As Musketeer d'Armagnac, Rieu is expected, amongst others, to contribute to the culture of the Cascogne (a region in France). Rieu, in turn, hopes that the good contacts with France willhelp to fulfill a big wish: to do a huge performance under the Eiffel Tower in the heart of Paris, similar to the concerts in front of the Schönbrunn Castle in Vienna. Rieu, who will perform in France after the summer holidays, has sent letters to the Mayor of Paris and the Minister of Culture, but has not yet received permission. TheFrom now on, André Rieu will go through life as Musketeer d'Armagnac. The Maastricht citizen was appointed by the French leader of the order "La Compagnie".
It was not coincidental that the ceremony took place in Rieu's Castle, de Torentjes, at the base of the St. Petersberg. Charles de Batz-Castelmore, better known as the fourth musketeer d'Artagnan, enjoyed here on 25 June 1673 his last breakfast, just before he breathed his last during a battle near the Tongerse gate.
In his acceptance speech, André pointed out the historical importance of his kitchen, which yesterday was filled to the brim witha camera crew from ZDF(German TV)
waltz king was not the only Dutchman who was admitted to the Company of Musketeers yesterday. The head of La Company, a descendant of D'Artagnan, came over especially for this occasion, and also welcomed into the ranks, journalist and program maker Jo Cortenraedt, lawyer Fernand Triple, writer Han Bergh, confectionery manufacturer Bernd Postma and sculptor Alexander Taratynov (known for The Night Watch and the statue of D'Artagnan in Maastricht). Worldwide there are about three thousand Musketeers d'Armagnac, including Prince Albert of Monaco. The Dutch squadron is commanded by Camille Oostwegel, Honorary Consul of France. ~ Thanks to John de Jong for this ©Translation and video!
Photos are from Andrerieu.com Ineke and De Limburger
Aren't we all proud of HIM? Though André is among the thousands of Musketeers, it's unlikely that any of the other ceremonies took place at a Musketeer's castle. We might have to start saving money for Eiffel!
ReplyDeleteO yes, when Andre performs in Paris underneath the Eiffel Tower, we'll immediately book a weekend Paris!!
ReplyDeleteDid you recognize the statue of d'Artagnan? It is in Maastricht, in the Aldenhof Park. So have a look, when you are in Maastricht!
Ineke.
Great honor for Andre.
ReplyDeleteAnd so much appreciation to John de Jong for keeping up his knowledge of Dutch, reading the Limburg and other Dutch newspapers and spending so much time translating for us. (Having a lot of Dutch family, both here and in Holland keeps John fluent!) Also appreciation to Sue and Jann for posting the translations for us English speaking and reading fans.
Many, many thanks!
Laurie
My thanks agaqin, also, to John, Sue, Sonja, Jann, Ineke and Ruud and to you too, Laurie, who all provide us with such great information that we would not otherwise have!
ReplyDeleteEileen