MAY 2008 Concerts
Please give us your thoughts, observations, & photos if you attend any of André's concerts this month:
16 May Montreal, Canada
17 May Ottawa, Canada
18 May Albany, NY
18 May Rochester, NY
20 May Manchester, NH
21 May Boston, Mass
22 May A day off
23 May Bridgeport, Conn
24 May New York, NY
25 May Atlantic City, NJ
26 May Reading, Penn
27 May Baltimore, MD
If you have info about André in Australia, in May, please go here to add your thoughts & observations
One of the most important roles of any conductor of music is that of a pedagogue. If the conductor's eye ever wavers from his or her responsibility to teach, enthrall and extend a musical come hither to the next generation of audience members, then the maestro is falling far short of the mark. Without that Loreleian crooked finger, the usual audience will die off and the succeeding house will be marked by empty seats.
One of the best symphonic music rah-rah's I have ever had the pleasure of hearing is the conductor, arranger, violinist and consummate performer, Andre Rieu. A native of the Netherlands, Rieu, a violinist par extraordinaire, is a worthy recipient of a handful of different batons passed down by his predecessors.He certainly well deserves the bequest of all of the Strauss family, for Rieu is renown throughout the world for his ability to direct the music composed by that talented Austrian family. He recently came to the Cajundome, thanks to the graces of Louisiana Public Broadcasting.
His performance took him and his supremely talented troupe of musicians far beyond that of the late 19th Century Austro-Hungarian salons of the Waltz King and his contemporaries.
I tip my Homburg to Rieu for a variety of reasons. Certainly, his musicianship is more than deserving of all the recognition that everyone in the audience's repeated ovations displayed. One of Rieu's greatest strengths is his showmanship, which resulted in the crooked finger to which I made reference earlier.
The majority of his string section is made up of ladies. Not only are they ladies, but they are also exquisitely beautiful, each and every one; moreover they are togged out in beautiful, multi-colored ball gowns, unlike the severe Let's-Bury-Uncle-Luigi black ensembles so associated with conventional symphonic musicians, be they male or female.
Another notable aspect of Rieu's instrumentalists is that, for Pete's sake, as they perform, they smile and giggle. These people give the audience the feeling that they are all having the time of their lives, and, as such, invite the folks in the paying seats to join them in the bon temps.
Would someone please tell me where it is written that when symphonic musicians perform they need to display a countenance that looks like they have just returned from burying a close relative? Let it suffice that at the conclusion of the concert, Rieu and company stood for four encores. What more can I say?
Although Rieu is most commonly known as a recipient of the baton passed down by Johann Strauss and all the little Strausses, his musical tastes extend far beyond the banks of the Danube River. Moreover, as the performer I mentioned earlier, he pulls rabbit after rabbit out of his musical hat in order to mesmerize his audience.
I think one of the most interesting aspects of his ensemble is the four ladies that make up his vocal chorus. Instead of simply "wo-woo'ing" in the style of most backup musicians, they add yet another orchestral voice, not in accompaniment, but in a vital component of the orchestra.
I certainly do not denigrate Rieu when I compare him to Spike Jones, the composer and bandleader of the 1940s and '50s. Rieu, like Jones, added a pronounced sense of humor to an equally pronounced level of musicianship. The result of both treated the audience's ear to a musical delight, but also tickled the audience's funny bone, resulting in their return to the audience, to return to performance after performance.
I spoke to quite a few members of the audience who came to the Cajundome from as far afield as Texas and Mississippi. They returned home with a smile on their faces and a determination to return to another Rieu performance as soon as possible.
One of the ensemble's great treats is Rieu's trio of tenors that, at least to my way of thinking, come extremely close to rivaling the performance level of the legendary tenors Luciano Pavarotti, José Carreras and Placido Domingo. The three vocal geniuses' performances, which ranged from Broadway to La Scala, brought the audience to its feet, time after time.
Based upon the quality of what Louisiana Public Broadcasting has brought to our state, be it an Opera Gala, the Celtic Women or the formidable talents of Andre Rieu and his musicians, we owe a great debt to their offering.
Just as the Performing Arts Society of Acadiana, Theatre League of Louisiana, the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, UL's music department, the Lafayette Concert Band and a host of other performing arts presenters have given us, month after month, year after year, we owe them our allegiance, either in terms of financial offerings or even merely our applauding presence as audience members. They grace our lives with such greatness that it is our obligation to respond in kind. Selah.
Ray Blum is a freelance writer who covers theater and performance in Acadiana.
Ray Blum seems to have captured the essence of Andre Rieu.
I agree. Loved that article. Thank goodness Andre listens to himself and not all those who said It cant be done, or only for your grandma. EVERYONE can love this beautiful, colorful music.
Hi Bill
I am yet to see Andre and the JSO in concert but I have tickets, 10 rows from the front on November 15th in Melbourne. I am so looking forward to seeing all of them - can't wait as I only have DVD's to watch. It's also my birthday on that day so it will be a very special evening.
Andre will be in Australia at the end of this week (I think) for Mother's Day. I know he will be in Sydney on May 10 or 11 and also Brisbane. He is coming to Melbourne but they havn't said which date yet. Would love to be able to see him. I did get his autograph last October when he was in Melbourne, he signed my copy of his book which was great. There was a large article in a Melbourne paper last weekend about Andre and his life and music which gave everyone a good insight into the man the JSO and family. He has become bigger than Ben Hur "Down Under" and his Cd's and DVD's sell out quickly. His new CD Waltzing Mathilda is just fabulous and his rendition of Waltzing Mathilda gives me goosebumps. There will only ever be one MAESTRO.
Cheers
Pauline from Melbourne Australia
Hi Pauline. So nice to hear from you again. You are in for such a thrill when you get to see Andre and the JSO. It is wonderful to watch the DVD's but I can hardly describe what being at a concert is like. It is like going to a big party with lots of music, being able to watch Andre play his magnificent violin and meeting all kinds of great fans. The fact that you are going on your birthday will make it a magnificent party. You can celebrate your birthday and your first concert all in one day. That will be great.
I hope you will get to see Andre when he comes to Australia around Mother's Day. I think we have a schedule here on the blog someplace. I have been in Florida the last two weeks at Andre concerts so I don't know what has been going on. I will try to find the schedule for you and post it here. I am so glad that Andre is so popular in Australia. I know how pleased he is about that.
Okay, will be back after I find the schedule. Hugs to you
Hi Pauline, I found Andre's schedule for his promo trip. May 9 (Friday) in Brisbane he will be signing his copies of his new CD Waltzing Matilda at the Queen Street Mall. They think the place they had planned will be to small so they moved this event to the Reddacliff Place at Queen Street Mall. This will take place between 2 and 4:30.
May 10 in Sydney at Ticketek, 10:30a.m. to 2:00pm
May 12 in Melbourne (his only appearance in Melbourne) at the Telstra Dome from 2:00 to 5:00. He and Mirusia will be performing 2 to 3 songs from "Waltzing Matilda".
Hope this helps you Pauline and I do hope you will get to see him. Hugs to you.
I am native from Ecuador, South America, but I live in the U.S.A.
I love Andre Rieu. My dream is to see him in Atlanta, GA US.A.
Liz
Hello-hello, where fore arth tho friend
Jeanine Ann? I have not seen any action from you lately. Hope all is well and you are finally getting some well deserved rest. But you have just vanished from the fan site. Lots of "new" action going on for André & JSO
Our Prince, Super Star is quite busy as
of late. He is getting the very best re-
views, which he well deserves. I am so happy the way things are just busting wide open and all the wonderful coverage he is getting. Drop a line when you find the time. Next stop for our André Rieu is the "MOON"!! Sending you lots of smiles and happiness.
My husband and I just returned from Andre Rieu's concert in Boston and we cannot express the happiness and excitement we felt as we attended the concert. My husband does not attend many concerts, etc., but when he found out Andre was coming to Boston, he called, ordered the tickets and said he did not care what he had to pay. We have watched Andre on PBS often. I can only say the maestro was superb tonight.
We will follow him and when he is close to home we will attend his concerts.
thank you, Mary, for taking the time & trouble to express your feelings after attending a concert.
Did you, by chance, buy a program? Can you give us the selection of music Andre & the JSO played? We all want to which songs Mirusia, Carmen, & the Tenors sing?
Bill in Arizona
Bill, I guess the program was the same as in Florida. Now with Carmen back I don't know what she will sing. I can tell you in a few days! I know Jeff was at the MA. concert so maybe he can tell us also. I know the new soprano (I think Andre said Danij and it sounds like DON YA) sang Song of Vilja so I don't know who will sing that now because Carmen did sing it before. Hugs
Where is everyone!!
Will this get you started!!
Hi Jeanine Ann: WOW What a great photo! Lots of action, colors, textures and of course Maestro Rieu !
I see Moderator Bill and Moderator Prudence here today as well.
(I've been at therapy and just arrived home. Windy here today. Prayers for Santa Cruz and the wild fire.)
Thanks Sally, would you like more??!!!
Yes I feel sorry for the people near the fires. How is therapy going? Hugs
Oh, you talked me into it. (ha) MORE PLEASE
therapy goes well. 3 days and 5 times a week!
What a fantastic picture!
Wow...that really is a great picture of André. mmm
Ok here is another one!
Thank you Mary, I am so glad you enjoyed the concert. Many, many people tell us that once you see Andre in person you are never the same. It is so different from watching the DVD's although they are a wonderful experience also. I hope you will get to many more concerts and please come back to see us here. Hugs
Mary I am happy you had such a good concert ! What was your favorite song and moment of the show? Where there any new JSO members?
I just flew from California to New Jersey yesterday and will be going with my husband, brother and sister-in-law to the concert Saturday at the Nassau Coliseum. This will be my 2nd concert and I'm VERY excited! What's with the fires in Santa Cruz? I've only been gone a day...what have I missed? Thanks, Jeanine Ann for the wonderful photo and Prudence for the video. I'll let you know how I enjoy the concert when I get back. If it's even half as good as the first one I saw last December, I know I'll love it!
I hope someone can help me! I saw Andre in Bridgeport last night and need to name of a song. It was played near the end, with a backdrop of the sun, all the singers were onstage. I've been searching everywhere trying to figure out this song.
I believe it was O Fortuna. I saw the concert Saturday night in Long Island and I think that was the one with the sun in the background. The sound was fantastic...especially the drums! I'll post more with a few pictures when I get back home. I'm still in NJ at my brother's house.
I have one single $250 ticket for the 5/27 Baltimore concert available for best offer. My son-in-law just found out he cannot take the day off from work so he won't be able to attend. If anyone would like this ticket, it's for the best offer.
*email Sally@AndreRieuFans.com and I will forward your email to Kate Roy
Thank you Sally! I am so so upset about this. He asked for the day off and we have planned this since February. Yesterday his supervisor said, "Huh? We never approved this..." I can't want til the kids get their college education and don't work for WalMart. Can we boycott? Andre Rieu fans boycotting WalMart? LOL
Sounds like a lack of leadership to me. Poor management style.
There was a request posted somewhere on the internet and I can't for the life of me remember where but I saw it yesterday... please let me know where you saw it. A disabled veteran was asking for someone to donate a ticket to him for the Baltimore concert. Given how badly (and in vain) I tried to get help to obtain tickets for the San Diego concert at Christmas when I was stone cold broke in Mexico, I would like to give the ticket to this man if it is still not sold tomorrow afternoon. I really do need the money for a futon and a bed but if it is meant to be given to someone to make them happy, so be it.
Well, first I am going to say that the ticket was given to the disabled vet. I found her post (craigslist), e-mailed her and said, call me by 5:00p and the ticket is yours. There were other plans for this ticket at 5:00p which I will get to as it is a funny funny story. I got a call at 6:00p from the vet who said, "I just got your e-mail and I know the ticket is gone." I replied, "The ticket is here in my pocket waiting for you." This woman was supposed to have my extra ticket from the moment I saw her posting on Sunday. The universe works in not so mysterious ways. So, with a new found friend, we all went to the concert.
Now, for the ticket that just wouldn't go away...or "Oh, my god, it's a BLUE BUS!"
See, my best friend, Terry, and I met on the morning express bus into downtown Baltimore. Local attorneys call it the "cattle car" because it's full of legal professional women so if there is ever a job opening, the attorney just asks one of us. Well, one of the women who rides with us loves Andre and saw him years ago but now that Judy is older and alone she could not afford a ticket. Another (Lois) wanted to go but about a month ago, she went out shopping and to dinner with me then stuck me with the cab fares (along with being one of those really loud people you want to avoid being seen with). Needless to say, I hadn't said a word to her in a month. So, me, my daughter and Terry all met yesterday evening at "our" bus stop which happens to be on the side of the 1st Mariner Arena. I suggested waiting for "our" bus, hopping on and offering the ticket to Judy. Terry said, "if she's not there, you should give it to Lois!" I thought, well, that would clear MY karma LOL...so, the bus pulls up, I hop on, Judy isn't there and Lois wasn't about to clear HER karma and loudly and rudely turned down the ticket. I hopped back off after holding up traffic, then had a little theatrical rendering of the goings on with Lois and looked up to see what I had "held up in traffic..." I was momentarily speechless, reminiscent of being 14 years old and the Monkees were in town then said, "Oh...my...god...it's a BLUE BUS!!!!" After closing my mouth, I sat down on the bus bench and all three of us pretended to be what we were on every other day of the week - legal professionals on our way home from work - as we took photos with our cell phones of "Rieu 1" as it stopped in front of us and opened the door to let some workers sitting next to us on board (more embarrassment from the aged teenybopper gallery).
So, this ticket was meant to be given away to the person who received it.
Great story!! I am still getting caught up but I am working on photos all day long and doing my laundry.
I will have more photos. I want to ask Sally how she wants them sent. Here is another: I put this on my desktop. What a face!!
Welcome back Concert traveler's. What wonderful reviews Andre has been getting
not that we should be surprised. It is something we all know in our hearts he deserves as well as the JSO. I just fell in love with Andre holding that sweet and lucky baby. What a rememberance for the little tot to cherish and to share when he/she grows up. By the way, doesn't Andre make a good looking grandpapa, what a happy big smile, he just glowed, but I realize
it was just the time and mood in music
world. Can't wait to hear and SEE more
intimate once in a life time experience
pictures and your reviews. Patiently
waiting to hear lots more. hugs and again "welcome" back home.
The Memorable Memorial Day Weekend Concerts
(click here to see more photos)
This was our first trip to an Atlantic City concert and I had heard it was a wonderful concert so we were certainly looking forward to this weekend. We knew it would be physically hard because we would be going to Reading the next day.
The first thing we did was get to the Sheraton (Andre fooled us this time and stayed somewhere else) but we immediately found all our friends and had a great time catching up on all the news. We knew our good friend DJBob and his wife Maria and their friend would be joining us later at the luncheon so we were quite excited.
Laurie did a wonderful job with the luncheon, plenty of good food and we had a great time talking with fans we had just met and renewing acquaintances from past concerts. As usual I don't eat much before a concert because my stomach is full of butterflies and no space for food. We of course played lots of Andre music and ended with a group photo thanks to Doug Whalen and John Dijong.
Our seats were front row dead center and I can hardly tell you how exciting this was. I was counting the minutes until I heard that familiar "76 Trombones" and then you really get the butterflies, goosebumps and everything I can think of. We had just seen the Florida concerts two weeks before but you still get that same feeling that I cannot describe. Andre looks the same and played the same songs but that did not stop me from taking several hundred photos. You just never get enough of that face and those hands playing on that beautiful violin. (I swear he must taking good-looking pills because he looked more handsome than ever.) The songs pretty much followed the program except he did not do "Gold and Silver" at either concert and I am trying to remember if he did "Sportpalastwaltzer" at these concerts. I know he played it in Florida but after seeing four in several weeks they kind of blend together. This time in addition to photos I took some movies of several songs; "Salome", "Komm Zigany", "Oh Fortuna" and "Rosen aus dem Suden" and of course "Nessun Dorma" by the Platin Tenors.
The encores this time included "Amazing Grace" and "Marina" as he did in Miami. I was once again on the flowers at the stage and tried to keep my composure as I snapped photo after photo. All too soon the concert was over and Andre was saying "goodbye" and throwing kisses to us which I very enthusiastically returned one hundred-fold.
We headed home after the concert and picked up a few hours sleep so I would be ready for Reading. This concert was just as fantastic and even had another Andre surprise!! Carmen was at both concerts but did not sing solo in Atlantic City but did sing "Song of Vilja" and after being ill sang it beautifully. It was so good to hear her again. Our seats were quite good in spite of the thought that I would be back further. We ended up in Floor 3, second row, seats 1 and 2 and you know what that means!!! Andre came down the aisle and I just slipped over to the other side because I wanted that "high five" again and sure enough that beautiful hand smacked right into mine and I was even higher than I usually am. It took me a day until I had to finally wash it but I scanned it before I did so. I got that idea from DJBob so I am not the only crazy fan I guess.
At the encores I found myself at the flowers again but closer to the left and Andre was standing directly in front of me big as life. This is a moment that is indescribable so I will not try. I am hoping my photos will do the job for me. What a happy moment that I can treasure forever. When Andre was playing "Marina" there was a dad beside me holding his baby, I would say several months old and Andre so quickly took the baby from the father and started to dance with him. My camera was hanging down around my neck so I had to act quickly and try to get some photos. I managed three and you have seen them on the blog. The baby was so cute and what memories he will have when he gets older. On the final song "Lullaby" I was holding a balloon and it broke in my arms and scared me so bad I jumped. Andre just looked down but it was a nice look. I hated that but they do break. That reminds me of something that did happen in A.C. A lady beside me took some of the broken balloons and started throwing them at Andre, one piece hitting him. He gave her a look that I would never want to get. Then he walked over to her and pointed his bow right at her three times. This was happening right beside me and I didn't know what was going to happen next. Evidently this was a sign to Johann who immediately appeared in back of us and put his hand on her shoulder and told her she must stop doing that. After that I did not see her again. So several of the concerts this Spring had surprises some good and one not so good. They say that time flies when you are having fun and this is certainly true of Andre's concerts; lets hope it flies as fast to the next concert wherever it may be for all of us. These are the times I look forward to just as all of you do.
God speed Andre and may you "live long and prosper"! We all love you.
Love and hugs,
Jeanine Ann
Jeanine Ann, great report. I can almost feel your happiness. BTW, I read in Andre's guestbook, a married couple named Gomez mentioned about the baby, which was a little girl named Amaia. thank you for capturing her picture.It gives me the shivers to think about the look that Andre gave the ballon thrower. That was a kind of dumb thing to do anyway. And Jeanine, this "laying across the flowers" is getting to be a habit, no? How can you keep from shaking when you are so close? Anyway, thanks so much..hugs back to you...
Yes Shirley it is getting to be a habit and it is one that I like : ) I am glad I got the baby photos too. What a cutie she was. Oh to be a child again!! : ) I am putting my photos on My Space site and Sally will pick them up for the blog. I know that unless you have a My Space account you cannot view the pics but that is an easy way for Sally to get them. I want to make things as easy as possible for her. Thank you Shirley for your nice comment. I try not to shake so I can get nice photos for great fans like you and all fans on this site. Love and hugs
Thanks for the great write up on the concerts Jeanine Ann. I am so happy you got a "high five" from Andre.
I still believe you deserve that trip to Australia, although I know you said there are many others on this site who are just as big a fan.
I am glad to read that you were able to visit with your fellow fans before and after the concerts.
Who would throw broken balloon pieces at Andre? That is too strange, especially when they have paid a great deal of money to be so close to see a great concert. Oh well as long as it stopped.
Keep up the great work Jeanine Ann, as ambassador, fan, and a great person. Looking forward to more pics and info.
Love Much
Grace
xxoo
Those photos are fantastic, Jeanine Ann! Thanks for your report. What a month you've had!! That baby is adorable. At the Long Island concert there was a similar incident where a woman standing in front of the stage during the encores picked one of the flowers and threw it at Andre. It startled him and he jumped back. I only saw her do it once and I don't know what happened to her, but the look Andre gave her would have been enough to scare me.
Thank you Grace and Kay for your nice comments. I will get the photos on asap. I don't understand why people throw things at Andre. I don't think they mean any malice but it does startle him and he must keep his mind on the music. You cannot take your mind off of the music for a second because I know and I am a real novice compared to him and if I just look out the window and see a squirrel, I forget where I am and that throws me off. But he is such a genius on that violin that he could recover quickly. He was not playing in A.C. at the time of the balloon throwing. I think had it been a balloon not broken he would have known what it was, this way you could not tell what it was but I saw it hit him and I told her to stop throwing things. Some people just do not think. Hugs to you both
I have never understood why anyone would THROW anything at a performer. Really, even if it were Tom Jones, Elvis or anyone else... ugh.. no sense in it.
And someone throwing something at André, they are lucky his security didn't get a hold of them. They should have been tossed out of the venue immediately.
grrr at silly people!