André Rieu Has Become Ambassador
Of The Limburg Symphony Orchestra
André Rieu has become ambassador of The Limburg Symphony Orchestra*. The world star, violinist and Limburger in heart and soul, spoke out yesterday about the preservation of the Limburg Symphony Orchestra and the Limburg culture.
He said amongst others, "It is an absurd plan to be economizing on culture. To economize on culture means you are reducing the economy of the land. You keep your hands off the Limburg Symphony Orchestra! It has been around for a very long time ... my dad conducted there his entire life, and you will stay away from it! We will start anew!"
André Rieu Sr. was appointed as conductor of the then Maastricht Symphony Orchestra in 1949, and led the orchestra for at least 31 years. André Rieu himself played in the Limburg Symphony Orchestra as violinist until 1989.
The Limburg Symphony Orchestra of Maastricht has launched a major action to ensure that the orchestra will remain. Due to the economizing plans of the government, the end of the orchestra in the capital of Limburg is being threatened. This action also entails prominent Limburgers making video statements against the proposed cuts. These images are then distributed on Internet sites, such as Facebook and YouTube.
On June 21 the LSO will present it's petition to the House. And on that day the orchestra will also be giving a concert.
*The Limburg Symphony Orchestra is a Dutch orchestra based in Maastricht in the province of Limburg, The Netherlands. It is one of the Netherlands’ oldest professional symphony orchestras. The Limburg Symphony Orchestra gives more than one hundred performances a season and occupies a significant place within Limburg’s cultural life. In addition to its symphonic offerings, the orchestra provides Opera Zuid with accompaniment, works with various choirs and runs extensive education programs.
Thanks to John for ©Translating and sending this to us
I admire Andre's passion and determination to preserve this orchestra. I wish him all the success in the world in his endeavours.
ReplyDelete<3 <3 <3
Great civilizations are remembered for their arts!! For the past 25 years in the U.S., government funding for the arts has been cut to almost nothing, which is really terrible, especially in the area of education. It is discouraging to see that this is also happening in Europe, where governmental support of the arts has always been much greater and more consistent. Andre Rieu is correct that closing the Limburg Symphony would have economic as well as cultural ramifications for the region. Good luck to Mr. Rieu and all who are working to support the Symphony! Jennifer Dawson
ReplyDeleteNow that I'm on the subject (which I obviously feel strongly about!!)- the Philadelphia Orchestra is going bankrupt after more than 100 years. Let's all fight to keep our arts organizations alive!! Andre Rieu and JSO, you are great leaders in this area! Jennifer
ReplyDelete