André Rieu August 2012 Concert in Johannesburg!

First André Rieu Concert in Johannesburg, South Africa

The first Johannesburg concert was absolutely terrific. As opposed to Sun City which only seats about 6 000 people, the Dome can seat about 13 000 people. Last night André played to a capacity audience. From the beginning the excitement and anticipation could be felt throughout the dome.

The people came from far and wide and started congregating from 16:00 onwards with many of them visiting the adjacent North Gate Mall to have dinner.

André and the orchestra had spent the entire day rehearsing at the Dome and members of the orchestra mentioned that they spent most of their leisure time also just strolling around the mall. We bumped into Gary and he was very excited about their third visit to South Africa. They had not yet had much time to enjoy the Palazzo Hotel in Sandton (part of Johannesburg), as they had only arrived in South Africa on Thursday morning. However, most of them seemed relaxed and Gary mentioned that they did not suffer much jet lag, as they usually do on longer trips.

The moment arrived and André and the JSO entered from the back of the dome. It reminded me of Maastricht. He was happy and smiling and made contact with quite a few fans as they moved down the aisle. The audience gave them an overwhelming welcome. The repertoire was a very special one, to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the JSO. André mentioned that yesterday was the exact date on which the orchestra had been formed. He made a tongue – in – the cheek comment about being in Johannesburg, of all places, on that date! The audience thought that was hilarious.

Well, André was in absolutely top form last night. It was a joy to see him laughing, joking, smiling and having fun with the audience. This is the best interaction we have seen to date.

It was a very responsive audience too. Of course, Johannesburg loved to have the Soweto Gospel Choir on stage. Kimmy also received a warm welcome back home and standing ovations.

The highlight of the evening was having both Carmen and Carla together in South Africa for the first time. The combination of the three voices together with Kimmy, brought tears to many eyes.

Each item on the programme was truly magnificent.

André and the JSO had the audience off their seats and joining in. During the encores he included Sarie Marais and another local favourite, Suikerbossie. It truly was another memorable evening with the Maestro. Jennifer Anne Fourie

Thank You Jenni for the wonderful photos and report!
(The top picture is Ludwig, Ronel and Jenni)