Update on The Ongoing Rieu Study

Update on The Ongoing Rieu Study

September 11, 2013, Maastricht Dichtbij
Rieu scholars to explain their research - By our culture editor MAASTRICHT:  The five experienced scientific researchers who will pour themselves into the global phenomenon André Rieu for the next two years, will provide a large presentation next Thursday in Maastricht’s City Hall. There they will give an explanation of the design of their study which they are considering. According to them, this research will focus on the work and the significance of the Maastricht Orchestra leader and cultural entrepreneur André Rieu in the context of current cultural dynamics.

The research consists of five experienced researchers from the Maastricht University. The initiator of this study is Prof. Dr. Maaike Meijer. She is assisted by Dr. Peter Peters, Dr. Louis van den Hengel and Prof. Dr. Mark Petersen (all from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences) and Dr Jacques van den Boogard of the Social Historical Center Limburg.

The aim of this project, which has been given the working title "The secret of André Rieu"' is to study all aspects of "Rieu"; the contents of his music, the adaptations these contents undergo in the hands of the orchestra, the cultural and historical backgrounds of the repertoire, the audience’s range and the emotions which surface during this cultural experience.

In addition marketing, the technical and economic aspects of these productions, their significance to the culture and economy to the city of Maastricht, the province, the Netherlands and the Euro region will also be studied. "Rieu’s works excites us tremendously" the researchers let know. We find them exciting, compelling, sentimental and sometimes very funny. The effects are spectacular - and we do not only just mean the fireworks which are ignited at the concerts, but also the fascination of the masses of the people who are attending a concert. As researchers we want to understand how that fascination evolves and continues."

This five-some questions amongst others, where does the charisma of Rieu - not only locally, but also internationally - come from. What makes the "Rieu-formula" (if it may be called that) work around the world? How does Rieu mix local and global traditions together? What determines how and when people get carried away at a certain point? Does it have anything to do with certain parts of the Rieu repertoire, the nostalgic effects of that, or the structure of the show? The manner in which Rieu places "classical" men and women on stage, where the sexy specificity of voices, clothing and body idealization is underlined, are they all part of the production? And what about the decor, the lighting, the sound, choreography and timing? And which position does Rieu take in bridging the gap between the lovers of "high culture" and that of the popular culture - a gap which is often projected onto Rieu and the basis of his work and is often violently discussed? Does the closing of the gap also provide historic opportunities for the image and the economy of the city of Maastricht and Limburg? "These are some of the questions formulated in the context of this comprehensive study. The contact between the scientists and André Rieu and his wife Marjorie Rieu was made in late 2012. They all thought it was a fascinating project and let it be known they welcomed the opportunity to assist in any way possible.

The researchers were given access to the entire company, they are allowed to research archives, speak with the staff and participate in all of the company’s activities, both in front as well as behind the scenes. This research, including all costs of the staff and the production of a documentary, will amount to about 535,000 Euros.

Thank You to John for the Translation