André Rieu The Phenomenon Tours in Australia

Photo by Al Girard of André in Melbourne

This is an article from ABC Television entertainment section in Australia today. Towards the bottom of the article you will see they refer to the Fansite that had the story of the two women who gave André their paintings of him. It is the article from here on the Parlor and ABC has the 'link' to to The Parlor for the story ... :)

Nov. 17, 2008
He depicts his critics as members of a stuffy musical elite with narrow aesthetic tastes, yet regularly demeans in interviews music that is not to his taste and classical musicians who choose not to perform in his manner. Behind the scenes he is a bespectacled, conservatively dressed, mild-mannered Dutch businessman and a perfectionist with tight control over every aspect of the Rieu industry. On stage, he presents as a carefree spirit in full Strauss attire, overflowing with joie de vivre, spontaneity and playful informality.
In The Australian, Eamonn Kelly explores the polarised responses violinist and conductor André Rieu has received from Australian critics as his World Stadium Tour kicks off.
The weekend saw Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra put on three shows at Melbourne's Docklands stadium.
He's become renowned for theatrical performances that get labels like "Wiggles for grown-ups" or "Walt Disney for adults".
Rieu appears proud of his popularity, though, comparing himself to Pavarotti and Michael Flatley.
Cultural debates aside, it's hard to deny that to some people he's an idol.

Arts reviewer Chris Boyd writes about Rieu's appeal:
André Rieu is a phenomenon. He's Pavarotti, the Boston Pops, Nigel Kennedy, Liberace and PT Barnum rolled into one. He's a heart-throbbing chart-topping star of the Morning Melodies set. His popularity puts the Three Tenors to shame. (Indeed, the low point of his first Australian concert on Thursday night was a Three Tenors-style rendition of Nessun dorma. It was an abomination. And it scored a mid-set standing ovation ...

One fansite tells the story of two women who painted portraits of Rieu and delivered them in person at one of his Melbourne concerts.

But is Rieu to your taste?
Posted by Rosie Ryan on Nov 18, 2008