Jostiband Plays With André Rieu in Maastricht

André Rieu at The Vrijthof Playing For 13,000

By Member of Jostiband Edwin ten Brink: I performed in the Jostiband with André Rieu at the Vrijthof in Maastricht on July 6; it was just such a cool experience. On July 4, I accompanied the Jostiband to Maastricht to practice for the concert on the Vrijthof. Rieu is very strict; consequently we already knew then what the end result would be - it was so grand it gave one goose bumps! This was really something very special to participate in.

We had already been to Maastricht in 2006 for Wim Brussen’s farewell. But now it was even more exciting. My whole body was tense, because if you play one wrong note everybody will hear it and with 13,000 people (in the audience) the thought is pretty scary. But once we were in the studio all the tension disappeared like snow in the sun, it was simply nice. 

The invitation came about after André Rieu told our conductor: "You have so many band members, but I want 16 more; how you go about doing it is your problem. I will take care of the hotel. Our conductor Lyan had no idea how she was going to accomplish this, but made a few quick calls. This strategy was successful and Lyan and André were both satisfied (with the outcome). 

The big day came and the tension resurfaced, but that's normal. Once at the hotel, we quickly checked-in and were soon off again. We had just sufficient time to do everything with ease, despite a 40-minute delay. Everything went well in the bus on the way to the Vrijthof. We had to wait backstage and then went onstage for the sound check; our instruments had been (brought onto the stage) and arranged by piccolo’s (ushers). It was a pleasure to see. 

After that we had dinner; it was delicious and well-presented. After dinner we went to the theater to watch André Rieu in concert. That was really cool to see. Then (it was time to change) and finally - ON STAGE! It was a real party (on stage) and afterwards (we had) a great after-party. For me this was the crowning glory of nearly 50 years of Jostiband. 

I have also realized something that I have dreamed about for a long time: I got to stand next to Andre van Duin on a photo. I am very happy about that. Whoopee!

Thank you to Entia for the Translation