring with the Johann Strauss Orchestra through the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. The concerts were always sold out. Our repertoire; a mixture of Viennese waltzes, polkas, operetta melodies, classical pieces and opera arias.

I was convinced that many more people could enjoy our performances, but for that a CD and TV were needed. That was not happening. Why, no one knows. Along with Marjorie, my wife, I repeatedly traveled to Hilversum, but no one saw any benefits in my requests. It took us six years. And no, it did not surprise me that waltzes and romantic music were successful. I doubted though that the entire public was on its ass. The audience always loved the waltz, but symphony orchestras barely ever performed them. In the classical circles they were generally looked down upon. Why?? I never understood that. Strauss was a brilliant composer. My father, a 30-year conductor of the Limburg Symphony Orchestra, was a great admirer of his works. That our first CD "Strauss and CO" was such a huge success really overwhelmed us though. The record company expected to sell about 25,000 copies before Christmas 1994. That became 250,000 in the first three months. More than Michael Jackson's "Thriller" were sold here. When the TROS that year broadcast a concert, we achieved incredible high ratings, the highest rating since the final match of the European Soccer Championship in 1988, in which the Netherlands won.

My wife Marjorie and I fell crying into each other's arms. 

It was the best reward for all those efforts of all those years.

This month we leave for concerts in Chile and Peru. Peru will be our first time. We will perform in a sold out stadium in Lima for 18,000 people. Isn’t that unbelievable? Then in September, I’ll put the finishing touches on the new CD "Roman Holiday" which will be released in autumn (November). And the DVD "Wonderful World", a recording of the concert this past summer in Maastricht, will also be released. Starting in October we will tour the world: Mexico, Turkey, Paris, Belgium, England, Germany, Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe. And do not forget the Gelredome on November 14th
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Health

My health? To perform concerts all around the world is my life, the JSO is my second family. Twice it went wrong with my health. That had to change. Now I, just like top athletes have a coach. Ruud Gransier is an orthopedist, a nutrition expert and European bench press Champion. Under his supervision, I do strength training three times a week. I do not always feel like it, but when it is over, I feel a lot better. Besides, I place more rest breaks in my schedule. I now have four grandchildren and they are for Marjorie and me a wonderful relaxation. The success of the Second Waltz has really turned our lives upside down, but I do not have the feeling that I have become a different person through it - I only have a bigger and faster (electric) car.

Thanks To Ineke for sending the article and John for Translating it

The Traveling Judge and André Rieu

The Traveling Judge

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Frank Visser is a TV personality who has been hosting the "Traveling Judge" show for many years.

He travels the country with his team of legal advisors to assist the public in legal matters.

Text: Bea Kastrop - Photo: Roger Veldman: For this issue, Mr. Visser wanted to do an interview with André Rieu, a man he admires for various reasons. And André Rieu and his wife Marjorie's would not miss the opportunity for an interview with the "Traveling Judge." Here is a conversation between the two men who both had the courage to go their own way.

Mr. Visser:  "We both actually turned against the elite. If twenty years ago you would have said that you wanted to go to an André Rieu concert, you would be dismissed as a commoner. You have never let that bother you and ultimately you now mean more to classical music than the whole avant-garde music placed together. This in fact really has no influence at all. When I started the "Traveling Judge", the legal elite also looked down upon that and me. But it never occurred to me not to do that just because of it. "

Rieu: "Some time ago I met Geert Mak, who basically told me the exact same thing. He, as a serious historian was also looked down upon by the elite. It was again too popular, you understand. If the majority likes something, you as a critic can easily distinguish something by breaking it down. For us it's just a matter of persevering. "

Mr.Visser:"Exactly, as long as we have the time to live".

Rieu: 'What the h…..?! You're only 64! You are just beginning! Do you get enough exercise?"

Mr. Visser: "More than you, I think."

Rieu: 'More than me? I have a personal trainer and three times a week, for two hours at the time I am exercising. I have been doing it for three years now and it is fantastic. I am a different person! "

Mr. Visser: "I also participate in athletics. At the gym. And when I come home from my sculpting, I too take a shower, you know!"

To The Moon

Mr. Visser: "Do you sometimes dream of something totally different? Something you would still like to do or experience? "

Rieu: "No. I am living my dream. For me freedom is one of the most important things in life. Freedom of thought, of action, of "being". I do not have a boss and I can do whatever I want. My dream was to make music with my orchestra and along with that see the world, but not as a tourist. Now I travel around the world with a bunch of friends and I think it's a very nice life. Perhaps there might still be one thing ... If I could ever go to the moon ...

Mr. Visser: "That does not tell me anything at all. What do you need to do on the moon? "

Rieu: "When you look from the moon to the earth, you see no more boundaries, no black or white, no rich or poor. I like to place things into perspective and that is placing things literally into perspective. Then it's just our earth. To me it seems like a fantastic experience. "

Mr. Visser: "I used to dream of becoming an actor. If I were still young I would become an actor. As a "Traveling Judge" this is the closest I can come to the performing arts, hahaha. Originally a lawsuit was for a large part just like a theater. And the funny thing was that once someone entered the arena, the class difference was gone. Everyone could speak their mind. Even the little man. That also takes place with the "Traveling Judge" and people naturally feel that it should be that way. "

Rieu: "We really are in agreement with that. The abolition of that elitist thing. I've never did it for the success. I still don’t. I played in the Limburg Symphony Orchestra, where my father was the conductor. And I was missing something, but I did not know what. Later on I discovered that it was the sheer distance from the public which bothered me. I wanted to make music for the cleaning lady, the professor, young and old, for everyone. Music is the form of art which touches all hearts. My wife Marjorie played a very important role in that quest. Without her I would now be lying in the gutter! I mean that seriously! Classical music creates a lot of victims. Because the stress is so high. Today, the musicians have to compete against those perfect recording outfits. "

Needing a Drink?

Rieu: "You have to make decisions which have a profound impact on people's lives. Does that create a lot of stress? "

Mr.Visser: 'Sometimes. I do think it is extremely important that you have a close relationship. If you don’t, you will see in our profession, and indeed also in television, and then alcohol becomes a danger. Before I met my wife, I definitely was antisocial. In the sense of just doing what I wanted to: just studying and working. I had no interest in friends and going out for me was a waste of my time. Through a good wife and a normal family life you do get ... many of those highly paid lawyers all have a few marriages behind him. They work till late at night and then after a few drinks go home. Now I must admit that sometimes after a lengthy hearing as the "Traveling Judge" I too need a drink. The concentration is then so great! And you are just no longer part of this world."

Rieu: When I'm on the Vrijthof and I see all these people enjoying them selves... that makes me so happy. Then after such an evening I too need some red wine to come back to earth again, though. And not just I. My entire group."

Thank to Ineke for sending the article and John for Translating it.

André Rieu Provides a Marriage

André Rieu Provides a Marriage

In tears Mirusia Louwerse gave her "yes" word to Youri

Without André Rieu Mirusia Louwerse would not recently have said her vows to her friend Youri Wystyrk. She was in fact discovered by him as a soprano and he works in the team of the world famous violinist.

By Johan Lok: In the romantic castle Heeswijk in North Brabant Mirusia Louwerse recently promised her friend Youri Wystyrk eternal fidelity. The singer, who made headlines with André Rieu’s Johann Strauss Orchestra met her true love thanks to the Maastricht violinist. Youri is part of his production team. "We liked each other from the very beginning, but there was nothing between us" said the soprano. "I went back to Australia for a year, where I lived almost my entire life with my parents. We both noticed then that we missed each other greatly. In order to participate in the coronation concert which André performed in Amsterdam on April 30, 2014, I went back to Netherlands. That is when the spark really jumped over. From that moment on we were inseparable."

Diamond Ring

Youri had thought of a very special way to propose marriage to Mirusia. "He did that during a dinner party in our favorite restaurant "Rozemarijn" in Maastricht. Two of my girlfriends, Giedré and Agnes, who both play violin in André’s orchestra came in while playing the love song "Nog Nooit" (Never) by Herman van Veen. That is the song Youri often sings to me. I cried immediately. It became even more emotional when shortly thereafter two members of the choir entered while singing their own texts to that piece. Youri wrote that especially for me. When he knelt down on one knee in front of me and asked me to marry him, of course I said: "Yes." And as a gift he gave me a lovely diamond ring." Mirusia and Youri opted for an intimate ceremony. "There were about 50 guests present. My parents had come over from Australia. Sadly André could not attend. He and his wife Marjorie were on holiday in Italy, and unfortunately due to the busy schedule of the orchestra could not make changes. He did send us a personal letter full of congratulations and surprised us with a beautiful bunch of flowers. My 92 year old grandmother handed over the rings. She did that together with Youri’s grandfather, who is also 92. Do you know what also was so beautiful? When we both said our vows, suddenly the sun broke through. That was a very special moment."

Children

After the wedding the couple traveled to Thailand for their honeymoon."With André’s orchestra we have been to many places in the world, but had never been to Thailand. In addition we both love Thai food, so that is going to be enjoyable" said the bride after the wedding. Rest of course the question whether consideration is being given to a child. Mirusia bursts out laughing. "Well, not just yet. First I will do my solo tour and afterwards also a tour with André. So there is currently no time for a baby, but there will definitely be one. I know for sure that Youri will be a very good father."

Thanks to Ineke for the article and John for Translating it.

Mirusia and Youri - André Rieu saw love thrive

Thanks to Willem-Alexander Mirusia and Youri said "Yes!"  

André Rieu saw love thrive

Privé Magazine by Yvonne Hoebe: André Rieu’s star soprano Mirusia Louwerse and his security guard Youri Wystyrk did not dare to speak to each other during one of Rieu’s world tour for at least six months. In South Africa they had a small conversation with each other and that is when the spark jumped over, but the first kiss did not happen until Amsterdam during the King's ball at the museum square in honor of King Willem-Alexander. 

André Rieu, who considers the Australian Mirusia his biggest discovery since he listened to a tape sent by her aunt, saw their love thrive in front of him. André also had a part in the marriage proposal which Youri had in mind, so says Mirusia who would also liked to have had her mentor at her wedding, but André was already committed to his own yearly Italian vacation with his entire family.

Mirusia: "After the last Vrijthof concert, Youri had the idea of going to eat in our favorite restaurant in Maastricht. I did not suspect a thing, not even when after the main course, when Giedré and Agnes, two violinists from the orchestra came in to play; to be honest I thought the restaurant owner had hired them to perform. But when our singers Marcel and Bob appeared and together with Youri started to sing Herman van Veen’s song "Nog Nooit"(Never) I started to suspect something. "YES!" I shouted throughout the restaurant when Youri placed a beautiful diamond ring on my finger. I had never experienced such a romantic moment. Youri managed to pull that plan off beautifully thanks to the cooperation of André.

Romantic

From that moment on, Mirusia’s life, next to her performances with Rieu’s orchestra, her solo career and the preparations of her tour "This Time Tomorrow" was dominated by her fairytale wedding, which would take place in the Noord Brabant castle of Heeswijk.

Mirusia: "I always dreamed I would marry but never knew when, where and with whom. A year ago we started with the preparations, we wanted to have everything organized well in advance. Also since we were on tour the last months prior to our wedding. It had to be romantic and it was. I found my dress in the Netherlands. Classical with a modern twist. Youri found it beautiful. We even thought of getting married in Australia, after all I was born there. I am three quarters Dutch and one quarter Polish, just like Youri, funny huh? But he was born in the Netherlands. So our choice was the Netherlands since there are no castles in Australia, and they truly belong in romance. Our relationship is a fairy tale, so that fits. In addition we wanted our grandparents to be present, my grandmother Ria lives in Breda and Youri’s grandfather in Maastricht and they both are 92 years old. We had thought for them to hand over the rings, and that is what they did. That is when I had to wipe away a tear. We had a wonderful day and felt the love of the people around us."

Thank you to Ineke for the article and John for Translating it.

Mirusia’s Wedding: Rieu provides his "angel" with a groom.

Mirusia’s Wedding

Waltz emperor must henceforth share his muse Mirusia

Rieu provides his "angel" with a bridegroom.

The Telegraaf by Evert Santegoeds: Andre Rieu (64) brought Mirusia Louwerse (30) from afar, Australia, and provided her a new life. The star soprano, from Dutch parents, beams when on the Vrijthof and all the other venues in the world where she performs with the orchestra of the Waltz emperor. But these days Mirusia beams like she has never done before ... on her own wedding, and especially for her groom Youri Wystyrk, a member of André's security team! A year after their first date, they married ...

The rings were presented by her 92-year-old grandmother and Youri's equally old grandfather. Their presence was eased by the absence of her discoverer André Rieu who was on a long ago planned vacation in Italy.

The singer, who had made so many headlines with André's Johann Strauss Orchestra, received a great personal letter of congratulations and all the best wishes for prosperity, love, health and happiness from his holiday address. And Rieu has a special place in his heart for Mirusia, he even compared her with a supernatural being when he found her in 2007 and first heard her sing. "Tears came into my eyes. It was as if I heard an angel sing".

Never before

In the North Brabant Castle of Heeswijk the fairytale wedding took place. But it might have very nearly never have come this far ... "We dared not to speak to each other the first half year. Eventually, while on tour through South Africa, during a chat after a concert the spark immediately jumped over. Last year, after the Vrijthof concerts, Youri lured me to our favorite restaurant. There was a band and some singers and he asked me to marry him. He had written his own text to the beautiful song "Never before" by Herman van Veen. It was so romantic!"

Tossing and turning

In the beginning the two were moving around each other hesitantly and cautiously, and it took a long time until there was a first date. Mirusia and Youri let no grass grow under their feet afterwards. And a year later, they married: "The evening and night before the wedding we again spent apart from each other. That evening I did some nice things with my bridesmaids, who had come over from Australia. Honestly, that evening I just lay there tossing and turning, wondering what he would think of the wedding dress. But he loved it!"

The proud groom, "I really became emotional. I always see Mirusia on stage and even then she always looks dazzling. But this time she surpassed that even more, I had never seen her so beautiful. Our relationship is a fairy tale in every way, and so was every minute of our wedding."

Although the weather did not totally cooperate that day, the sun did break through the moment HARALD BERGMANN mayor of Middelburg; the town where Youri hails from, asked them to pronounce their yes-word. And sun will also still be shining the coming week: "We're going on our honeymoon to Thailand. Although we've seen the world with André, we've never been there. After that we go to my native Australia. Only in February we will be back in the Netherlands as my tour "This time tomorrow" starts!

Thanks to John for the Translation 

Happy Eighth Birthday To The Harmony Parlor!!

Alice posted this on the HP on Facebook.