André Rieu Receives The 2009 Buma Export Prize in Holland

André Rieu Received Double Honors Today
Thursday March 5, 2009 De Telegraaf

AMSTERDAM Thursday afternoon André Rieu was distinguished by the French Ambassador, and that evening after the Golden Harp Gala, he returned home with the Buma Export Prize of 2009.

André Rieu received double honors today. He received French Knighthood and the Buma Export Prize. Ivo Niehe admired him because he sold 715,000 tickets.

And Rieu himself? "I am extremely proud to be Dutch and a Maastricht citizen. I say that whenever I am on an international stage. We, as a small country, can do it all!"

The Export Prize is bestowed upon the Dutch Artist who in the past year has been the most successful abroad. In the meantime this is the fourth time that André has received this award, but that does not make him less happy.

"When I started playing the violin, I never thought I would ever win the Export Prize", says André. "I am also extremely proud of the Netherlands. Every evening when I perform I receive so much enthusiasm from the public. Thank you very much!"

The Medal André is wearing in the pictures is his 'French Knighthood', the Ribbon he is wearing above it is his 'Dutch Knighthood' ......... As for the Tie? ;-)

Thank You to John for Finding and Translating this for us!

A little update about the Tie ... I searched on the Parlor and there's an interview that I posted last year where André was asked, if he could be any Animal he wanted to be, what animal would he choose, this was his answer:

An Animal? "An elephant. I love the elephants very much. Look at my necktie, it has approximately ten designs. I love them, because they are strong and amiable, but they can also look at each other with rage, if it has to be. That shows a little of myself, this here." (Laughter) He also said elephants bring him luck ...