André Rieu The Flying Dutchman Is Ready To Soar!

The Flying Dutchman Is Ready To Soar!

Brisbane Scott Casey December 3, 2008

They are fanatical, determined and will gather by the thousand tonight for a chance to glimpse their idol in full glare at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium. And a sneak peek at Dutch superstar violinist Andre Rieu's world tour spectacular suggests they won't leave disappointed.The final touches are being added to the mass production ahead of the first of two concerts tonight, when 50,000 people will pack the stadium at Milton.

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Despite the stifling heat in the city today, a touch of wintertime Austria will be unveiled with the fabulous Castle of Schonbrunn dominating the stadium's floor alongside two ice skating rinks and two working fountains.
Hundreds of musicians, dancers and artists dressed in period costume will attempt to recreate the grandeur of the Viennese opera across the massive and detailed stage.
All the pomp and ceremony will compete on stage with the renowned skills of Rieu, who, along with his Johann Strauss Orchestra and choir, will lead a revival of classical music including pieces such as the Blue Danube waltz.
Rieu has played the violin since age five and began his career as a major concert performer in the late 1980s with a tour of Germany and the Benelux countries.

The Brisbane concert has been more than a year in the planning.
"Arguably I think it is the biggest stage the world has ever seen let along Suncorp Stadium, it is the biggest stage ever," Suncorp Suncorp Stadium General Manager Paul Sergeant said. Two thousand stadium staff are working on the production, alongside 500 performers and Rieu's own staff.
The concert kicks off at 7pm tonight and again tomorrow night.