André Rieu Builds a Copy of The Vrijthof

André Rieu Builds a Copy of The Vrijthof in Maastricht

To be on the "safe side" André will be building a replica of the Vrijthof in case it should rain during the 2010 concerts. The violinist wants to use this decor in the MECC next year if the weather is inclement for his concerts on the square.

Just barely four kilometers (about 2.5 miles) from the ancient Vrijthof, a copy of one of the most famous squares in the Netherlands is appearing. Responsible for this "architectural" masterpiece is André Rieu. The world-famous orchestra leader has thought of a new stunt. Before he and his famous Johann Strauss Orchestra depart on an icebreaker for the North Pole, the stand-alone violinist is first copying the square in the Maastricht Exhibition & Congress Center (MECC), so that the concerts will be covered.

Since he tours around the world with an exact replica of the Viennese Schloss Schönbrunn, the bug has bitten the violinist. Since Rieu is such a perfectionist, he does everything possible to spoil his public as much as possible during his concerts. With his stadium filled shows, André Rieu very often performs in indoor arenas. During his thirty year career he has been very lucky with the weather, conducting concerts in the open air. To be one step ahead of bad weather, Rieu decided that his concerts on the weekends of 9 to 11 July and from 16 to 18 July on the Vrijthof next year, can not be at risk due to weather.

If necessary, he'll move the entire production to the largest hall in the MECC. There is room for about ten thousand spectators, who - if they look around - will get to see the buildings around the Vrijthof, such as the many Cafes with dining capabilities, the Theater on The Vrijthof, the Spanish Government Building and the Churches of the St. Servaas and St. Jan. Wherever possible, Rieu wants the buildings to be three-dimensional and life size. "You know André", says his press spokesperson Kerstin Cornelis. "The square should look exactly the same. Only the churches will of course not quite fit in the MECC. It is an expensive investment, but we plan to perform for many years to come on the Vrijthof, and we know there will be times when the weather will be bad. We'll have at least a good backup. It is possible that in the future we may go on tour with the Vrijthof decor."

In case of bad weather, André Rieu wants to transport the visitors who use the eating arrangements on the Vrijthof, in free shuttle buses to the MECC. It is not inconceivable that the decor could also be used for the Christmas concerts in December next year in the MECC, which the orchestra leader is now starting to organise. "That still has not really been discussed yet," said Cornelis. "Everything is possible in that regard. For now, however, we are focusing on current projects."

Thanks to John for Finding and Translating this for us!