From Footballs To Fiddles With André Rieu

Brent Harvey Gets a Violin Lesson From Maestro André Rieu At Telstradome

Nov. 13, The Herald Sun, Luke Dennehy

Photo by Fiona Hamilton

BRENT Harvey's hands are just about the safest in AFL footy and yesterday he needed them. The North Melbourne champ was given a rare chance to hold classical music star Andre Rieu's 1732 Stradivarius violin.
It was enough to make Rieu's son Pierre blanch. Almost as shocking was seeing his father kick and handball the Sherrin during a quick lesson on Aussie rules.
"He always thinks it's fun, but sometimes it can turn to trouble. That is why I am here," said Pierre, production manager for Rieu's three Docklands concerts, starting tonight. His famous father was unfussed, paying tribute to the footy stadium. "It's mind-blowing, it's fantastic," he said. "I'm proud to be here in this fantastic home and to be able to play on this holy ground."

Rieu showed his attention to detail during yesterday's dress rehearsal. He walked all over the stage, checking it from different angles in the stadium to make sure the look and the acoustics were just right.
At 700 tonnes, the stage puts a lot of stress on the playing surface something that is not lost on the Rieu family. "We have done everything that is possible to make sure the ground will be OK and that they will be happy for us," Pierre said.

One Australian who plays a vital role in Rieu's stage production is Tasmania opera singer Gary Bennett. He has been touring with the Dutch maestro for three years. "The reaction is amazing," he said. Bennett, who left Tasmania 13 years ago for Europe, said he loved every minute touring with Rieu.