Andre Rieu Will Come To Mexico
The following is a translation from an interview
Andre gave to a Journalist in Mexico.
André Rieu will come to Mexico
ANDRÉ RIEU IN MEXICO
He was born in the middle of a family of talented musicians; his father led the Symphonic Band of Limburg and was the principal director of the Opera of Leipzig. Andre's brothers and sisters are dedicated and recognized musicians.
André grew listening to classic music, especially symphonies, chamber music and opera. Rieu was the violinist of the Symphonic Orchestra of Limburg many years and after that in a period of 10 years, he covered the whole of Europe with his own Orchestra. The album that gave him his start & reputation is FROM HOLLAND WITH LOVE, played simultaneously in 26 countries.
In addition to a feeling of love and excitement about the violin, André Rieu also was born to be a music director (Orchestra Leader) in the same mold as Johann Strauss. Perfectly suited to the role, Andre Rieu formed his Johann Strauss Orchestra to express and demonstrate his musical qualities and bring his music to the world. He presents his concerts with humor and has an abundance of charisma, making certain the concert going fans have an unforgettable experience.
"While studying in the conservatory, I was invited to perform in a special project, this was the first time that I interpreted a waltz, Gold and Silver by Franz Lehar. This opened a new world to my eyes. It had an exciting rhythm. Immediately I felt attracted to this type of music and decided that it wanted to perform in this style."
"Johann Strauss was writing his waltzes not so much for the interpretation in a concert rooms, but for massive festivities where the young people were amusing themselves and dancing" said Andre.
"When I founded the Johann Strauss Orchestra many years ago, I never imagined that it would have the success that it has today. We have gone of tour to Holland, Belgium, and Germany with all the sold tickets. Since I began with my album FROM HOLLAND WITH LOVE, where I included a rendition of THE SECOND WALTZ. The success of it has been overwhelming. The album contains waltzes and melodies of operetta of Strauss and other Viennese music as well."
Rieu likes directing his Orchestra as if Johann Strauss would, by playing the violin and leading the Orchestra not only with the instrument but also with the bow, and moving his entire body. It seems as if he is dancing while he was directing. This is inspiring to his musicians and his fans. They all adore it. "If Johann Strauss lived in this century, I am sure that he would be one of the most famous pop artists of the world", Rieu assures.
His goal is to use music to resuscitate the Vienna of the XIXth century: The beautiful city of Strauss, with it's beautiful hall for music and dance, the walls with shining mirrors and enormous candelabras hanging from the ceiling, everything creating the purest romance.
"I am very proud because with my Orchestra, I can transmit to people, a Viennese ambiance through the music. I am very grateful for all my fans who make this known to me through their letters, of their great appreciation of my music. Even in these modern times, romance can be brought to every concert."
THE INTERVIEW
"For me the music is like breathing".
Andre Rieu, Violinist & Conductor of the Dutch Johan Strauss Orchestra was born in Holland. With his interpretation of waltzes, marches and polkas, Rieu recreates the typical incomparable and entertaining ambiance of the music of Johann Strauss and other Viennese composers. Rieu enjoys enormous success about the world.
The selling of his discs already register in the millions of and he has revitalized the waltz and has put it in fashion again.
André Rieu, a big artist of classic music, is in the city of Mexico for the promotion of his disc, Waltzes. The first of March he granted this exclusive interview. (2006)
André Rieu is a simple, agreeable and charismatic man who smiles, as he raises his eyes and looks at the sky while he reflects by the his beginning.
Beginning
"It was difficult to find anyone will to allow me recording time. When I first was trying to record, they all said "He is crazy, playing waltzes, he will not achieve anything" as I was going studio to studio hearing this. Finally a recording producer decided to attend one of my concerts, and when that happened, the following day he brought a contract to my house."
The Change
"My life has changed. I do a great deal of promotion; travel very much around the world and that is why I am not home much, which is something I do not like. I would like to think of myself as a father of a normal family. My family does not like it that I am gone so much, but they understand that I cannot remain in the house and play waltzes. They understand that I have to go out and give concerts."
The Meaning
"Music is my life, from a young age I listened to classical music. I would die without music. From when I was small, I wanted to be a musician. My father was a conductor and all my family is musical. For me Music is like Breathing."
The Style
"I think that classic music must not be only for the elite, it must be accessible to all. It must please people and the people go away satisfied and therefore endorse a concert. Classical music is not boring, that is why I have fun during my concerts as do my fans who attend concerts. It is like a holiday every time I play a waltz."
What is Happening
"It is a good time for classical music. Many people have helped make classical Popular and Big again. Pavarotti for example, who has given concerts for big masses in Madison Square Garden, singing into a microphone."
Dare not! Say the most puritanical critics, but I say "Why Not!"
**more photos on the Website Page: Andre in Mexico
Hey Sally, Quite a scoop. Really good article and Mexico is so close and yet so far. Andre will pack the casa. Ole Barb
Hey Barb.."ole" indeed. Mexico is in for a real treat. Wouldn't you love to see Andre do the Mexican Hat dance? Remember that one? That was a favorite of mine years ago when I was "into" mexican music.La Cucaracha and Ceilto Lindo, what kid didn't grow up hearing those.i loved the mariachi bands!Later got "into" herb alpert & his Tijuana Brass, altho' he was born in Ca. he sure played a mean trumphet. I have an old lp album of his, the cover has him sitting in an airplane, similar to our 'flying dutchman". Then, later, I fell "into" freddie Fender....loved his "When The Last Teardrop Falls. then later, I think he formed a band called "The Texas Tornadoes", they had a really good mexican sound, very popular around here.Anyway, it will be interesting to see what kind of program Andre puts together for the people.
I am not surprised He is going back to Mexico, I think this is second time. The country of music and dance. What an opposite type, but beautiful!! I am sure, people who likes Mariachi bands and music, can turn and move their toes on Waltzes also. Good article Sally. Kati
Kati, I didn't know Andre had been to Mexico before.Do you know when? I think, like us, Mexico has many different styles of music, classical has also been a long tradition with them. And Marlene, I just checked a web site for Freddie Fender and it said he now has incurable cancer.It is sad for me to hear that. I wish him well.I will always remember his "Vaya Con Dios", "It's All In the Game" and "Secret Love", those and the "Last Teardrop" are my favorites.I always wished I had heard more of his Texas Tornadoes, they were good. I think one of the members of that group died so that's probably why they didn't last too long.
Shirley, maybe You are right. I thought, I read it someplace about Mexico, surprised me also, maybe I am wrong and they never been there?! Kati
Nice article Sally! Andre is conquering the world, and rightfully so. The efforts and love and dedication he has for the music shows in that his music is totally accepted and people do love his music throughout the world. In Mexico, I'm sure that Andre will be as well received as he is everywhere else he appears!
Shirley, I haven't heard the name "Freddy Fender" in a very long time. I too loved his singing and couldn't get enough of that voice of his. He certainly had a way with a mixed song of both Mexican and English
hi Everyone!
Well, this is a nice page! Thank you Sally for all your hard work.
love,
Sarah
Hi everyone! What a great article. Look out Mexico - you will never be the same. If I would be in SouthWest Florida at the time I would be tempted to swim across the Gulf of Mexico! Guess I better fly though - want to get there alive. Gee, I haven't heard the name Freddie Fender for a long time either. Really liked his songs. I do wish him well also.
Just received The Homecoming today and looking forward to Vienna. Every day the white envelope comes, I know it is going to be a good day. I have been ordering some of the older DVD's that I did not have.
We were talking about a bumper sticker at one time. Did anything come of this? What about an Andre button maybe with his gorgeous face and Fans and Friends underneath?? That way when we go to concerts, 'they will know us by our buttons'! and we will know each other.
My Dutch Language course just arrived from Amazon. Can you believe it?? I am going to learn the language (hopefully)
I just want to thank Sally for all her work and all she does for us. It is so wonderful to have someone like her to bring us closer to Andre and his beautiful music. THANK YOU SALLY!
Love to all.
Jeanine ann, you are going to learn Dutch? good for you!!!I have a friend who did, as for me, I have enough trouble with English!!!About the bumper stickers, I got a couple from Linda and she put up a site to go to to make your own.look on the "bumper sticker" page.
Hi everyone, Just a note - Andre's magnificant "The Homecoming" will be shown on PBS (WPBT) in Miami on Sunday, October 1st, Channel 2 at 5:00PM
Hi everyone, Is anyone aware of Andre concerts in Reading, Pa. on May 16, 2007 and Fort Myers, Fl. on April 22, 2007. I got these dates from Denon Classics but don't know how true this is. I live so close to Reading, Pa and will be in Fort Myers in April. I am looking at PBS but cannot find anything. I know every venue in Fort Myers since I lived there so long so I will contact them. Take care my friends. Love
Dear Friends, Think I already posted once to-day, but the mention of Mexico, made me think of going on a jaunt, like the Aussies do a walk-a-bout. It's spring & I am getting very restless, Will have to start buying lotto tickets & hope for a win so I could go traveling wherever the heart takes me.
Now that would be fun. I would like to go to every concert of Andre's across the country, U.S. & Canada & see for myself, the audience reaction. When ever
I have had a chance to travel, I talk to people, which I have done since I was a small child. I have this curiosity about places & people, so I have no difficulty talking to folks I've not met before. My philosophy has always been that the stranger is the friend you haven't yet met, & in some 70 years, I've never had a bad scene. Maybe I've just been lucky or the angels have looked out for me. Folks really only want to be decent, raise their families to a better place than their own, & it does not matter what race or creed they belong to, we are all humans beings trying to make the best of this sometimes sad world. I sound like a Pollyanna, but I am also aware that there are some bad actors lurking about, but most folks are okay.
Love to all Marianne