André Rieu's Castle Transformed Into a Christmas Palace
In Warm Summer Weather
Maastricht Aktueel: Under very special circumstances in and around André Rieu's castle, recordings for the German television station ZDF were being made. For days they have worked with all their might and power to transform the gardens and the interior of the Maastricht world star's castle into a winter atmosphere. The German TV company started last Friday with the production of a Christmas Special 2011. Even the roofs were covered with a layer of fake snow. And all that in the same week that summer again found the Netherlands. In downright balmy temperatures, the Christmas evergreens adorned the walls of Andre Rieu's domain.
At the Viefsprunk (a crossing of five road) at the base on the St. Peter's hill, the terraces are full with people enjoying a beautiful summer evening. A little more than a kilometer away, at the bottom of the Zonneberg, snow covers the roofs of André Rieu's stunning castle. Inside the walls of André Rieu's estate, one finds a stunning winter landscape. Thousands of lights, Christmas trees and even a real snowman, combined with sophisticated lighting in and around the castle produce a magical sight. Just before the recordings started, a huge snow cannon supplied the trees and the roofs of the castle with a thick layer of environmentally friendly fake snow.
A select group of invited guests, dressed in winter clothing, are being treated on this subtropical evening with hot chocolate and hot mulled wine. It takes some getting used to, but all those present are quickly transformed into the Christmas spirit by means of the Christmas songs presented by the Johann Strauss Orchestra and soloists.
An unforgettable summer evening in a winter atmosphere. This Christmas special, which will be aired by ZDF on Christmas Eve, December 24th, is being recorded in no less than seven languages and will be broadcast worldwide. Last night forty minutes of video were recorded and captured. During the month of November on several specific locations in and around Maastricht the necessary recordings will be made to complete the broadcast. As an example, even in the historic center of Maastricht streets will also be transformed into a winter atmosphere.
Yet another export product of André Rieu with a large portion of Maastricht promotion will go around the world during Christmas. Thanks to Han Scheuerman. Photo © Govert de Roos. And Thanks to John for the English Translation.
Wow, very interesting!! Did I see Carla in winterclothes, with her guitar??? That makes it really very special: Carla back again for this recording!!
ReplyDeleteThe castle looks fabulous like that, yes Ineke, I noticed Carla, wonder if she is back for good or just for the special. It lookslike it will be an amazing one.
ReplyDeleteLove it !!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos and a great read, thank you all.
Dee
Perth
Fantastic photos! Like you, Ineke and Steph glad to see Carla back whether it's only for a while or for a long time. Look forward to buying the new cd and seeing the Christmas special. Can't wait!
ReplyDeleteRose Gregg
Hmm, yes, I also noticed Carla (a particularly charming shot of her), but neither Kimi nor Carmen.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everybody - the castle and garden look splendid! I still want to experience a White Christmas - over here in South Africa Christmas is usually a swelteringly hot day!
Ooh, so sorry, Sue and everybody else - it's me, Entia from South Africa, who posted the previous comment, but I forgot to sign my name, although I suppose Ineke might have suspected it was yours truly.....
ReplyDeleteEntia.