André Rieu's Concert in Maastricht 2011

André Rieu
"Schönbrunn" On The Pietersberg

In The Dog Run Area

Limburger Newspaper

March 22, 2008
By our correspondent

In 2011, André Rieu wants to perform his Mega Concert on top of the St. Pietersberg in Maastricht. Because of the Holy Sanctuary Procession that year, he will not be able to perform his traditional concert on the Vrijthof.

The violinist is in discussion with he owners of the Nature Reserve, to place his replica of the Schönbrunn castle on top of the mountain. Rieu himself was not available for comment yesterday, but the Nature Reserve confirmed the plans of the Maastricht entertainer. Before Rieu get the "go ahead" it has to be crystal clear that the mountain can support the onslaught of several thousand people.

This is why studies are necessary to research to stability of the sandstone catacombs beneath the mountain, and the vulnerability of the protected nature area. "It is quite something, a Vrijthof concert on top of the St. Pietersberg". Nature can not suffer because of it, and safety has to be assured. Only when those have been thoroughly checked can we give a unanimous "yes", according to José Hermens of the Nature Reserve Board. According to her, there is only one suitable area on the mountain where that aristocratic Habsburg palace can be placed: The dog run area on top of the mountain. The city of Maastricht is obliging to the plan. "André Rieu is always searching for quality. This location is an enormous promotion for Maastricht. If the support of the mountain is sufficient, Rieu can expect little opposition to his plan", according to spokesperson Lei Meisen.

The board of the Nature Reserve has been in discussion with Rieu for quite a while. Hermens says: "We approached him because we are always searching for national and regional sponsors who have an interest in our ecology. During the talks, the idea to have a concert on top of the St. Pietersberg was presented". Rieu is also looking at the Maastricht-Aachen airport as an alternate location for his concert.

Thank you for sending this translation to us John!