André Rieu Invites Fans To His Castle

So nicely lives the world star from Maastricht
André Rieu Invites Fans To His Castle

October 12, 2012 Weekend Magazine: André Rieu protects his private life very well, but for his upcoming concerts he will be making an exception. Early July 2013, fans will be welcomed in the beautiful castle where he and his wife Marjorie reside. For such a visit there is a very a special price attached ... 

Where previously everyone in the world knew who Johan Cruijf was, that now holds true for André Rieu. The Maastricht citizen is a real world star and together with pop stars Madonna and Lady Gaga is in the top 10 of most attended concerts. But with the Netherlands, however, he maintains a very special bond, mainly because here is where his success started. That is why he always keeps several days free in his schedule so he can perform concerts at home, in his city of Maastricht. 

The days for 2013 are already known. He will again be entertaining his audiences on the Vrijthof with his Johann Strauss Orchestra and special guests. Specifically for his fans, Rieu has made special packages available to the program, which includes a visit to his castle or studio. With this VIP package there will be a good seat near the podium, a drink after the concert and a four course dinner with the Maastricht Salon Orchestra is included, and an overnight stay in the exceptional Kruisheren Hotel, which is within walking distance from the Vrijthof. Whoever would like to take a peek in André Rieu’s castle will have to dig deep into their pockets as the total arrangement costs no less than 789 Euros per person.

Winter Atmosphere

André Rieu and his wife bought the castle several years ago when he was still at the beginning of this world fame. Marjorie Rieu was afraid they would not be able to afford it, but André knew for sure everything would be just fine. "Huis de Torentjes" (House the little Towers) which is the official name for the castle is located on the southern slope of the St. Peters Mountain at the edge of Maastricht. To which towers the name refers is not exactly clear. In the 16th and 17th century, the house was named after its then owners, the Beisel or Spreeuwarttoren. It was built on the ruins of a medieval house from 1294 and was known then under the name of Bevors from Beaufort, who were then the current residents. In the beginning of the 15th century, the dwelling was destroyed and afterwards rebuilt. Throughout the centuries it was used as a vineyard, villa and farm. Now it is the home of Rieu and his family. Moreover, fans have already been able to see the director’s house.* Last year, special recordings were made in and around the castle for a Christmas special for the German TV station ZDF. These recordings were made in the middle of summer. They worked with all their might for days to transform the gardens and the interior of the world star’s castle into a winter atmosphere. Even the roofs were covered with a layer of artificial snow, while in reality it was midsummer. The audience* was asked to arrive dressed in winter clothing, and also the orchestra arrived all bundled up through the artificial snow, while the temperatures that evening outside were high in the 20’s (C or 80’s F). Thousands of lights, Christmas trees and even a real Santa ensured that is was really Christmas during that summer. The finishing touches were the serving of mulled wine and hot chocolate milk, while everyone was dying for a cool glass of wine or cold soft drink.

The Happiest Man

These special images can also be seen on the DVD "Home for Christmas" which will be released on 22 October. "During the holidays, I am always at home, especially now since I can enjoy the excited faces of my grandchildren when they see the Christmas tree and the presents underneath it. I travel all year long, but at Christmas I am really at home". On this DVD and a similar CD is a special composition called "December Lights." André wrote the piece himself and was inspired through the encounter with his Marjorie in the wintry streets in Brussels. "I was a poor young student studying the violin at the conservatory. Despite the material inconveniences the company of such a great person made me the happiest man in the world" according to André. 

Note* The audience and/or fans participating in this DVD special were relatives and friends of André Rieu Productions.

Thanks to Ineke for sending this and John Translating it for us.