André Rieu Does Radio Interview in Australia

André's Australian Radio Interview

by Rob from Australia Oct. 3, 2008

I just heard André speak with Ian Maurice on Brisbane radio thanks to Jann's link which was on the website. Doesn't HE (don't mean Ian) have a yummy voice and a charming sense of humour ... (talk about drooling over André from afar).

Firstly, we heard the first playing of his "Happy Birthday" mini CD/card with 3 cheers at the end for himself. He said Cyrus Meher-Homji at Universal suggested making it (André seemed to think it was a bit of a joke), and from the sound it seems to be sung by the Maastricht Starr Mens Choir. Then he told us he spent his birthday with his family & dogs and it was a very nice day. Marjorie gave him a very nice evening jacket that he is bringing to Oz and two nice shirts (hope one is blue and the other yellow, or any pastel - really-all colours suit him) and 3 dozen bottles of a white wine he had enjoyed in the south of France with some fois gras pâté - they only drank one bottle yesterday.

Carmen, Susan, Mirusia and the three tenors are coming to Oz (not Carla), along with the ice skaters and Vienna dancers and fountains. No mention of bringing the horses. He did not want to leak any of the surprises he has in store for us in the concerts other than to say there will be some Aussie stuff and many waltzes. He spoke of the difficulties, expense and big risk he is taking bringing it all here, and the live broadcast via Foxtel of the Melbourne Saturday concert and the DVD that will be made of it.

He also talked about all the babies in the orchestra (I think about 12, one year and under at moment) and his need for two rooms in the crèche at his studio, and how both Kerstin & Nicole (choir) have new babies who are coming to Oz each with a nanny. He was pleased to hear that the 2CD Schönbrunn pack on which his Stadium Tour is based has just been released here, along with his wife's book "My music, My life" that Ian really enjoyed (like the rest of us), which pleased André immensely - they joked about his brothers setting him up with the swinging incense burner in church and all the photos from his youth - he said that he still takes a lot of photos.

They spoke of the growing excitement for the first concert in Melbourne 6 weeks from today, and how Franz was already here in Oz preparing. In the next 6 weeks André said he will be doing a small concert tour in France followed by a few weeks at home before coming to Oz for 4 weeks !!!

It was very enjoyable and reassuring to hear from André, at last - it makes everything seem more real and less like a dream that never seems to eventuate but of course when the dream eventually comes true it will be over so quickly it will still seem like a dream.

♫ Happy Birthday André! ♫

André's Birthday is Wednesday ♫ October 1st

♫ I have made a photo page of some older photos of him that some of you may have seen, but thought it would be fun to have them all on one page to look at over his Birthday ... ♫

♫ Andre's Birthday Photo Page ♫

New Interview With André Rieu on Belgium Radio

Interview With André Rieu on Belgium Radio

André Rieu is not giving interviews quite often, but tonight he is here for an exclusive interview. You'll hear André in a different way. We'll talk about his expensive hobby, religion, family, why Marjorie was not immediately welcome in the Rieu family and his plans to conquer South America, etc.

►Click Here To Read Belgium Interview

Thank you to Ineke for this and her and John's translation.

The three photos of André were taken by John at a 2008 Maastricht Soundcheck

New Website ~ André Rieu TV!

A New Website ~ Andre RieuTV!

Bobbie emailed me the link to this last week and I haven't had time to get it on here ... it's really fun to look at what they have so far. They just started it about a month ago.

The official YouTube Channel of Andre Rieu & his Johann Strauss Orchestra. André Rieu is a Dutch violinist and conductor. Also known as the 'King of Waltz' he is famous for creating an international revival in waltz music and for his many top selling recordings & DVD's with his Johann Strauss Orchestra.

Click on the link Below

►Visit André Rieu TV!

Live Radio Interview With André on The Internet

A message from Jann Down Under
(Jann's picture on the left)

André will be chatting with Ian Maurice live on Radio 4BC this Thursday night, between 8.00-9.00pm. I thought I would pass this on just in case you are interested in tuning in on the internet. I know for most of you because of the time difference between our countries that the hour for you may not make it palatable, however this way you at least have a choice. I have placed the link below for you.

Evenings with Ian Maurice

Time differences: 8.00pm Thursday night in Australia will make it 3.00am Thursday morning on the West Coast USA and 12.00 noon Thursday in Holland. When you get on the page you will see to the right a place to click on ~ Watch Live or Listen Live.

After Show Party's With André in Australia!

"After Show Party's" With André!

Jann from ♦Aussie Fans For André

sent me this Newspaper clipping from the

Melbourne Newspaper that I thought was

interesting to put on here ...

Exciting times coming for Aussies!!

Thanks Jann :)

A Different Perspective of The Maastricht 2008 Concert

The Maastricht 2008 Concert ~ A Different Perspective

A weekend full of music by André Rieu, but much more, the fan activities which happen during that weekend as well. The Fan dinner on Friday evening and the Fan picnic on Saturday. If you want to know why the "hardcore" fans move forward at the tune of the "Radetzky March" (which is often the end of the official program) Click on the link to watch it! ~ Ineke and Ruud

►Ineke and Ruud's New Maastricht Video

Maastricht Photo by Sue

Morschi Singing in The Opera "Student Prince"

►Morschi Singing in The Student Prince

Sonja just sent me this link to Morschi (from the Dresden concert) Listen to him singing in the opera "The Student Prince!" by clicking on the link above.

André Rieu in Buffalo NY 1997

André and Ruth in Buffalo ~ 1997

These are just some fun pictures I took off a video that Ruth Morgan gave me. It's André in her Buffalo PBS Station back in 1997. Ruth was there taking pledges on the phones when André was in the Studio. He waltzes SO Beautiful!!

Win An André Rieu Live In Vienna CD!

Win "Live in Vienna" The New Collection From Andre Rieu!

A friend from Denon sent me this and thought some of you might be interested. It's on the Free Classical Radio Station online.

This week on WCCC AM 1290 you can win the new CD from Andre Rieu called "Live in Vienna"! As Seen On Public Television! A Limited Edition CD recording of the Live in Vienna concert PLUS Bonus 7-Track DVD featuring video clips from such favorite Andre Rieu concerts as Live In Vienna, Tuscany, Radio City Music Hall and a special teaser of the forthcoming André Rieu at Schönbrunn.

Recorded live on the square in front of the imperial Hofburg Palace in the heart of Vienna, this CD includes superb compositions from the most famous Viennese composers: Johann Strauss, Franz Lehár, Emmerich Kálmán, W.A. Mozart, Robert Stolz and many others. Let Andre Rieu Live in Vienna transport you back in time to the romantic Vienna of the 19th century! Just listen to win this week on Beethoven Radio!

Watch Andre in concert... Click Here! Want to see if Andre is coming to your town? Click here for his tour dates!

Remember... Listen to win and when you hear the announcement call 1-866-BEETHOVEN to win! That's 1-866-233-8468!

►Link To WCCC AM 1290

Yea!! ~ John just won a CD

by calling in to this station!

Congratulations John!! ;-)

Has anyone else won yet?

André Rieu Concert in Dresden

Carmen and Morschi in Dresden's Concert

(André has put 8 pages of photos of Dresden on his Website!)

"Morschi" Dutch Tenor Morschi Franz who appeared in the Dresden Concert studied at the Conservatory in Maastricht, and has participated in numerous productions of opera.

Richard Wilkins Plays Violin With André Rieu in Maastricht

Richard Wilkins and André Rieu

Richard Wilkins has teamed up with the world-famous violinist Andrew Rieu to record Waltzing Matilda, backed by a full orchestra. It seems that the two hit it off when Rieu was recently in town to spruik his ANZ Stadium concerts.
After Wilkins mentioned that he was also a violinist (he learned as a child) he was invited to spend some time in Rieu's castle in Maastricht, in the Netherlands and hang out with the massive concert star. It wasn't long before the pair were in the recording studio, putting Waltzing Matilda on tape. Wilkins will be showing the film on Tuesday's Today Show on Nine.

Click on the little picture below of André and Richard to watch it.

Andre Rieu Exclusive

(You may have to X out the Parlor once you are there so as not to have the music on the Parlor playing while watching the video.

Ineke's Weekend in Brussels and an André Rieu Concert

What a wonderful weekend Ineke and Ruud had in Brussels
with André's Concert there and some really Fun Surprises!!

Click on the link below for Ineke's story and Lots of Pictures.

►Ineke's Weekend in Brussels and André's Concert!

André Rieu Live in Vienna by Denon

Andre Rieu Celebrates the Music and Composers of Vienna With 'Andre Live In Vienna'. This Spectacular Concert Airs Nationally on PBS Beginning in September "Andre Live in Vienna" CD, DVD and Limited Edition CD/DVD Set in Stores September 30th on Denon Classics ~ An Unprecedented US Tour Begins Spring '09

SANTA MONICA, CA September 12, 2008

Denon Classics, the U.S.'s #1 independent Classical label, is set to release "ANDRE LIVE IN VIENNA," an all new blockbuster production featuring Andre Rieu that began airing nationally on PBS September 6th. "Andre Live In Vienna" is a live concert spectacular featuring the beloved maestro performing with his Johann Strauss Orchestra and Choir on the square in front of the beautiful Imperial Hofburg Palace in the heart of Vienna. Rieu's return to Vienna reflects a sincere love of the city and its composers and it's the kind of show that made viewers fall in love with him in the first place. There's definitely a festive energy in the air as Rieu and orchestra are joined by a host of guest performers including the Platinum Tenors, the sopranos Dagmar Koller, Carmen Monarcha, Carla Maffioletti, Mirusia Louwerse and Suzan Erens; the Ballet of the Vienna State Opera, the Vienna Debutantes from the Elmayer Dance School, and the renowned interpreter of the traditional Viennese song, Karl Moik. All come together to celebrate and perform the compositions of the most famous Viennese composers including Johann Strauss, Franz Lehar, Emmerich Kalman, W.A. Mozart, Robert Stolz and many others.

Denon Classics will release "Andre Live In Vienna" September 30th on CD, DVD and a Limited Edition CD/DVD set featuring 2 bonus tracks and a bonus DVD containing video clips from Live in Vienna, Tuscany, Radio City and a teaser of the forthcoming Schonbrunn Spectacular program.
Andre Rieu has earned the distinction as the #1 pledge drive artist for PBS and the #3 Classical Artist according to Billboard Magazine. Already established as one of the top performing and selling classical artists worldwide and a platinum selling artist in the U.S., Rieu's popularity shows no signs of waning as both WONDERLAND and RADIO CITY debuted at #1 on the Billboard Classical chart. Rieu's worldwide appeal is as strong as ever having recently earned his third Platinum sales award in Canada and continues to sell out arenas around the globe.
Andre Rieu will return to the United States in the Spring of 2009 for an unprecedented tour of both the East and West Coasts.

►SPRING 2009 TOUR◄

Jean-Philippe Rieu's AZURE Premiére

Jean-Philippe Rieu's "AZURE" Premiére

In The Limburghall of the Theater Heerlen

We would like to draw your attention to "Azure, Fantasies of a journey of the Heart" which will premier on Tuesday, September 23 at 08.30 PM in the "Limburghall of the Theater Heerlen".

"Azure, Fantasies of a journey of the Heart" is the title of this multimedia music theater play by Jean-Philippe Rieu, which will premier on Tuesday, 23 September in the "Limburghall of the Theater Heerlen". Romantic compositions by Rieu will be performed by harpist Manou Liebert, violinist Inge Stallinga-Gorissen and Rieu himself on the piano.

The program is a multimedia musical performance which took Jean-Philippe Rieu three years to complete. The dramatic line of the with 'love' colored program is characterized by harmonic and instrumental romantic presentations, alternating with half sung, half spoken poetry. The presentation will be placed in an attractive setting where light and projection perfectly suit the musical input. The projection display consists of a multitude of paintings of Jean-Philippe combined with rapid projections of self made films and photo impressions.

The compositions have a mostly French, color-inspired, title: 'Azure' (blue), 'Or' (gold), 'Vert (green),' Argent (silver), 'Rouge (red) and Turquoise, with titles such as: "Je t'aime pour Toujours "(I'll love you forever), and "Blue Fantasy of Passion". Rieu, who spends his spare time painting in the French Dordogne, is delighted by the sparkling color palette he devised and lets it flow over into his music. In one moment the public is overwhelmed, another softened or moved by the intermingling of music, sound, image, color and movement. The audience will experience that 'love' has many colors and all moods are possible, from outrageous luck to subtle melancholy. All sensory perceptions are inspired by music during this presentation. They show regular fantasies of passion, typical of Jean-Philippe's harmonious and aesthetic work.

Jean-Philippe Rieu (51), who has been involved in music his entire life, was brought up from infancy in a musical environment. At age 17 he conducted the Philharmonic Orchestra of Liege with his own compositions. He studied piano, composition, music theory and orchestra conducting at the Conservatories of Liege and Maastricht. During that time, he also was assistant conductor and repeat conductor at the opera houses of Leipzig and Berlin. After his training he was connected to the Conservatory of Maastricht as conductor and professor for 15 years. Jean-Philippe arranged and conducted many opera productions and symphony concerts, from baroque to contemporary music. For 6 years he worked very closely together with his brother André Rieu. In 2004 the opportunity beckoned again for Jean-Philippe to become creatively independent. His own multimedia music theatre "AZURE, Fantasies of a journey of the Heart" can be seen in the 2008/2009 season in Dutch, Flemish and French speaking Belgian venues.

Tickets for this performance can be ordered starting today through www.parkstadlimburgtheaters.nl or through the Theater. tel.no. + 3145-571 66 07.
Additional information can be found on www.jp-rieu.com

Click here to see a small video:

http://www.jp-rieu.com/promotie/AZUR/azur_film.html

(Thanks to Ineke for this story and John for translating it)

ANDRÉ RIEU Live in Maastricht II

"ANDRÉ RIEU Live in Maasstricht II"

The Maastricht DVD is now on André's Website and they're taking Pre-Orders for the NTSC version that will be going out around the end of September ~ It was a Beautiful Concert and I can't wait to see the DVD now ~ I ordered mine!! :)

John said if you scroll down on the page they're also taking orders for the PAL version.

André Rieu's North American 2009 Tour Updates!

2009 North American Concert Tour Schedule

A reminder that we have the 2009 North American Concert Schedule link on the left side of the page here. Many PBS Stations are now selling the tickets! Here's the link to the page.

►SPRING 2009 TOUR◄

Photos by Heather

André Rieu ~ How It All Began

André Rieu Biography Precedes His Australian Visit

André Rieu owes a lot of his Australian success to the promotion of his music on Foxtel's Ovation channel. 'My Music, My Life', the biography of André Rieu, the charismatic Dutch violinist and conductor, is shortly to be released by Hardie Grant in Australia. With over 10 million worldwide in CD sales and over one million overall sales in Australia, André Rieu has become an international classic music phenomenon. This biography written by his wife, Marjorie, looks at the musical childhood and path to success of this classical superstar, whose extravagant concerts earned him the title of the 'Waltz King'. André's next visit to Australia for a full concert tour is in November.

"My Music, My Life ~ How it All Began" is being published this month by Hardie Grant, RRP $29.95

►Full Article on Book Being Released in Australia

Townsville Skater to Skate With André Rieu in Australia

World Tour Concerts 2008 Australia

15 year old Kayla Doig from Townsville, Australia is preparing to perform in world famous violinist André Rieu's World Stadium Tour in Australia from November to December, 2008.

►Click below to read all about her and see a short video.
Townsville talent skates her way brilliant bronze

Highlights of André Rieu's Concert in Maastricht

Maastricht 2008 Concerts on The Vrijthof

Ineke and Ruud have added a video of the Highlights of Maastricht!

Click Here: ♦Ineke and Ruud's Site

Photo by Doug

André Rieu Does Extra Christmas Concert in Arnhem

Extra Christmas Concert by André Rieu in The Gelredome

André Rieu will present an extra Christmas concert in the Gelredome in Arnhem on Friday, 20 December

ARNHEM(ANP) André Rieu will present an additional Christmas concert on Saturday 20 December in the Gelredome, in Arnhem. The first Christmas concert for Friday 19 December is virtually sold out, reported the André Rieu Productions Company Friday.

Rieu will completely transform the Gelredome into a Christmas atmosphere. Along with an ice rink and skaters, a ball room with the Wiener Dancing school dancers and many international soloists, Rieu decided to bring the renowned men's choir, the Maastrichter Staar, along to the Gelredome. "This past summer, I presented several fantastic concerts in Maastricht with the 150 strong men's choir. That was really the highlight, which is something and I do not want to deny the people in the Gelredome", thus says Rieu. Images of the Maastricht highlights can be viewed Friday evening on Nederland 1.

This coming month will find André Rieu and his World Stadium Tour in the "Stade de France" in Paris and the "King Boudewijn (Baudouin) Staduim" in Brussels. After which a short tour through France and Switzerland will follow. In November, Rieu departs for Australia for a month where he will present eleven stadium concerts. Towards the end of December, he will return to the Netherlands, where he will close the year with his Christmas concerts, for which ticket purchases will be available 30 August. Link below for tickets at Ticketmaster.nl.

http://www.ticketmaster.nl/html/artist.htmI?l=NL&artist=ANDRE+RIEU+-+KERSTCONCERT

Thank You John for the Translation!!

Peggy Sees André Rieu at The Semperoper!

Peggy at The Semper Opera in Dresden Germany

Peggy has written a report of her concert experience in Dresden last weekend. And what an experience she had! :) Here is the link to her story ~

♦Peggy at The Semperoper in Dresden With André

André Rieu at The Semperoper in Dresden

"I Dance With You Into Heaven"

Beate went to see Andre's concert at the Semperoper last night in Dresden and has written a report on it ... Here is the link for her report. Thanks for letting us know about it Beate! It sounds like it was just Beautiful. We are all going to be looking forward to the DVD now!

Here is a picture of the new Tenor that Beate is talking about who sang solo in the Dresden Concert with Carmen and Mirusia. (He's the one on the right.) Beate said, "he has a fantastic voice, which touches you immediately."

♦Beate's Report of The Semperoper Concert in Dresden

Horseback Riding With Carla ...

Carla Maffioletti Sadly, we don't see or hear much from Carla lately ... Just for fun, here's a picture Carla sent to Arie ~ she said she was out riding with with "Joris and Bush." Arie said she didn't say which was which. ;-)

Updates on Andre Rieu's 2009 American Tour!

André's 2009 North American Tour "Updates!"

♦LATEST UPDATES ON 2009 SPRING TOUR SCHEDULE

André Rieu's "The Magic of Music" Airs Aug. 23, 2008

"The Magic of Music"
The Big Summer Special From Maastricht With André Rieu

Maastricht", says André Rieu, "the capital of my heart". For his new Summer Special, André Rieu returns exactly to the place, where 30 years ago, he began his remarkable career. Maastricht, his hometown. On the most beautiful place in the city, the Vrijthof, he performed his new program, which, as always, is packed with famous and popular melodies and rousing hits from the popular classics before 10,000 enthusiastic spectators.
André Rieu as usual, not only plays the violin, but also appears as a conductor and witty and charming moderator. A special highlight will be the appearance of the world-famous 150-strong male choir "Maastricht Staar" on stage for the first time together with André Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra. Another highlight is the appearance of a string ensembles of 100 children from Maastricht School of Music. All packaged in with the witty and charming moderation of André Rieu who keeps his audience from around the world in his spell.
You can hardly imagine a more beautiful and fuller atmosphere than a concert with music from Verdi to the Beatles, famous melodies, waltzes and tangos, a beautiful light show, and all that with André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra on the most Burgundian square in the Netherlands, The Vrijthof in Maastricht.

ZDF will be airing this concert on Saturday, August 23, 2008 at 20:15 - 22:15
TROS will air this on Friday, August 29 at 21.50 hours. Nederland 1

Recorded by ZDF on Saturday 05 July 2008 in Maastricht

♦Photo Slideshow of Maastricht by ZDF

Translation by John from ZDF/TROS ~ Photos by John and Ineke

André Rieu At The Semperoper In Dresden Germany

The Semperoper in Dresden ~ André's Newest DVD

André is going to be giving a concert here Friday August 22 and is making a DVD of it. Here are a few photos and links to the history of it. What a Beautiful place to have a concert for a DVD!

The following is translated by John from the Semperoper Website

"I dance with you into Heaven" is the invitation of André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra to a festive concert in the Semper Opera, and he promises to enchant his audience once again with a program of waltzes, classical music, opera melodies and highlights of famous musicals. The splendor of the magnificent Semper Opera House, together with the exceptional world-famous Star and his orchestra, will combine into a perfect entity."I look forward to my debut in the Semper Opera with the festively dressed Dresden audience." says André Rieu. This concert will be recorded and at the end of the year televised by ZDF in a Eurovision broadcast.

♦Homepage For Semperoper ♦Visit the Dresden Semperoper ♦Photos of The Semperoper

Denon Announces André Rieu's 2009 North American Tour!

♦LATEST UPDATES ON 2009 SPRING TOUR SCHEDULE

Singing Star "Mirusia" Returns To School

Singing Star "Mirusia" Returns To School

MIRUSIA Louwerse showed students and staff of Faith Lutheran College at Victoria Point last week why she is world class. The star sporano sang You'll Never Walk Alone to a mesmerised audience when she returned to her old school for a guest appearance. Mirusia has established a world following following her popular performances with acclaimed violinist Andre Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra.

Click Here To Read Full Article ♦Singing Star Returns To School