André Rieu Gets European Media Award

European Media Award Honors for André Rieu

Dutch Violinist and Orchestra Leader André Rieu received the 10th Karl Medal for European Media on Thursday in Aachen. "I felt very honored", said Rieu, "This award is an indication that my orchestra and I are on the right path to bring classical music to a wider audience, which has always been our goal.

With his in 1987 established International Johann Strauss Orchestra, Rieu performs worldwide.

André Rieu presents classical music in a more popular form with show effects. He takes the audience's anxieties away which could exists by attending a concert of somewhat of an elitist status. This was mentioned at the beginning of the award ceremonies.

Aachen's Mayor Marcel Philipp praised the recipient, "He combines tradition and innovation, but above all he allows an audience of millions of access the European music tradition."

Board of Trustees member Michael Kayser stressed upon the unifying effects created by Rieu, "He presents and finds a musical language that every European can understand."

The Director of the State Institute for Media of North Rhein-Westphalen, Norbert Schneider, praised the merits of the musician: "With André Rieu we have an excellent violinist who maintains the European musical traditions, such as the waltz. He inspires millions. "

The "Charlemagne Medal for the European Media" has been awarded since 2000 in Aachen, as part of the International Karl's Awards to a person or institution in the field of media for exceptional services to the process of European Unity and the development of European identity. The previous awardees are amongst others, the former WDR director Fritz Pleitgen and the Stiftung Berliner Philharmoniker.

Thanks to Ineke for sending this and John for the ©Translation!