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.

"Rieu Removes the Stiffness From the Classics"

"Rieu Removes the Stiffness From the Classics"

Scientists examined secret worldwide success of Maastricht violinist

Yesterday afternoon in the museum on the Vrijthof the first copy of the book 

"Rieu, Maestro without borders/limits" was presented to André Rieu

May 27 - The Limburger by Peter van de Berg

Oops, Maaike Meijer strikes a nerve. When the cultural sociology and co-author of the book "André Rieu, maestro without borders/limits" refers to the waltz as "cornier than corny", the world-famous conductor raised his voice ...

"Hey, hey, hey" is the sound from the crowded lobby of the museum on the Vrijthof. André Rieu shakes his head as he stuffs a handful of peanuts in his mouth. "The waltz is not corny. Yes, then I am a little upset when something like that is being said," was the violinists reaction after Martin Paul – Chairman of the Executive Board of the University of Maastricht – presented him the first copy of the book.

Scientists Maaike Meijer, Jac van den Boogard and Peter Peters thoroughly scrutinized the "phenomenon" Rieu this past year. They analyzed the worldwide success of the Stand-alone violinist, followed Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra behind the scenes during performances abroad, attended rehearsals and interviewed the maestro, some of his orchestra members and other employees. They saw how "the King of Waltz" bridges the gap between high and low culture and how he gives classical music a new dimension. Therefore, the observation of Meijer about the old-fashioned character of the waltz was not meant negatively. She tried to show that Rieu has stripped away the dusty image of the waltz through his cheerful square celebrations."

Rieu has ensured that the stiffening of classical music has disappeared, by presenting concerts in a loose, festive and social way. According to gender expert Meijer, she and her colleagues were more than welcome by André. "He told his orchestra members," They are thoroughly going to research us. I already have had my turn. They dug deep into me, but it did not hurt."

With a smile Rieu listens to her words. He has already read the book, of course, but has not at all discovered anything new about himself. "I am honored with this scientific approach. Normally this study is bestowed upon someone who is considered to be dead for two hundred years. I make music with respect for everyone. I exclude no one. Compositions which make me cry also touch the audience emotionally. Johann Strauss already did that in the city park of Vienna. I do it on the Vrijthof, and that happens to be just a much nicer square."

From 21 June until 28 September the exposition "Andre Rieu – Love for detail" will take place in the Museum on the Vrijthof. The expo highlights Rieu’s music, life and career.

Thanks to John for this article and his Translation

For André Rieu Fans ... !!

May 27 - The Limburger: For André Rieu fans, the house where the famous violinist and conductor grew up can no longer be missed. Since yesterday there is a plaque on the property on the Begijnenstreet in Maastricht. It is a work of art, created by the Maastricht sculptress Desiree Tonnaer, and was donated by the city coucil because of the 65th birthday of André Rieu. The plaque was unveiled in the presence of the musician himself and Mayor Onno Hoes.

Thanks to John for this and his Translation

A Plaque For André Rieu's Childhood Home

A Plaque For André Rieu's Old House

May 24, 2015 The Limburger: At the house on the Begijnen street in Maastricht where André grew up, a plaque will be unveiled on Tuesday evening. The famous violinist/conductor and Mayor Onno Hoes will be present for this occasion. The artwork (for the plaque) was created by the Maastricht sculptress, Desiree Tonnaer.

The city of Maastricht offers this plaque as a gift to the violinist and conductor for his 65th birthday. In October Rieu reached that age.

Thanks to Ineke for the article and John for his translation

UPDATE - André unveiling the plaque at his childhood house today (Tuesday) with Mayor Onno Hoes. 
(Thanks to Christine for the photo).

Rieu Creates Swaying At a Filled Square

Maastricht scientists follow orchestra leader for a year and a half to explain his formula for success

Rieu Creates Swaying At a Filled Square

In the book "Rieu, Maestro Without Borders" the scientists Maaike Meijer, Peter Petersen and Jac van den Boogard take the secret success of André Rieu under scrutiny.

The Limburger by Peter van de Berg: The formula for success is very simple. André Rieu is a master in creating "a square filled with swaying." It seems simple, but behind his approach in trying to tie the audience together with a sense of community, often has hidden logic, which goes contrary to all the artistic laws.

So states cultural sociologist and gender expert Maaike Meijer in her book "Rieu, Maestro without Borders" which she and her fellow scientists Peter Peters and Jac van den Boogard, all of the University of Maastricht wrote. André Rieu has a reverence for classical music but also likes to deviate from that. He has stripped his repertoire from solemnity and stiffness. His shows are airy in nature and therefore he waltzes literally over the prejudices." In aversion to the cultural elite who have little or no respect in the manner in which the famous stand-alone-violinist presents his performances to his audience.

Ever since the first day the Maastricht violinist and his Johann Strauss orchestra harvested worldwide success the condemnations by the critics are not light at all. Maaike Meijer admits that initially she too viewed the concerts of "phenomenon Rieu" with some of her own skepticism."I was part of that elite group and had an aversion to massive events. But when I went to the Vrijthof, matters changed." The shows start right away with a climax when Rieu and his musicians enter through the audience to the music of "Seventy-six Trombones." "A thoughtful approach that instantly creates a festive mood and creates an atmosphere of togetherness amongst the spectators." Maaike Meijer is convinced that ultimately the protectors of the "great art" will come about. "Look at André Hazes. He has long been reviled. Suddenly everyone raved about with him. You cannot understand culture if you are not open to the popular segment."

Meijer, Peters and van den Boogard followed Rieu and his orchestra intensely for a year and a half. They accompanied him to concerts in Istanbul, Amsterdam and London. They were also present at the concerts in Maastricht. The Maestro afforded them the opportunity to watch extensive from behind the scenes, to be present at rehearsals and spoke to the orchestra leader, his musicians and other employees of the Rieu Company. According to the scientists Rieu is so immensely popular because he presents an integrated work of art in which emotions play a major role. "He puts it all out there.

Music combined with a tantalizing sense of images creates a sense of nostalgia. When someone becomes emotional, it becomes easy for other people too to let their feelings run free. Human emotions are contagious. His camera people have developed a sense of finding the right people from the audiences and to bring them broadly into view. That creates a flow which then easily spreads to other spectators." Meijer notes that Rieu largely acts on intuition. "Not everything he does is new. In fact, he returns his massive performances back to the folk feasts of centuries ago. Music back then too was largely focused on city squares. We are in a phase of creating festivities. People like to be together. Repetition in the world of cultural is quite normal. Rieu’s public is not geared up every year to see an entirely new program. For them it is important to just "be there."

One thing is certain: André Rieu cannot be copied. Meijers: "There is some thought within the company about how to proceed when the time comes when he can no longer perform. They would rather not talk about that. A ready-made solution is not immediately at hand. Rieu and his musicians live in the present and that is what they continue to do."

Thank you to John for this and his Translation

Marc Rieu Shows His Art Works and Paints Skies

Marc Rieu Shows His Art Works and Paints Skies  

Maastricht local, by Cindy Verhoef

Saturday, May 16th: Soon, for the sixth time he will exhibit with his artworks in the Vrijthof Theatre, but last week art painter Marc Rieu was in the south of the country participating in a workshop and painting skies. Together with ten students he traveled through Belgian and Dutch Limburg to capture the beauty of nature on canvas.

Sunday at dawn he started in Plombières. "Painting skies is not quite so easy. There are certain factors you as a painter should keep in mind. The sunlight changes constantly and therefore you should only keep visualizing just one position. Otherwise, it all runs together and you’ll continuously be busy. You also need to take the time into account."

Monday, Chateau Beusdael was on the agenda. And Tuesday, he departed for Belgian Hombourg. To find a subject comes easily for the Maastricht artist. "My eye has to catch something immediately. Something in the surrounding area which gives me a feeling right away. And normally that is what it will turn out to be." It's the second time that Marc participated in the workshop of painting skies. Last year he traveled to nearby Venice where he painted the beautiful Italian scenery. And painting skies means that the artists have to create their works in the open air. "It is important that you first fill the canvas. Otherwise you will stare yourself blind on a white surface. For this I prefer to use pastel shades. Soft pink, yellow, the underlying colors connecting the objects with each other and so you achieve a nice finished product afterwards. "

Ships at sea
"During the course we use canvases of 30 by 40 cm. These are more feasible for the time involved. There are still a lot of hours involved in producing a finished product. I have been commissioned to create a painting of 1.50 by 2 meters. It is my biggest project ever. What it is going to be? It will be something nautical. A seascape. Ships on the open sea …. with beautiful clouds, of course. "

Dream Works
Clouds are typically the trade mark of Marc's paintings. In many of his works a cloud deck can be admired. Even landscapes are his favorites. He describes his own style as "suggestive illusionism." This self made-up word he likes to further explain it as: "In my paintings, I offer suggestions of reality to the viewer. I like to magically change reality on a canvas with my brush as a wand and hope to bring out your curiosity with a playful character."

The paintings of Marc literally fly all around the world. "Off to Jordan, South America, Africa, you name it. There's a couple from Australia who visit my exhibition every year. And that makes working a lot of fun." Painting in order to become rich is not necessary for Marc. "I'm rich because of my wife, my children. I paint for them, as an example, to pay for food."

The exhibition at the Vrijthof Theatre starts July 3, simultaneously with the show of his father André.

The pictures below were taken last year during his exposition in the Theater on the Vrijthof

Thank You! To John for the Translation of This Article

André Rieu At The Museum on The Vrijthof

André Rieu At The Museum on The Vrijthof

Actually, there is no better place, nor a better time to think of than now. In the museum on the Vrijthof, a mere twenty meters from the place where the stage will be during the annual Vrijthof concerts, a special exhibition about André Rieu under the title of: "Attention to Detail" will be shown.

By Jo Cortenraedt: Chapeau Magazine - It is the first time that a separate exhibition will be held for the phenomenon André Rieu. The exhibition, arranged in collaboration with the family Rieu, will be highlighting both musical and personal elements of André’s life and career. Articles having to do with his concerts are being exhibited. Visitors can now closely experience how, on the basis of this experience the "king of waltz" works to realize his musical dream.

During the exhibition, the visitor will get an idea of how far André Rieu’s love for detail goes. How does he work with his choice of music? What happens during rehearsals? Visitors can now see up close how the dresses are finished with jewelry. Personal documents from his life which have never been seen before and never before seen video footage will give visitors an intimate look at the world of André Rieu and his shows. The Vrijthof museum usually chooses a theme which fits within the general principle of "Made in Maastricht” and that can certainly be said about André Rieu.

He will be back on the Vrijthof the first two weeks of July with his entire orchestra, to deliver a special evening to a total of ten thousand people from all around the world.

The exhibition runs from June 21 to September 27

www.museumaanhetvrijthof.nl.

• Thanks to Ineke for the article and John’s ©Translation

André Rieu Has Now Been Scientifically Explained

André Rieu Has Now Been Scientifically Explained

André Rieu is one of the biggest Dutch export products. His success knows no boundaries and he is known all over the world. But what is the secret behind this success? The book "Rieu, Maestro without Borders" casts a scientific look at his prestige. ''Classical music is in trouble. André Rieu is a kind of a symptom of that. He shows that it also can be done differently,'' according to the researcher and author of the book, Maaike Meijer.

Chapeau Magazine - Friday, May 8: André Rieu’s worldwide success has now been scientifically explained. Three scientists from the University of Maastricht have in a scientific report, recorded in a book of 272 pages, examined the international reputation of the Maastricht musician, and analyzed and explained it.

According to the researchers, Jac van den Boogard, Maaike Meijer and Peter Peters, Rieu is the symbol of a counter reaction against the far-reaching individualization of society. "Modern people still like to be together and feel the warmth of a nest, wanting to belong. André Rieu offers all those feelings on the squares and in the halls where he performs with his orchestra.

There, where young people are given opportunities to 'go crazy' during pop concerts, dance festivals etc, older people rarely have that chance. "But at the André Rieu’s concerts, they can completely go out of their minds, in their own ways, emotionally, and if need be, into tears.

The analysis of Rieu’s success even goes back to the 17th and 18th centuries when baroque music was then meant to please people and allow them to dance. Waltz music originally was a folk dance. Slowly it found its way into the concert hall. "Rieu uses it in such a manner that the waltz literally is dance music again and thereby making the roots of the waltz visible again to a popular culture." The researchers are thereby also trying to make it clear and prove that the origin of André Rieu’s music is not well understood by the criticisms regularly heard and posted by the present day "serious classical music critic." "Rieu focuses on festivals of unprecedented proportions which fit into a contemporary cultural experience."

According to the researchers the music, and the manner in which André Rieu arranges it, brings forth old memories into his audience, and brings many to tears. "And that creates a reaction in the brain, an involuntary reaction which revitalizes old sources of emotion."

Another source of André Rieu’s success is formed according to the UM study in the Limburg region, his native land. "Rieu's magnificence, the shows and the region all encourage Rieu in all forms of love for his own country and culture, and to a large extent is understandable from Rieu's Limburg origin. Musical traditions and styles emerge in various ways in his concerts. But his popularity which has spread far beyond the borders says a lot about how culture is globalizing. Interestingly enough, Rieu delivers Asian, American, South African and East European audiences a similar experience of nostalgic solidarity and collective joy. Rieu travels so that the audience feels at home."

In a first reaction, Jo Cortenraedt, editor of Chapeau and L1 producer at Radio 1 (NPO) said that this book has done a good and serious attempt in its research, and without prejudice in all facets of André Rieu’s success. "And the most important element of his success is, that he himself is still on stage every night and having so much fun. Something the researchers witnessed personally with their own eyes and ears."

Thank you to Bobbie for sending this and John for Translating it!

UPDATED Tuesday, May 26th: Maaike Meijer, Peter Peters and Jac van den Boogard are the authors of the book . Martin Paul handed the first "Rieu, Maestro Without Borders" copy to André Rieu himself this afternoon!
Thank you to Jayne for the picture.

We Wish You All The Best Thomas!

Bela announced this on his Facebook today ... "It's with sadness that Gary and I have to announce that after ten years and more than a 1000 shows together, Thomas has decided to leave the Platin Tenors for personal reasons. Farewell Thomas, we wish you all the best."

And so we introduce our new Platin Tenor, Eric! 

We're happy to have him and look forward to being on stage together, please give him a warm welcome and wish him luck!