André Rieu Shocked by Earthquake in Christchurch

André Rieu Shocked by Earthquake in Christchurch NZ

MAASTRICHT, Netherlands, February 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- André Rieu reacted with horror this morning to the news about the earthquake in Christchurch. The Dutch violinist and conductor is currently rehearsing at his studio in Maastricht, for his upcoming tour of South Africa.

"I was really shocked when I heard the news and saw the first images on television. What terrible destruction. And the number of victims. It's really awful. The thoughts of my whole family, and the entire orchestra, are with the victims and the survivors. Everyone hopes never to have to go through something like this"

A tour has been scheduled for Australia and New Zealand in May. This includes a concert in Christchurch. However, André says it is much too early to decide whether the concert there can go ahead as planned.

"That's not something I'm thinking about right now. That's something for a later stage. The most important thing is caring for the victims and the clearing of the enormous devastation. Whether or not concerts can go ahead is not important right now. My thoughts go out to the inhabitants of Christchurch" André Rieu says.