André Rieu on Cancelling Shows:

 

CHRISTMAS  CONCERTS CANCELLED

André Rieu on cancelling shows: 'Going partying now is morally irresponsible

Photo André Rieu Productions

He could have waited for the next press conference by the outgoing cabinet. And maybe then the signal could have gone green for the Christmas concerts in the Maastricht MECC. "But," says André Rieu, "that is morally irresponsible. You can't have 36,000 people partying, while a hundred meters away people in the ICU are fighting for their lives and healthcare workers are in danger of falling over."

de Limburger, by Robb Cobben - The three planned Christmas concerts of André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra on 17, 18 and 19 December in the Maastricht MECC will not take place. Just like last year, they are cancelled due to the corona pandemic. "The rapidly rising infection rates do not make any other decision possible," says Rieu.

"It was with pain in my heart that I made this decision. Because actually, after nineteen months without concerts, we would like nothing better than to jump on stage and play. But the way I feel, this is the only good thing to do now."

What we do for many people's lives is the icing on the cake of. Andre Rieu 

The outgoing government will come up with a new press conference on 4 December. And just maybe possibly less restrictions might be possible after that date. "But," says Rieu, "to let the concerts go ahead is morally irresponsible. You can't have 36,000 people partying while a hundred feet away people are fighting for their lives in the ICU. And healthcare workers are in danger of collapsing."

That is why it was decided yesterday to postpone the three planned Christmas shows to December 2022. The tickets sold – for the three performances with a capacity of 12,000 spectators each were almost sold out – will remain valid for the new dates.

For Rieu, the cancellation means a financial dilemma. "Actually, it is very bitter, because we are in a situation where we cannot afford this at all. We haven't been able to give concerts for nineteen months. And therefore have no income. But if the decision for us is not made, we will do it ourselves."

Large amount

How much money he will be missing out on by cancelling the three Christmas shows, he does not want to say. "But you can be certain that it is a very large amount." The orchestra leader hopes that the government will come up with new support measures. "We are very grateful to have a government that has spent billions in supporting businesses. Without that help, we wouldn't be existing today. We have 130 permanent employees. We assume that new support measures will follow, because otherwise companies will vanish. Then the support for the first period of the pandemic would still have been in vain."

Not only the shows in Maastricht have been cancelled. Rieu and his orchestra would have given concerts in Bratislava, Vienna, Cologne and Leipzig starting next week. Those performances too will also not take place. "The situation there in terms of infections, is just as alarming as it is here."

 Lisbon

The only four shows which are scheduled from 1 to 4 December are in Lisbon, and remain on the agenda for the time being. The corona-virus pandemic seems to be under control In Portugal. "We hope that those concerts can take place. We are all very eager to get that energy boost. Making people happy with our music, that's what we do it for."

The orchestra leader and violinist is convinced that the 'hunger' for his orchestra and music will remain. "What we do for many people is the icing on the cake of a lifetime. They look forward to our concerts, sometimes look forward to those for a year and enjoy them immensely."

Thanks to John for this article and his translation