André Rieu Partron to World Music Competition

André Rieu To Be Patron of The World Music Competition

May 24, 2013 - Kerkrade: By installing André Rieu as patron of the World Music Competition (WMC) the brass band music festival may piggyback on the success of the brand Rieu. The popular Maastricht violinist and orchestra leader last night became the patron and foremost ambassador for WMC for an indefinite period of time. It will be quite a substantive function and will entail more than for the previous patrons (according to tradition that was always the commissioner of the queen).

"I am unbelievably honored" said Rieu in a first reaction. There are no concrete agreements yet between Rieu and the WMC about the duties of his ambassadorship. "I assume that the WMC will use my name in order to promote brass band music world wide." The WMC organization hopes that because of Rieu’s popularity it will reach the widest possible audience for the promotion of (classical) brass music. Spearheading this edition is the youth. The (by the younger audience) popular Kyteman (trumpeter Colin Benders) was exemplary as a youth ambassador. But he had to cancel due to a busy schedule.

The WMC takes place every four years and will again be held this year in Kerkrade and is expecting roughly 16,000 musicians to attend from all over the world. The event will start on July 4th with more subdued openings. Instead of a grandiose opening in the RODA stadium, there will be a street parade, a flag ceremony and a concert by the WDR (West German Radio) Symphony orchestra. "The subdued opening is more fitting with today’s worldwide economic crisis" says artistic director Harrie Reumkes.

Thanks to John for the Translation