Interview with André Rieu: "I play what comes to mind"

Interview with André Rieu: "I play what comes to mind"

Hollywood is Dearer to Him Than Hamlet

NUREMBERG - January 27, 2014: André Rieu is a master of light entertainment. With his programs the violinist, orchestra leader and arranger not only fills large halls, but he is also especially well known for his mass appeal on television appearances. We wanted to know from the Dutchman, how he puts his programs together, and what he thinks of "serious" classical music and why he almost became a pizza parlor-host ...

Nuremberg Newspaper: Mr. Rieu, how do you select the works which you perform?
André Rieu: Quite simple: I of course do that with my entire heart. If a piece touches me, then I know that it will also touch my audience – no matter the manner or fashion whatsoever. If I want them to cry because I already cried when I heard that song for the first time, then I arrange it so that it will then also come across to the public that way.

Nuremberg Newspaper: Could you tell us how a piece must be musically designed, so that it fits your show?
André Rieu: That's intuition. We were once in a bar with colleagues after a television production while on tour. My pianist had a thick book with all sorts of pieces which we were just playing through and I said: "If it fits; No - no - no - yes! And the guy from the production company said to me the next day: "Now I understand …., you do it just with your intuition"

Nuremberg Newspaper: Does the music have to be "beautiful"?
André Rieu: That depends. Beautiful can just be relative. One finds Mozart beautiful, the other one not. Still others feel Wagner's "Ring" entertaining and more beautiful than an operetta by Offenbach. We play music which I find touching and which appeals to me. And that is mostly nice, yes.

Nuremberg Newspaper: And you can often clap along with you ...
André Rieu: That is not the case with all of the pieces. You know, today there are more and more people studying me and wonder: "What André’s secret is." They analyze me from right to left and from top to bottom (laughs). They have all sorts of explanations that I transform classical music into a single sausage. That my audience goes home incredibly happy, no one speaks of that.

Nuremberg Newspaper: Could you tell us, whom from today’s composers you like best?
André Rieu: I think Andrew Lloyd Webber is a brilliant composer, he has written many wonderful pieces.

Nuremberg Newspaper: What would happen if you would ever perform an entire Beethoven symphony?
André Rieu: I would never do that. Because, I would feel too restricted. I know the entire classical music and I have lived in it, my father was a conductor. I know it all and I would never do that. Maybe you can compare that with an actor who wants to play "Hamlet". But there are also many others who instead go to LA, make famous movies and by that make them feel so much better.

Nuremberg Newspaper: And you will not play "Hamlet" in a theater but rather in a big Hollywood movie?
André Rieu: I think so, yes. I have a good relationship with Anthony Hopkins, and he says that too. When the intellectual critics ask him: "Why do you play in such a movie, while you can perform Shakespeare in London in the theater?" – He the answers: "I do it for the money" (laughs), and then they all change their tune. No, I would not say it so blatantly "just for the money" - but a Beethoven symphony, that would make me feel too restricted.

Nuremberg newspaper: Why "restricted?" Isn’t that beautiful music?
André Rieu: No, not an entire symphony that would bore me. I would take the most beautiful parts from there if I would do that. I would take a part of the symphony, shorten it and then make a hit out of it. Besides, there are enough classical orchestras in the world who play that completely. Our success is that we are totally very different. Thus we appeal to an audience which might not dare to enter the great concert halls. Mahler, Bruckner, Bartok are all "too heavy". With us they feel at home. There are people who have not danced in years. With us they stand up and do that, that's fantastic.

Nuremberg Newspaper: Do you then play Mozart's "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" in its entirety?
André Rieu: No, only the most beautiful parts. Our evenings are not concert evenings in the "classical" sense. There are always potpourris.

Nuremberg Newspaper: In classical music there is much drama and conflict. Do you prefer the joyful side of the Classics?
André Rieu: Yes. Conflicts and drama, that is all well and good, but not for me while on stage. I have had enough conflict and drama in my life; I like the sunny side of life. One can easily compose an evening with drama and everything else - but it's much harder to make the people laugh. I like that much better. Besides: In every German or Dutch small town there is a symphony orchestra playing all these symphonies. I know them all, every one - but for me that is too boring.

Nuremberg Newspaper: Are you more of a conductor or a soloist?
André Rieu: Phew, in the sense I am neither a pure conductor, soloist, entertainer nor businessman. I am ultimately a combination of them all - and that's why I am successful, I think. I studied the violin, but not conducting in the classical manner or studies in business. But I can conduct, and above all, I can make music.

Nuremberg Newspaper: How important are violin solos in your concerts?
André Rieu: That depends in each case on the program, whether I feel like it, or if it fits into the program. Every year I make a different program.

Nuremberg Newspaper: But what exact part do you play in your concerts, the first violin parts?
André Rieu: I play whatever comes to mind.

Nuremberg Newspaper: In many photos you are seen with a violin ...
André Rieu: That is logical, that is my image. I am also known as a violinist.

Nuremberg Newspaper: And you also own a very valuable one too.
André Rieu: I own three violins including a Stradivarius from 1732. To own this violin is for me personally great pleasure and fun.

Nuremberg Newspaper: In your autobiography it states that you almost opened up a pizza restaurant.
André Rieu: We wanted to actually open up a pizzeria, but that still remains just an idea. Back then we had already made a menu card and the most expensive pizza was "Pizza Paganini". The plan was then for me to play the violin while this pizza was being served. And for that reason, I again began to practice - and then I thought: "No, I will just omit the Pizzeria."

Thank you to Benny and Ineke for sending this and John Translating it for us.

André Rieu's Wife On Their Marriage

 André Rieu

What His Wife Reveals About Their Marriage

She loves the sound of Waltzes and would dance to the music the rest of her life. As long as it pleases him. As luck would have it, fate sent André Rieu his big love, Marjorie. "We were meant for each other" he says lovingly. But where is the woman behind the Waltz King, whom is seldom seen? The New Post was granted an interview with this lady who teaches German and Italian. She speaks about the highs and lows of their 40 year marriage, her jealousies (or lack of) and her passions.

"It was love at first sight."

Marjorie knew from early on that André would be the man of her life. "I was 15 and he was 13. Even back then there was already something special. Love grew more and more over the years - even until now". Even now when the couple has not been afforded many freedoms. When André goes on tour, Marjorie stays behind at home, so that she herself can concentrate more on the music.

Is that for you a form of relaxation? No, if I am required to always travel the world with the orchestra, that costs me too much time. I believe that when my husband André is on tour, he is happy. Currently he and his entourage are touring Germany, and in May they will tour Austria and Switzerland. 

Although the star violinist appears on stage with beautiful female singers and is admired by millions of women, Marjorie leaves him be. Indicating a deep and great trust. Marjorie is of one thing very sure: "I know he loves me. The admiration for stars has nothing to do with love. I for instance admire Uwe Kockisch and Guenther Jauch, but only in their role of actor and presenter." From home she organizes the tours, which leaves her husband free during his tours. "That we can work together so closely in harmony," we find that to be a great gift.

Today the star violinist is again on top. But that was not always so. In the beginning of André's career it was Marjorie who earned the couple's livelihood. And when the virtuoso became famous, stress and pressure began to eat away at him. Three years ago when he had a breakdown in his health and had to cancel his tours, it was again Marjorie who stood by him. She admits: "Of course I was worried. Not only for him, but also for the company." Strength gave her an unshakable optimism. "I never lost hope that he would be well again." 

While many couples succumb to such a huge setback, it welded André and Marjorie even closer together. She says: "We love each other and we share our passion for music. What more can I want?"

And money - does that play an important roll in your life?  "When you have none in order to provide for your children, that is terrible. But more money does not make us happier. We find happiness in other things. In love for instance".

Thank You to Ineke and Kati for sending this and John for Translating it.

André Rieu Announces First Concert in China

‘The King of Waltz’ André Rieu Announces First Concert in China

André Rieu, violin master, conductor and showman, one of the best-selling live acts in the world, is finally coming to China. On April 12th, 2014 André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra will be performing in the Shanghai Mercedes-Benz Arena. For Rieu, this is the first time performing in Southeast Asia and he is looking forward very much to his debut in China. Tickets are available from January 23rd ... ►Talk Magazine

André Rieu Has Composed Three Pieces For Dutch Film

André Rieu Has Composed Three Pieces For a Film

AMSTERDAM - He's still one of the main export products of the Netherlands and now also has his name on the credits of a Dutch film . At the request of Johan Nijenhuis, André Rieu composed three songs for the latest film by this director: "Tuscan wedding."

In May it was announced that Rieu would provide the music for this film. In the meantime, the compositions are finished. It is the first time that the famous violinist and conductor engaged in film music, although previously he did compose music for the German TV series Donna Leon. For this romantic comedy, Rieu together with Frank Steijns, a violinist in his Johann Strauss Orchestra, composed these pieces; "the Tuscan Wedding Waltz", "Volare con Bella" and "Tarantella". The title song of the film is being sung by the Italian singer Anna Lisa.

Inspiration

The subject "Wedding in Tuscany" was very inspiring for us. We were able to enjoy a deliciously Italian lifestyle in both the compelling romantic melodies like the "Tuscan Wedding Waltz", and also in the exuberant, radiant lifestyle of the tarantella. "These pieces will definitely be on my next CD, which will be released worldwide,'' says Rieu.

"Tuscan Wedding" is the unofficial sequel to the film "In Love with Ibiza" and will be available in the cinema effective January 30th. Jan Kooijman and Lieke van Lexmond play the leading roles in this film. It was announced Sunday that the film has already been sold to South Korea.

Thanks to Ineke for sending this and John Translating it.

Because of André Rieu Dutch Music Risen For Eighth Year in Row

MAASTRICHT Jan. 19, 2014  - Despite the cancellations of a long series of concerts abroad in 2010 and 2011 Maastricht citizen André Rieu still remembers how to always push when it comes to music export. And also thanks to him has the export of Dutch music risen for the eighth consecutive year in 2012. This information was according to a study commissioned by Buma Culture . The figures were announced Saturday at Eurosonic Noorderslag .

The Dutch popular classical music, a genre in which the Netherlands is known abroad, is represented by only one man and his Orchestra: André Rieu . And that has been going on for several years . In 2010 André Rieu became ill due to exhaustion. This had implications for 2010 and 2011 in the number of concerts that he could give. In 2011 André Rieu gave his first 7 concerts in South Africa and took his first steps towards South America by performing 7 concerts in Mexico. In the autumn of 2011 a North American tour of 21 concerts followed, and according to the researchers they ascertained that Rieu was on his way back.

The Netherlands continues to do well in the popular genres - classical, punk-metal-rock and dance. Especially in dance, where the Netherlands is on top with artists such as Tiësto , Armin van Buuren and Afrojack .The value of music exports in 2012 amounts to around 130 million euros, an increase of 31 percent compared to 2011 and a doubling in comparison with 2009. 80 Percent of that amount is attributable to performances by Dutch artists across its borders. In most cases dance performances .

About 15.4 percent of the Dutch music export is derived from copyrights and neighboring rights (15.42 million euros ). 8.23 Percent is earned from the exploitation of recordings of Dutch artists abroad (8.24 million) and 76.37 per cent of performances by Dutch artists outside their borders ( 76.48 million euros ). These figures compared with 2010 and next to an overall increase, show a definite increase in the segments, and an explosive growth in performances with a slight increase in rights and recordings.

Thanks to John for this and the Translation of it!

André Rieu Adds New Concert Dates/Maastricht 2014

André Has Added New Maastricht Concert Dates

July 4th - 5th - 6th 2014!

Ineke has said the Fan Dinner date will remain the same date.

Happy New Year To All The Fans on The Harmony Parlor!!

►Click HERE Turn Up Your Volume and Enjoy !! HAPPY NEW YEAR !!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL FANS ON THE HARMONY PARLOR! 

It is close to Christmas now and John and I are going to take a little break - we're tired! :) If anything earth shattering comes up with News of André, we will of course post it ... but otherwise, we're going to take a little time off. We love doing what we do with the HP - but it IS time consuming and usually this time of the year during the Holidays we like to take a little time away from it. We'll be around though ... just not working. :)

André Rieu never wants to leave his castle

André Rieu Never Wants To Leave His Castle

By Johan Lok - Photos: Govert de Roos: For years André Rieu and his wife Marjorie have lived in a beautiful castle in Maastricht. Both their sons have since left their home, and that is often the time when parents decide to downsize. That is absolutely not the case for this successful violinist. He does not dare to think about leaving his castle.

"I had piano lesson here as a boy, and back then I already found it amazing"
  

"My home is my Castle" indicating a familiar expression that someone’s home is his little castle. In André’s case is this just the reverse. For years now he has been living in an old, but recently beautifully restored, castle, which overlooks the Maas (Meuse) in Maastricht. Proudly the violinist conducts a tour and poses in no less than 25 different rooms, such as for instance, the kitchen. Incidentally a very special kitchen; where at one time according to stories a very famous person sat at the table. None other than Charles de Batz de Castlemore, the Count of Artangan, who would have had his breakfast there the morning before he died during the siege of Maastricht in 1673. The actions of the Count would have been recorded by Alexander Dumas by which he later became known as D'Artagnan, the fourth and perhaps most famous of the famous musketeers. André Rieu is not quite sure whether the story is true or not, but it still is a good story. Currently André and his wife Marjorie occupy the castle. Both their sons have left, but obviously visit regularly with their families. Visits to which the violinist looks forward to with pleasure, because then he can again wrap his arms around his four grandchildren. Because of his touring with his 60 person Johann Strauss Orchestra, which leads him to all the corners of the world, he is often away from his grandchildren for a longer period of time.

BUTTERFLY GARDEN

The beautiful castle in which André and Marjorie reside is named "Huis de Torentjes" (House the Turrets). It is situated on the east side of the Saint-Peter’s hill, in the former village of Sint Pieter, which now is a neighborhood of Maastricht. André is especially proud of his "Orangerie" (tropical greenhouse) which has been transformed by the violinist into a beautiful butterfly garden which also houses many unusual birds. "Spending my money on that gives me more satisfaction than for example driving around Maastricht in an expensive Ferrari" says the orchestra leader. In the past many musically performances had taken place in the castle, so in that aspect, this is the perfect place for André to reside in. On an exterior door there is even a fitting Latin text to be found: "Only people, who love the arts, are allowed to enter."

An inside look at André

As a young boy André did already visit the castle. During that time he was receiving piano lessons there. "I can remember it was dark and damp. I already knew then that later on I would want to live here." But the lessons did not last too long. "My piano teacher was awful, so I also hated that instrument the same time," he once said in an interview. "My violin teacher on the other hand was blond and she was very pretty. So I very much liked playing the violin."

I am going to be 120

When André bought the castle, lots needed to be done to it. He bought it in two separate transactions. When the second part became available, he decided to buy that too, so that the entire castle "De Torentjes" became his property. He then had a French developer renovate it.

"I still want to perform a concert on the moon"

André never wants to leave his castle. "I will only stop after I have given a concert on the moon with my orchestra. I made an agreement with Richard Branson that he will build a hotel on the moon and I will then give a concert there. It will be a while before that becomes a reality. But that does not matter, because I have always said that I live to be 120. And as long as I am alive, I will absolutely want to continue living here."

In the meantime André has already been married 38 years to Marjorie. The two met each other when he was 11 and she 13. But actually dating did not happen for another 11 years. So as the violinist, as a little boy already knew that later on he would live in a castle, so he already knew in school that Marjorie was the woman he would later marry. Marjorie has always been the lady in the background, who is almost never seen, but is indispensible to André. He still remembers the time very well when son Pierre was born. "That was at 2 o’clock in the morning. Seven hours later she asked for a telephone and her agenda and she was back to work. In that aspect, we are very much alike." Pierre, who is 32, is the younger of their two children. Son Marc is two years older. He is an artist, while Pierre is now is part of the management of the company Rieu.

Granddaughters

The two boys have up until now produced four grandchildren. Marc is father to son named Ivan, who is 4 and a three year old daughter, named Fleur. Pierre has twins born in 2008. The girls listen to the names Linde and Lieke. And to André’s great fortune, the twins like nothing better that to play the violin. They have been taking lessons since age three. Other than that, he lets them do their own thing, because he knows better than anyone else that, when you force children, it can all turn out wrong.

At some point, the violinist would like to do something special in the castle’s garden. He is thinking about a convent, where nuns could go to pray. He himself can spend hours in the orangery - just watching the butterflies, the birds, and the coy in the pond. According to André there is no nicer way to gain new energy.

Thank You to Ineke for sending this and to John for Translating it.

ANDRÉ RIEU November Chapeau Column

EXTRA
André Rieu BUSY

  MONTHS

Chapeau Magazine November: It is good thing that my fitness level is right at the top, and where I keep it every day, because it is going to be extra busy in the coming months. And all that, while we have just returned from an exciting and very successful tour of Australia and New Zealand. A very appreciative audience, and now we are already preparing for the next concert series. At the end of November, for the first time, a concert in Turkey (Istanbul) and then, almost the entire month of December we are on tour in England, Scotland and Ireland. I am really looking forward to those, because the English audience is very enthusiastic. The concerts are all nearly sold out and are usually conducted in large venues such as the Wembley Arena in London. "You can now not only use our web site to book tickets, but you can also book hotel overnights, city tours and many other cozy undertakings."

In January our huge tour through Germany starts, which will run until mid-February and then immediately afterwards we will go to France. We start each year with a new program New Year's Day in Cologne. In the past year we did a lot of extra television in Germany. Two years ago I had to cancel my entire tour because I was sick. So now I would like to show that we are all better again, and that we like to maintain our long and intensive relationship with the German public. In the first half of 2014 there are also a lot of new countries on the program such as Finland, Latvia and Poland. We are very curious as to how the responses there will be. Really exciting! The preparations for the Far East including China and Singapore are fully underway, and also again for South America, which now also includes Columbia, in addition to Chili, Brazil and Argentina.

Actually here at the castle, which is the heart of organization, there are always all sorts of projects and tours being planned. Sometimes a year in advance. It has to be; otherwise your planning cannot be as it is suppose to be. And in every country they have different needs. As an entrepreneur you have to be creative and I am pleased that our youngest son Pierre always comes up with new ideas. He has now started "André Rieu travel", especially for the Vrijthof concerts. You can now not only use our web site to book tickets but you can also book hotel overnights, city tours and many other cozy undertakings."

The concerts for Maastricht next year will undoubtedly be something very special, since it will already be the tenth time we perform there. While it started out to be just a onetime idea. Last summer’s concert has recently already been released on DVD under the title of "André Rieu and Friends" including all the guest artists who performed there: Jermaine Jackson, Trini Lopez, the Jostiband, Carlos Bueno, André van Duin and the young trumpeter Romano, which in the dark days of December can be a beautiful reminder of the summer.

Early in January we will play again close to home, in Hasselt. Rocco Granata will perform with us there, something I am very much looking forward to. I recently met him at the premiere of the film "Marina". He is a very nice man. I play his song with pleasure at every concert as an encore. Great music, full of Italian zest. The television series for Sky TV in England is currently running with many reactions. TROS has purchased the series so that shortly it will be seen here too. During the Christmas holidays the TROS will air our Christmas special again. I am very much looking forward to those days, at home around the Christmas tree with my wife, children and grandchildren. One does not need any more in order to remain happy.

André Rieu

Thank you to Ineke for sending this and to John for Translating it. 

20-21 Eva meets ... André Rieu

20-21 Eva meets ... André Rieu

"I am not a dictator"

Eva Jinek takes a stand, but does not mind contradiction.

"De Telegraaf"

I have been trying to prove my entire life that my father was wrong.

"Ha, no, I gave that up a long time ago. Otherwise I would be trying to make a point instead of doing what I want to. My father always told me that I would never amount to anything. He thought of me as a dreamer, a nitwit. Did he say so? Well, as a child you feel that. I was named after him, but when I did something wrong, my parents would say: "We are going to call you Leon – my second name – since you are not worthy to be called André." My father was a very domineering man: a good musician and director, and at home also a director. He placed enormous pressure on the family and my mother went along with it. I cannot say that I had a wonderful youth. We lived in a somewhat closed off world. Why was my father like that? No idea and I cannot crawl into his head either. He never experienced my huge breakthrough. Previously he’d never attended any of my performances. He always had more important things to do. Shortly before he passed away he only saw me perform once with my Johann Strauss Orchestra. Afterwards he wrote me a letter, stating I was very busy and I had been right all along. Do I still have that letter? Not that I am aware of."

If it had been any worse, I would have hung up my violin forever.
"That’s right. Doesn’t everyone like something else every now and then? I was about 23 years old and studying in Brussels at the conservatory. I lived in a single room, on the third floor, and had no idea which direction to take with my life. I definitely was very unhappy. Until I learned to know my wife Marjorie. From that moment on I really started to live. She saw me for whom I was, and let me dream. I had renounced my violin, and we had thought about opening a pizzeria. We were already fairly advanced in the plans – business plan, building – when we received our first menu cards. The most expensive item was "Pizza Paganini", because when you ordered it, I would come to your table and play Paganini. If I want to that so I thought, then I would have to continue practicing. So I picked up my violin again and have never stopped playing."

I am the best employer in the Netherlands.
"I think so. I am a conductor, but not a dictator. I am in charge, but a lot of input comes from my orchestra too. We never play the notes written down. That is the secret, which is why you feel and hear that it is my music. We deliberately play piano parts, never the score. Just the notes, and then I just make up something in my head. When we start to play in the studio, I say for instance: here only strings, no, now only brass, a little more from this, a little more from that ... My orchestra reacts flawlessly to me, and I can very well see on their faces when it all comes together. It is an absolute cooperation in which they feel rightfully so that we achieved it all together. More than half of my musicians have been with me for more than 25 years. Of course I am very proud of that fact. I do not believe in collective agreements or unions, I believe in an open relationship with the people with whom you work. I could not image having to discuss collective bargaining in the afternoon – a penny more here or there – and then to make music that same evening with those same people. I treat my people very well, better than anywhere else, and the only thing I ask from them in return is that they always give 100% when they are on stage. I do all the interviews myself. In the past I spoke at length with someone, but now I just let them play something for me, and if it is good, I give them a chance. After a week, you know the score. I once hired a Hungarian harpist, who in the first interview played very well. Later on it seemed she passed a lot of gas in the bus, ha, ha, - and proved to be a totally impossible person after all – so she was gone again after two weeks."

Every Limburger has an inferiority complex.
"Not at all, not in any Limburger. The Hollanders (from the provinces of North and South Holland) like you to believe that. I have to laugh at some of their remarks. "You are going all the way back to Limburg?" As if it was a completely different country. On the German TV you see newscasters for instance who speak Bavarian, and that to everyone is perfectly normal. In the Netherlands we instantly have an excuse or something, but to let someone from Friesland, Drenthe or Limburg read the news, that is totally impossible. That, I do not agree with. It should be a good reflection of the entire Netherlands."

I hate snobs.
I do not hate anybody, but snobs are annoying. I can smell them 10 miles away. They are not there to support you either. And to like André Rieu, is not allowed. For a few years now, you are allowed to like André van Duin because the quality news paper "NRC trade paper" printed an article in which they liked him. Snobs indeed. Whether it would be nice to be degraded by these snobs? Of course not. How many of them are there? I recently performed in Mexico and Marjorie texted me that the Dutch ambassador would also be in the venue. The house was packed, ten thousand people who went crazy. I immediately noticed him and his entourage when I stepped on stage. An entourage which astonishingly looked around itself with an expression of: What in the world did we get ourselves into? Afterwards, I was at the catering, and sure enough, there he was. I told him that I had immediately picked him out of the crowd. I am a little ashamed, because he did not see the humor in it. He only stayed for a very short time."

Without Marjorie I Would Be Very Unhappy

André Rieu the movie is going to conquer the world.
"Yes, of course. Leon de Winter who wrote the script called me and said: "I am going to make a movie about Johann Strauss and you are going to play Strauss." I told him: "Never, I have so much respect for Strauss that I can only play myself." Leon then skillfully changes the entire script. It is very nice now. I play myself in the movie, but through a wonderful trick, I suddenly find myself in Johann Strauss’ times. To make a movie is quite a complicated undertaking. It will take some time before the movies is a reality. I will have to be gone for at least four months to do the filming and there should so-we-so be a big bag of money on the table to keep this undertaking going. We are currently very much involved in that, and I think it will turn out fantastic."

Without my wife, I am helpless.
Without her I am very unhappy. We always have breakfast in the same place, overlooking the garden. This morning I even told her, "Don’t ever let me sit here all by myself." I would not know what to do with the rest of my life. She feels the same way about me. That started when we first learned to know each other: I was 11 and she 13.It took several years after that before we came together, but I have always had the feeling that it was destined to be this way. Crazy, huh?"

What is the biggest misunderstanding about me?
"At school and at the conservatory people thought that I was an arrogant idiot, an aloof type. That’s the last thing that I am."

Thanks to Ineke for sending this and John Translating it

►Click HERE To Watch Photoshow by Jennifer

André Rieu to Play Himself In a Hollywood Film

PREMIER!

André Rieu to play himself in a Hollywood film

“It will be a grand story premiering in the States”

After Rocco Granata, André Rieu (64) will also have his own full length movie. “A Hollywood film in which I play myself in the present time and also in the time of Johann Strauss” says the violin virtuoso from Maastricht, in an exclusive interview with HALLO.

Hallo Nov. 2013: We are speaking with André Rieu in Genk, Belgium at the premier of "Marina", a new film by Stijn Coninx. That André was there was in itself quite a major surprise, since a bond between Rocco and André does not exist. "I do not personally know Rocco Granata. But I have been playing his world hit ‘Marina’ for the last 35 years as one of my closing pieces in all of my concerts. "Undoubtedly Rocco will have noticed that in his SABAM (royalty) earnings" the Waltz King says laughingly. André would like to meet Rocco to ask him something immediately. "I would like to invite him as a special guest during my performance in the Hasselt Ethias Arena on 4 January 2014. And together with him play ‘Marina’. That would make a fantastic climax."

WORLD PREMIER

The Netherlands’ biggest violinist and orchestra leader, who has sold more than 30 million albums, is loved and renowned since his Johann Strauss orchestra presents classical music in a popular way, is incidentally full of praise about the film of Rocco Granata’s life. "It is a very moving film" according to André " I cried at the end. Yes, when there is something with fathers and sons, I cannot hold it back any longer. My own father did not like it too well either that I was going to play "little waltzes" as he called it. But towards the end of his life he noticed how serious and dedicated I was about it all and finally he gave in by saying:"Yes, there is only one who can really do this."

Hallo: In short, this could be about you. Isn’t it about time that one makes a film about your life? 
André: (Whispering) "Well, shall I spill the beans? To be honest, we are already doing that."

Hallo: This is fantastic news. How concrete are the plans? Is there for instance a script already?
André: "But of course. Old Elsevier columnist and novel writer Leon de Winter, who now lives in California, has already written it."

Hallo: Did he write the script at your request? Or how exactly did the idea come about?
André: "Well, two years ago, Leon called me with a very special question: "I want to make a film about Johann Strauss and you have to play him."

Hallo: And you were immediately enthusiastic?
André: "My answer was no, no, no, I will not do that! NEVER! I will only play myself . . ."

Hallo: So .... 
André: "Leon then changed and rewrote the entire script, so that I can really play myself in the film." 

Hallo: And so a film about Strauss became one about Rieu? 
André: "That's right. In the film I play myself in the present time, but Strauss is not totally gone from the story. Through a trick in the story, I will indeed also play in the time of Johann Strauss." 

Hallo: Are you satisfied with the result? 
André: "The scenario Leon wrote has become very nice and yes, I am in total agreement." (He laughs ) 

Hallo: In the mean time have the recordings already started? 
André: "No, currently we are working to organize everything so that we can really live up to that film. That is not always obvious in these times. The latter was also remarked on by Peter Bouckaert , the producer of "Marina", just shortly after the performance . I can agree with him: "It is a long road and a lot of misery to bring a movie to a successful conclusion." 

Hallo: So we should not expect the movie in the theaters in 2014? 
André: "No, that would be a little too soon. But I guarantee you that will become a reality. I enormously look forward to it." 

Hallo: With a world premiere in Maastricht? 
André: "No, In Hollywood! This is a great story! "(Bursting out with laughter).

Thanks to Benny Geets and Ineke for forwarding this interview, and John’s translation. 

Privé Interview With André Rieu

PRIVÉ Exclusive: Nov. 2013: For the first time star violinist ANDRÉ RIEU (64) speaks openly about the most dramatic period in his life. He talks about his burnout, the tragic death of his father, and also about his unfulfilled childhood dream, the woman who wanted to kill him, and his beloved MARJORIE, who saved his life.
He has just returned from a tour of Mexico and he is still going to Australia, New Zealand and England and in January a grand tour through Germany will commence. It has been a kind of routine for André Rieu for 25 years. The world has become small for the star violinist and his famous orchestra, yet he prefers to be at home in Maastricht. He finds it difficult to say goodbye every time he leaves home.

Has that always been the case?
“Yes, even when I was still with the Maastricht Symphony Orchestra. I would wait for the bus while MARJORIE stood in front of the window with the boys who were still young at that stage. I found that awful.”

You have said that you want to die in Maastricht.
“I would prefer to die at home. I was born in Maastricht and I am happy living here. But I am going to become 120 so I still have ample time.”

From where do you get the idea that you will reach 120 years of age?
“Because I feel young and fit. I exercise a lot and do the things that I like and hope to be able to do so for a long time to come. It’s got nothing to do with clairvoyance (fortune telling). I am a down- to- earth and rational person.”

Do the men in your family become old?
“My mother is 93 and recently drove to her house in the south of France. She is so fit. My grandmother reached the age of 102. I have a cordial relationship with my mother although we don’t often see one another because I’m often away (from home).”

What is the first thing you see when you wake up in the morning? Your violin?
“Haha, no, I see my wife first, who is far more beautiful than my violin. But my violin is on a stand next to the bed. If you own a Stradivarius you do not like to let it out of sight.

Why doesn’t your wife ever accompany you on your tours?
“Someone needs to take care of the house and ensure that everything keeps going here”.

Is that the secret of a long and happy marriage?
“Yes, it’s a good recipe (idea) to be away from home often. It becomes boring to do everything together and constantly be in one another’s company for 38 years. We always look forward to seeing one another again. We think and feel the same. Whenever we are together, we discover that again. Amazing.”

So you want to live with the same woman until you are hundred and twenty year old?
“Absolutely! I have only considered a divorce once. That was while we were involved in a dance course and quarreled. She can dance and I can’t. Let me rather play (my violin).”

Can you imagine a life without music?
“No, I cannot. Music penetrates your soul; it goes very deep. It has been proven that music even resonates with people with severe Alzheimers (disease)”.

Do you fear that a time will come when you will not be able to play; not be capable of ascending the stage?
“I never think about that. But if happens, it happens.”

You have gone through a difficult period which must have been rather severe for you?
“Fortunately that is something of the past. I now exercise three times a week and that has totally changed my life. I was suffering from loss of co-ordination. But it eventually turned out that I did not move enough. Someone who, like me, travels a lot and jumps around on stage has to ensure that he remains healthy. I have improved my lifestyle, because it was a warning.”

Don’t you suffer dizzy spells anymore?
“No, never again. The secret really lies in the exercising. Three times a week. Previously I simply never had the time for that, I just worked. I’ve lost fourteen kilos, because even my eating habits have changed. It is very simple: you eat white fish once a week, twice a week white meat, once a week oily fish and red meat also once a week. And once a week you should go to McDonald's and indulge in delicious sin. I stick to the diet and it works well. 

Of course you have to cut out soft drinks and sweets.” Isn't that difficult?
“Oh well, once upon a time I smoked three packs of cigarettes a day. When Marjorie was pregnant, I stopped because it would be harmful to our child. I have never touched a cigarette again. If you are motivated, it is not difficult. I just thought about my son's health.”

That son is now a father himself and you are a grandfather…
“I find that wonderful”.

Wouldn’t you have liked to have a daughter?
“Oh, sure, very much. But we're happy with our two sons; we are proud of them. If we had had more children, they would probably also have been boys. We liked the idea of two children; we worked hard and wanted to give as much attention as possible to MARC and PIERRE”.

You come from a big family.

“Yes. We were six children at home and I was always happy. I played with my brothers and other children in the street.” 

There is a picture of you with two of your sisters, hand in hand. Do you still have any contact with them? 
“Yes, sure, but we all live scattered throughout the country.” 

There is another photo from 1970 which depicts you sitting in an attic in Brussels. Under that picture is written: ‘I was very lonely and unhappy.’
“That was me at that time. When Marjorie came, all was well. She saved my life. I was always alone in my room and only studied the violin. Day in, day out.”

What was the most beautiful occasion in your life?
“The birth of my children and meeting my wife. And our grandchildren. Those are beautiful things.”

What was the lowest point of your life?
“That is difficult to say; I’ve actually never had a really bad dip. Well yes, when I was ill a few years ago and couldn’t do anything … that was not nice. That I disappointed my fans and could not work. I hope I will never experience that again.”

You were also on the verge of bankruptcy; you had enormous debts.
“That was also not pleasant, but I find it less aggravating than being ill. I managed to overcome the financial dip. After a year that aspect of my life was healthy again. But to be physically unwell is awful.”

Security at your castle is heavy. Do you fear burglary that much?
“When you are as well known as I am, there are always people who think that everything you own also belong to them. That is of course not the case and every individual is entitled to privacy.”

Have you experienced incidents with (mentally) unstable fans?
“Yes, for sure. Some of them would stand in front of the door for three weeks in the summer and think that I like it, but that is not pleasant. I have also received death threats. Then I brought in the police. Their investigation led to a mentally unstable woman who started crying when the police came to her house.”

Don’t you ever have beautiful women knocking on the door of your hotel room when you are on tour?
“No, we stay in good hotels where you cannot simply walk in. And I also have no need for that. I have always been faithful (to Marjorie). I find that important in a marriage.”

Has there never been a crisis in your marriage in all these years?
“No, we never quarrel. That is perhaps not normal, but it is a fact.”

Are you and your wife soul mates?
“No; for instance, I watch totally different things on television than my wife. But it is a matter of compromise. That is life; love is (about) give and take. That is why I don’t watch only Formula 1 racing, but also some romantic movies, because Marjorie likes it.”

Your father’s death must have been a dreadful time in your life?
“Yes, that was worse than being ill. My father had a stroke and was unconscious afterwards. It didn’t last long and we didn’t know how long he was going to live. He did not recognize us towards the end and that I found terrible.”

What will happen to your Stradivarius after your death?
“As far as I am concerned, it will go to the next generation, but I haven’t decided yet who will
inherit it. I still have ample time to think about that (issue).”

Thanks to Ineke for sending this and Entia Translating it