André Rieu Rewards The Faithful Again in Melbourne

André Rieu Rewards The Faithful Again

Review by Terry Carroll Melbourne Herald Sun ~ IT was a swooning love in when André Rieu and his 50 strong Johann Strauss Orchestra played at Rod Laver Arena last night.Though the violin maestro was here less than a year ago, the faithful thought it was too long a wait and gave him a rapturous welcome in the anticipation of his Classical, Operetta, Movie and March favorites.

And he didn't disappoint his mass of fans, mostly baby boomers. It was a more modest affair compared with the huge production at the Etihad Stadium (Telstradome) in November. It was also a different program, but with all the Rieu stars. Brazilian soprano, Carmen Monarcha passionately sang Michael Jackson's "Earth Song" with a choir of Melbourne kids.

The Platin Tenors, including Tasmanian Gary Bennett, belted out "Torna a Surriento". While Mirusia Louwerse brought the house down with her version of, "I Could Have Danced All Night".

The Waltzes are the big hits though, with the "Blue Danube" swaying the crowd. Rieu appears again tonight.