A Possible Collaboration Between André and Van den Ende
Joop Van den Ende of the Netherlands
Orchestra leader Andre Rieu and theater tycoon Joop van den Ende are talking about a cooperative effort for a large musical theater in Maastricht.
By John Hoofs
The contact between the two champions from the entertainment industry came about after Van den Ende, during an episode of summer evening on television, had been very enthusiastic about the Maastricht world star.
Since then they have spoken with each other several times about the chances for a commercial theater entertainment in the Maastricht inland 't Bassin. The location is near the former site of Sphinx, which is being converted into a residential district and working with new cultural facilities.
There is already an agreement in principle between Van den Ende and Maastricht. The producer of successful musicals does not want to invest in a theater, but he has been promised shows and other international productions for 200 days per year to ensure the construction is financed by others. Such exploitation is far too narrow a basis for developers on the line to draw (or invest in). The municipality is currently examining how the programming can be strengthened.
The plan is now for Andre Rieu to provide a substanial amount of time to also fill the theater. That also fits in his own career planning. Rieu still wants about five years to travel around the world with his Strauss Orchestra, then he would prefer to see the world travel to him - in Maastricht - , in his "own" music theater.
Translated by Google from "de Limburger"
Well, something new and exciting.
First, the news about Andre and his idea about travel around the world with his JSO for 5 years more. That's great!
The second (and funny, at least for me) is the sentence: " ... he would prefer the world travel to him, in Maastricht ...".
Well, I'm very interested in visiting Maastricht soon, ´cause everything I saw about the city is lovely. A place full of peace and charming streets ...
I already went to Andre to see him, 3 times this year, to Frankfurt, Paris and Toulouse, so my part is done, but I'm longing for more and more concerts and I'll go wherever he goes in Europe as frequently as I could -and could buy the best tickets, of course! How difficult is that, My God!.
But I like to know that Andre is thinking about the future and also thinking of his own place to play and perform his shows ... Wonderful idea!
And Maastricht, the Mayor or the authorities, should give him an award or condecoration, because it's for sure that the tourism there will increase a lot if this thing about the theater is true in the near future ... All the world will go to the Netherlands to see Andre Rieu ... and spend money touring the cities of that beautiful country. It's quite a merit, a really big and important achievement for him, don't you think?
You have a nice positive view on this Patricia, I would have to agree with you.
For several years now I've had the pleasure of André visiting in my area. It's wonderful and the experience will never be equaled by any other musician. To have five more years of André touring the world and bringing his style and music to everyone, is a plus, for it's very hard to let go of something, or someone, as enjoyable and André Rieu. By "letting go", I mean to have the convenience of André performing in my home town, a convenience very much enjoyed...it truly is hard to beat.
However, I totally understand the preference of André wanting the world to travel to him, in Maastricht. He deserves that enjoyment.
I will put Maasricht on my travel agenda, if indeed I would be so fortunate as to be able to travel to another part of the world.
If circumstances don't allow it, then I can close my eyes and dream and listen to his music in my mind and see what the rest of the world will be seeing first hand.
I truly can appreciate that André is thinking of doing this, at least we will all still have his beautiful music at least...until he's 120.
Ah, Marlene, thank you for your words.
I really think that Andre will be 120 years old at least and he´ll be a young man in spirit forever. Well, he already is a very young one.
And because he always speaks about the energy that music gives him in each concert and interview I know.
So if you think about how many concerts he performed during all these years ... that's a lot of life to live for him!
I agree Patricia. You know...a positive attitude in life, being friendly, happy, and having a spirit to help people and enjoy people to the best of your ability, will give life to your life, including years. Add beautiful music to your life and it cannot be anything but a winning combination.
André Rieu is an incredible human being...he's brought so much of a positive outlook on life and music and happiness, that I believe too, that he will be a "young man in spirit forever". What beautiful words those are, don't you agree?
Yes, he has an energy that fills the stadiums and concerts and anyone who listens to him has to appreciate what he is and does for people.
Whatever we have in our life with André is appreciated and loved and there is no other feeling like it. It's certainly is a happiness that cannot be beat.
If ALL people would really allow André's positive life and beautiful music to touch their own lives, then all hate, bitterness, and negative energy wouldn't have a place to live.
I know that I'm using André as an example...but he certainly is a good example!
Thanks again, Marlene.
I agree with your comment too.
And you're using André as an example but as you said, he´s an incredible human being and a wonderful example to follow: his talent, his sense of humor, his joy, his work, his energy ... All these qualities he has are very contagious! He's the one and only André!
Moderator Jeanine Ann
Thank you for this information. You were
right and you brought this to the fans first!
I found this so interesting and exciting.
Andre is branching out, which can only mean more good quality entertainment for
everyone!
I forgot to mention, that André said in his breakfast show "Volle Kanne" that Maastricht is going to build a theater and they name it after him.