Rieu-wrecked in Brisbane
2 Days in the Life of an Andre Fan
Where to start - where does it finish ??? Just how do you put feelings into a piece of paper !!! This week was the culmination of 10 years of waiting to see a live concert from Andre and JSO, something I thought I would never see in my own country.
Wednesday, December 3 dawned just like any early summer day in Brisbane, but this was to be no ordinary day. This was the day the “tickets”, purchased more than a year before could finally be presented. My wife Lynne and I were going to the concerts on both nights, so we had decided to stay in the city. By mid-morning we were on our way.
An uneventful lunch in the mall, then we checked into our top floor apartment where the TV news told us the chance of an afternoon storm had been removed from the forecast.
Didn’t need them to tell me, “blind freddy” could see it wasn’t going to storm !!!, I’ve been saying that all day, just forget about any storm I assured everyone I met.
3.30pm and son no.2 (Todd) makes his first weather report call.
All clear Dad - nothing on the radar - bit of stuff on the mountain but breaking up at Boonah.
Yeah , looks like we are ok tonight - very muggy though. Catch ya later.
4.30pm and we take the lift to the foyer of our hotel, it is abuzz with many groups of fans
just as eager to get to Suncorp. The shuttle buses are picking up from the opposite corner and we all make our way there, much confusion as we try to establish a queue. Our friends Marie and Harry arrive from the Gold Coast and after quick greetings, the first shuttle coach arrives.
Led by the group of octogenarians at the front of the queue we all rush the door to ensure we get on the first coach. Success, and we leave the ever so quickly growing queue behind as we head to Suncorp. Everyone is chatting and laughing, wow I think, these people don’t even know each other, yet there gibbering like old friends. We arrive at Suncorp and head for the concourse, merchandise, programmes and refreshments are already popular spots. Marie and Harry are having our front row seats tonight and we are heading to the stand, so we part and head to our separate entrances. 5.30pm and all is clear, no storms within 500 km of here.
Todd rings again
Bit of stuff building behind Ipswich Dad, but nothing to worry about.
OK son, no worries here.
We are early but decide to go into the stadium and soak up some atmosphere. We are on the first upper level, front row and almost centre stage. As we enter the arena, we are stopped dead in our tracks by our first glimpse of “Schonbrunn”, standing so majestically and stretching the full length of Suncorp. Wow, this is gonna be some night.!!
A few other fans are already there as well and soon we are all yakking and laughing. Some are big fans, some have been dragged along by the partner (easier to keep the peace), others have seen a couple of concerts on Ovation and thought it worth a look. But all know something of Andre and the lovely lady in the “blue dress”.
6pm and Todd on the phone again….
Not looking good Dad, this stuff out Ipswich way is brewing very quickly….
What do you mean…??
Storm is growing out of nothing…never seen anything grow so fast…!!
I can’t see anything from here at Suncorp..
It is still about 15 km away… will keep you posted.
This is unbelievable !!!. my thoughts are interrupted by a Stadium announcement to the effect a storm is brewing quickly in the west, we are monitoring and will keep you posted. At 6.30pm the stadium asks all patrons on the floor of the arena to evacuate to the concourse area’s on the upper level as we are going to get a hit from this storm.
So many of these fans are elderly and I feel for them as I watch them make their way up and out of the area. A second announcement has a bit more urgency about it and more staff get in to quicken the evacuation.
Todd again…. I ask him to pinpoint the storm and direction for me using local knowledge. I still can not see anything from the stadium except the flash’s from lightning.
Todd says he thinks it is splitting in half….he quips that if Andre can get out of this one, he will worship him as well…. As we are speaking I see it loom up almost above us in all its khaki green and black glory….violent lightning and crashing thunder leading it in….
Before hanging up Todd tells me the storm is not deep and should pass quickly…the good news being that there is nothing behind it and after it passes we should be ok for the rest of the night…..the rain was now blowing in all directions and I had to retreat higher into the stand to escape it. I saw a lone lady who had not retreated inside and was enjoying the lightning display. I said “Hi” - then it started - she was widowed about 6 months ago, when her late husband became ill they could afford to have either a computer or pay TV, but not both, Delia (her name) felt the pay TV would be better for her husband so they got it. Yes it was through Ovation Channel that they both became hooked on Andre. She said she still hoped to get a computer someday, so I filled her in on all the details of how she could get to meet all the most wonderful people and Andre fans on this blog. She asked me had I heard of that lovely young chap also on Ovation - Helmut Lotti - wow -this lady has taste, so address’s were exchanged and promises made.
Lynne resurfaced and I introduced her to Delia, who within minutes had her so hyped up she declared the computer a certainty. All that !!! and I only said “Hi”
The storm was spectacular in all its fury as lightning bounced and ricocheted all around Suncorp before subsiding and moving away quickly after about 20 minutes. I thought …what an impressive curtain raiser…..it was as though mother nature was challenging Andre…ha…ha.
It was not long before the stadium announced all clear and fans could return to their seats.
The staff went out of their way to help with drying seats and assisting patrons to return to the floor. Probably about 10,000 of the 25,000 present had to be reseated.
With about half the fans back in seats, JSO members appeared from behind stage and took there places, very quickly followed by Andre. They burst into “Singing in the Rain” to the delight of all present. A couple more impromptu items were played and then just on 1 hour late, Andre announced he could now start the “official concert”.
Now the Australian concerts have been so well documented and commented on from every possible angle on this website, I don’t think you need me to give a blow by blow description again. From where we sat we had the most spectacular view of the whole show. We were just too far away to see close detail of the happenings on stage but the intention tonight was to take in the whole spectacle - up close and cosy is for tomorrow night. The lighting was spectacular as “Schonbrunn constantly changed color according to the music. From our viewpoint, the finale of Bolero was just breathtaking as the big screens exploded into “fire” and smoke drifted across the face of the castle.
The fan involvement and interaction was excellent with huge “standing ovations” for both Mirusia and Gary Bennett (naturally). All too soon it was over and we joined the throngs exiting the stadium. 25000 people in total agreement, chatting, laughing, back slapping and giggling there way down the passages. It was like a giant ribbon snaking its way out, 20 people wide and moving with a waltz like rythm, occasionally their feet would touch the ground, then rise up again until they had to duck slightly to avoid hitting there heads into a low cloud.
We decided to walk the 1km or so back to our hotel, so we rejoined the line and floated off with the thousands of other fans heading to the railway in the city. Accompanied by constant outbursts of “Botany Bay” “Home Among the Gumtree’s” and “Waltzing Matilda” and much frivolity with the Police Officers guarding our passage, our journey home ended too soon.
Thursday December 4 - I am up early and off enjoying my own thoughts of yesterday and contemplating the day ahead as I take a brisk walk along the river esplanade. I am amazed at the number of morning walkers I encounter in the city. By 6am I am back at the hotel and planning the day ahead with Lynne over breakfast. Plans to seek out and stalk JSO members are abandoned, as it is already obvious today is going to be very hot and any European with any brains is not going to venture far from the luxury of air conditioning. Talk of storms and in particular my predictions are a banned subject. We pass the morning and meet up with No1 son who works in the city as a computer guru for U.S. Real Estate Company CB Richard Ellis for lunch at another hotel. The restaurant area is full of groups of mainly women enjoying lunch prior to tonights concert, I am tempted to say “Hi”, but on this occasion I decide to contain myself. Lunch moves into the past and we decide to rest a little until concert time.
Back at the apartment and the TV is screaming “Storm” on the way. The mood drops into one of heavy thinking, out on the balcony surveying the sky, I am on the wrong side of the building and can’t see storm corner. Desperation time, consult Todd, the sound of the mobile ringing breaks my concentration. Lynne answers, it’s Todd, he’s confirming he has purchased platinum tickets down front and on aisle for next years Brisbane concert for us. Wow, Visa pre-sale today at 12 noon, Thank God for No 2 son. Hello Todd, whats the storm doing ???
Your gonna get it
How big is it.
Big - but not bad like last night.
Any good news
Yeah - it will be gone past by 5pm and then it is clear all the way to Perth.
I remind him of last nights forecasting effort !!
By 3pm it is so dark the city lights turn on and the storm moves in from the west - straight over top of Suncorp. With rain lashing at the windows we get ready for concert No. 2. Tonight I am wearing my Andre shirt I bought from Maastricht. 4.30pm with rain still pouring down we take the lift to the foyer which is again filled with concert goers. I sort of ended up near a group of 4 elderly ladies looking out at the rain. I took a deep breath and said “Hi”…..Hi, I am Kath from Rockhampton, these are my 3 sisters, last year I had a good win on the “slot machines” and I said that’s it, we’re off to Brisbane to see Andre Rieu, we all love him. Heard about him through Ovation Channel, got all his DvD’s now, could watch him all day. Love your shirt, do you watch Ovation ??? Have you seen Helmut Lotti ??? …..Lynne arrives to rescue me just as we finish exchanging address’s…. all I said was “Hi”!!!
In still pouring rain and under fold up umbrella’s we make our way into the queue for the shuttle ride to Suncorp. 10 minutes later we arrive at Suncorp and from here I can see blue sky in the west, yeah, Todd was right, I taught him well, within minutes the rain stopped and quickly cleared away.
Tonight is front row in front of stage, so we decide to enter straight away and soak up some more atmosphere. The staff are busy wiping the seats and everyone is confident of no more rain tonight. From the upper concourse we lean on the rail taking in the majesticness of Schonbrunn (sometimes you just have to invent your own words)
I decide to get a coffee before descending to the floor level and head to the coffee outlet, joining a small queue behind a couple in there 70’s. The lady smiled, more or less acknowledging my shirt, I responded with “Hi” ……we’re from New Zealand you know - got out of bed at 2am this morning -drove 2 hours to Auckland to catch the plane at 6am - got here at 5am, daylight saving plus the 2 hour difference…got here before we left..ha ha…been walking around Brisbane all day and now we are here….just love Andre we do…after the concert we are going back to the airport….ha ha…catch a bit of sleep in the lounge and catch the plane back to Auckland at 6am….it will be 11am when we get to Auckland….then we have to drive home….but we wouldn’t miss this for anything….
Wow I thought…what dedication is that…what a whirlwind 36 hours their having..!!
Coffee now in hand I bid them Good Luck...and head back to Lynne…all I said was “Hi”
As we descended down to the floor the first person I saw was Pierre and another worker near the first fountain, but they appeared pre-occupied, so I refrained from saying “Hi” to them. As we approached the stage area we could see some of the JSO doing final adjustments etc. Marcel was still in his casuals and doing finishing touch’s to his drums, I gave him a wave and he smiled broadly and waved back. From the floor level “Schonbrunn” took on an entirely new appearance, it was “awesome”, so dominating even Suncorp itself seemed to fade away somewhere. For the next hour or so we amused ourselves with the ever increasing number of fans arriving, made acquaintance with our seat buddies for the night, and yes , I did say “Hi” a few more times…..
The crowd jumped to their feet as the sound of “76 Trombones” roared into the arena, there coming they yelled as Andre led the JSO down the 2 centre aisles hand slapping as he went. Andre headed up on stage, but a group of the girls led by Manoe turned and headed straight towards us, turning almost in front of me, but not before I had time to yell “Love ya Manoe” to which she gave me a big smile. So this is Heaven eh!!!!.
Down in front was a totally different experience to last night -almost like seeing an entirely new show. The sense’s got no rest, so much was happening all around, the sound was different as we could actually here the orchestra itself without the amplification. The lighting was so much bolder, I could almost touch the skating rink and every expression on Andre’s and the JSO faces was clearly visible. The Tenors were the first to get a standing ovation with the biggest for Gary again, Mirusia got a standing ovation again naturally and responded with her now famous Aussie Aussie Aussie oi oi oi. All the artist were gratefully applauded, Carmen and Susan both received huge applause.
The stage was setup different to normal, with the JSO forming a semi-circle between the piano at the front on the left side and the drums at the front on the right side. The chorus girls were up where the drums are normally situated. I think Marcel Felize thoroughly enjoyed being up front and all night he taunted and teased Frank and the other violinist opposite him, constantly crossing his drumsticks and playing them violin fashion.
The main concert came to an end with Bolero, during the entire 7 minutes that Marcel led them through this, there was not another sound to be heard in the entire place. The moment it reached it’s explosive climax, the entire 25,000 fans stood up in the most comprehensive “Standing Ovation” I have ever heard. Marcel was deeply moved by this and as he returned to his drums I saw him dab his eyes as a very proud son helped him back up. I think that was the most moving moment of all.
The fun of the encores and all the Aussie songs then brought the concert and indeed the Australian Tour to a close.
As the fans left the arena I told Lynne to hang back and let the crowd get away, I had my hopes of a photo session afoot. After about 10 minutes I saw Andre and the dancers up in the ballroom having photo’s taken. Soon after the ice-skaters emerged onto the ice-rink and was soon joined by Andre and Pierre with camera in hand. Lynne was busy getting photo’s and I was just standing taking it all in. Stepping back I felt someone behind me and turned to apologize….My God….I was staring straight down at Mirusia….she had come from ..somewhere.. to join her family and friends. I congratulated her and she extended her hand to shake and said Thank You. ….wow…”Touched by an Angel”
I should have said “Hi”.
Sadly I must report that despite Lynnes best efforts - I now believe that our camera may have been struck by lightning on the first night and went into to a times 5 exposure mode without Lynne realizing. Hence, only about a dozen of the 165 photo’s recording all these events survived. But that’s life -the real images are in the mind forever.
This will teach Sally not to make me a Reporter !!!
Grayeme
Your Aussie Reporter
Hi Grayeme,
What a fabulous report.....made me feel as if I was there.....top marks to you... so take a bow my friend.
Sadly.. due to ill health we couldnt get to any perfomance in Melbourne...but we are booking for 2009.
Best wishes for a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
Joy & Bernard
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Thanks for your wonderful review Grayeme. I was lucky enough to be given a free ticket to the first Adelaide concert, by my best friend. She had asked me in November 2007 if I wanted to go to see Andre Rieu to which I replied "who?" I truly did not know who he was, at that stage but I certainly did by the time the concert night arrived. Adelaide had been wet all day and we worried for hours but the night cleared and it was absolutely beautiful. "Schonbrunn" seemed so real and having seen the real thing, the mock-up is brilliant. And the concert - well, I can't pick my favourite part as I just loved it all!!!!!Mirusia is gorgeous and Andre and his orchestra and singers are just so talented. After the concert two ladies were talking to my friend and I in the "ladies". They had attended both the concerts in Melbourne and declared that the Adelaide one was much better as you were out in the open air which made the whole Schonbrunn setting seem really real. I truly hope my friend and I can go to see Andre and his orchestra when they return in October and then, my husband wants to come too!!!!! we have been watching the DVD of the Melbourne show and it just brings back what a wonderful, wonderful night we had in Adelaide too.
Happy New Year to everyone Anna-Christina
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This was a very fun description of the
concert and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Wow, imagine having to deal with storms
like that.
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Thanks Grayeme! I really enjoyed your write-up, despite the trouble with the camera, it does happen, we wish we would have that kind of problem, meaning, we would have loved to be there. Kati
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I have to start by saying HI !
Grayeme this was exciting even as you and Lynne left for the concert. It's good you knew to go no matter the weather forecast.
I love the Dancing In The Rain. Haha. I think your crowd just wanted extra songs, and knew how to get them.
I am impressed with the mood of the crowd, even given the fact they had to stand in crowded areas for an hour. Says something mighty good about Aussies and Andre Rieu Fans.
I think I would have had a few tears right along with Marcel, had I been there with you.
Thank you for this wonderful report!! I am going to have to re-read this a few times to absorb it all.
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You are so right Sally, the storm did not dampen the mood of the crowd in the slightest. Far too often we hear only the negatives of the world. It is just not trendy to report that 25,000 people gathered in a common interest and unashamedly extended love and friendship to each other. But it does still happen, somewhere every day.
It would have been nice if Andre could have done something with this song, I think it captures the Aussie spirit more than any other.
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Wow, nice report of the concerts Grayeme! I love the detail, it makes me feel like I was right there with you!
The storms made it even more exciting, as if anything could make and André concert more exciting! It's like the Heavens were announcing André being there.
Thank you so much Grayeme, and say "hi" a little more often next time!
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What a great report by Grayeme. We had a very eventful trip home. We took two of our elderly neighbours to the concert. We live on the Gold Coast and free transport was provided, so we drove to the nearest railway station, caught the train to Roma Street Station
where shuttle buses took us to the stadium. Our neighbours were sitting up the back, while we had front row seats (courtesy of Grayeme). We told them to wait for us where the bus picked us up. When the concert finished, we had to queue up for the lift as Harry could not walk up three flights of steps. When we arrived at the station Daphne was waiting there and said that her husband Ron had gone up to sit on the platform. We walked up and down but could not see him anywhere. The last train came in and we did not know what to do. The guard was very obliging, he held up the train while we went looking for him, but to no avail, so we had to get on the train hoping that he would be at our station when we arrived. But again no sign of Ron. By this time it was about 1.30 a.m. Daphne rang her daughter and she and her husband came and picked her up whilst they decided to phone the police. Halfway home, my mobile rang and it was another neighbour who had also gone to the concert. He had been on an earlier train, which Ron had caught thinking it was the last train, so he took him home. As he did not know my mobile number he woke another neighbour at about 1 p.m., but she did not know my number either, but woke up my next door neighbour who did. (I am sure they both enjoyed being woken up at that time of the morning.) We drove around to Ron's, and he told me that he had been in touch with his daughter, so all ended okay. We got to bed at 2am. But it was the most wonderful night, even with the storm at the beginning and losing our neighbour at the end.
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Now, I've lost things before ... but a person?
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"All I did was say "HI".
Greyeme, what a thrilling time you had. Would you say the 10 year wait was worth it? I'm glad you got to experience
the two different perspectives, one up close and one further back. I enjoyed your story so much. I could almost hear
the standing ovation for Marcel, he indeed deserves it for that piece. All in all I believe the Australians were a very
responsive, enthusiastic audience & that's a delight to Andre. I'm glad the storms did not win this time,"Singing In The Rain"
and the show must go on! Well have you got your tickets for next year yet? BTW, got Helmut Lotti's Time To Swing, love it!
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Greyeme, you have more the making to a reporter than any one else I have seen writing about André, you captured the hole scene and excitement along with the storm. I enjoyed reading your article and read it all the way, which I do not with most of them because they tell all the same, you found the real notch to get the real thing. I felt like I was there.
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Dear Grayeme,
What a great report, I enjoyed every word. I hope one day I'll send my own
memories at one André Rieu concert. For now, I must to keep waiting, having fun through your experiences.
Thank you very much.
Adriana
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Hi Grayeme, I just loved your report! I felt like I was right there with you guys and I really was in spirit. I kept thinking, bet they are having a wonderful time! You really did capture the feeling of the moment even with the storms and all. I am really sorry about the camera. I know those things happen too just when you least want them to. Thank you again for sharing your great experience. Now you have accomplished your 10 year dream to see Andre live in concert. That is a wonderful thing in itself. Many hugs
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Hi
I just love reading your report. Makes me wish it was 2009 already.
Liz
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"HI" Grayeme
Thank you for taking the time & trouble to give us such a detailed report of your concert going experience.
It's so hard to describe the feelings & emotions you & the crowd feel, you did as well as a few & better than most.
Lightning isn't something I've thought about or planned for at a concert. Your camera problem has jolted me into adding a couple more things to plan/prepare for.
I'll have an ESD (electro static discharge) bag in handy so I can put my camera in it, if the threat of lightning appears. Also, I will remove the battery from the camera during the lightning.
I have the ESD bags that are large enough for my camera, I'd never have thought to have an ESD bag under my shirt or in a pocket, just in case of lightning. I do a lot of hiking & have a waterproof bag with me to keep the camera from getting wet. I have had to turn around when above treeline (12,000 + feet) because of lightning, however on those occasions, I didn't own a digital camera, I had a film camera.
My next Andre concert will be front row seats here in Phoenix, Arizona on 23 June 2009 when I will meet Sally & hopefully Kati & Trudy, for the very first time
Thanks again, Grayeme, for the concert report. I'll be eagerly anticipating your 2009 upcoming concert report in October.
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Thanks for your comments Bill. Ypur advice on the ESD bag is sound. Todays world of high technology is sometimes a bit hard for some of us to keep up with. I will look at getting a bag for myself. 3000 lightning strikes in a storm is not uncommon in Brisbane, as a matter of fact it was that number last Wednesday night. On the positive side it would have been a great experience for Andre and the JSO, those that were not hiding under tables. LOL
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Just a quick message to let anyone from Australia know that "Live in Australia" DvD is available at "Sanity" NOW. Go get it.
Must run so I won't say "Hi".....
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Thank You one and all for your kind remarks,it is a pleasure to share one's experience's with those that truly appreciate it. I am the winner here.
Seems so quiet here now in a "Rieu-less Downunder". Cheers to all.
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What make & model camera & lens did you use?
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Who is the ultra beautiful sparkling personality new violin player, who I saw on the Melbourne Telstra stadium video? She is the nearest player to the right of Andre when viewed from the audience. The camera was continually picking up her glorious smile, but she is not listed on Andre's home page. Suzan had better watch out!
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I don't know, YET!
I'm trying to find out & will let you know as soon as I know
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Does anyone have film of the Oi Oi Oi segment from brisbane or know where to find it?
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Pauline, the Aussie Aussie Aussie oi oi oi is at the end of this clip from You Tube. You can enjoy Botany Bay while waiting for it.
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Even though us Brisbane ites with our rain made it a memorable time for all it was the best entertainment to hit Brissy.
I work in an aged care faciliy as the DT and have purchased some of the dvd's and they have bought so much joy to so many residents and staff they sit and clapp and a re mesmorised by the fantasic performance and talents of all.come back any time Andre
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Jan, that warms my heart. I believe there is healing powers in positive music. And this is certainly positive.
I was hospitalized earlier this year, I spent 3 months in the hospitals and I can attest to the calming, soothing abilities of Andre Rieu's music. It helped me greatly.
I will say an extra wish for you today, it is so kind of you to be helping others.
~Webmaster Sally~
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Does anyone know how many people attended the Australian shows altogether? I'd be interested to know.
We were at the Saturday night Sydney show and had three massive storms during the performance but I thought it added, rather than subtracted, to the spectacle and excitement. What an incredible experience it all was.
In Sydney too everyone was talking and as relaxed with strangers as if we were all old friends.
During the first storm the lady sitting next to me gave me a spare raincoat she had in her bag and another lady two seats along from my husband passed one up to him.
Andre seems to bring out the best in people and create a unique atmosphere. Amazing.
I'm interested to see how many people mention Helmut Lotti in their letters on this site. Thank heavens for Ovation Channel. We still wouldn't know these delightful people existed without it.
Daniel O'Donnell is another one. Did everyone watch his concerts last month?
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Hi Jill, oh my yes! I don't live in australia but I certainly do know of Helmut Lotti & Daniel O'Donnell. We went last year to Branson, Mo. to see one of his concerts! All I can say is "WOW"! I just bought Helmut's cd, Swingtime, I think it's called. I like him very much too. I'm happy you got to go to the Andre concert too. Aren't they great?
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Hello Shirley
I see Daniel's concert in Branson was made into a video. I'll buy it if it's released in Australia seeing you thought it was a WOW moment. Am sure it was.
One problem might be in the fact that the company that's been importing his music here has gone bust last month! Over Christmas seems a strange time to go bust, doesn't it?
Have you seen Andre's Live in Australia DVD? I'm just thrilled with it, although the actual concert was an hour longer all the highlights are recorded.
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Hi Jill, the Australian Concert attendance was 282,000. Sounds like you were one that enjoyed it. And yes !! Ovation Channel is a wonderful thing.
Cheers to you.
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Fans & Friends Around The World
Jill, the unique thing about this "blog"
is whilst we are all Andre and JSO fans, we all have open minds about good music and each other. Andre is the pin that keeps us all together, but that does not stop us discussing our other interest. I for one am a huge fan of Helmut Lotti and have everything he ever produced. Here on this site, although not many of us have ever met, we all know the names of each others partners that tolerate us coming here.
And.....we know the names of all the family cats...and so on.
You can say as much or as little as you like, but you will always be respected.
Notice I refrained this time from saying "Hi"
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Hello again Grayeme
I haven't tried joining in discussions on the Net before but your great article inspired me to here. I was very excited to see yours and Shirley's and David's replies appear almost straight away.
You seem to be a fount of knowledge Grayeme! Do you happen to know how many people attended Andre's Saturday night Sydney concert? People keep asking me when I'm telling them about it but I have no idea - 'a lot' seems to be an inadequate guess...
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Jill, the Saturday concert in Sydney was attended by 35,402. That was about 1000 less than the Saturday concert in Melbourne. The total Sydney audience was 85,799 against a total in Melbourne of 86,400. Adelaide 34,000 - Perth 25,000 and Brisbane 53,000.
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THANK YOU GRAYEME!
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Daniel O'Donnell is a favorite of Charles McMurray who sent me a few of his songs, and made me a fan as well.
Helmut Lotti - that man can sing anything and make it sound good. He certainly gives us variety and I like them all.
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love Andre and Helmut Lott is my second favorite. Have most of his dvd's, they were done quite a few years ago. Would like to get one A tribute to the king, elvis favorites, but it does not seem to be available in Australia.
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Lyn, "A Tribute To the King" DvD is available on Helmuts website in the "Lottishop" as is almost all of his DvD's again. The price includes postage anywhwere in the world and they are excellent to deal with.
http://www.helmutlotti.be/Index_TTS/index_engl.htm
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Re Ovation, I was surprised to see just about all the Melbourne performance on it. But even more fascinated when I bought the DVD. It is marked as a live concert and certainly had not been changed from the live Ovation version. That meant that a Suzan Microphone failure, I previously mentioned was left in! Also his handing a chair to an audience lady, who it seemed found somebody sitting in her booked seat etc. All of which really brings to us the joy and fun of a truly live performance.
Good on the producers for not editing out such happenings. Merry XMAS from Dave
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Merry Christmas to you as well Dave. I enjoyed those 'live' moments. Makes the concert come to life!
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Andre has as he desired, brought to us music for the people and made the orchestra so colorful and entertaining.
By contrast however and although I have always enjoyed Strauss music of the per annual New Years Eve Austrian concert,it was certainly NOT what Andre wants to be.
Their Orchestra was 99% male and dressed in black, whilst the conductor although marvelous in his trade did not inspire joy and laughter that Andre generates.
Some years ago that orchestra did have a jovial conductor Mechta?) who also brought to us, the 3 tenors. These included our late and beloved Pavarotti, and no doubt most music lovers have that CD?
Those performances were approaching the joy we see in Andre's and another might be the UK proms concerts.
However I am sure that Andre's fans get greater joy and entertainment from his colorful performances. Whilst his audience pulling power is testament to that.
Can't wait till he returns to Australia.
Happy 2009 from David
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Should I ever win the lotto, or save and save as I try to do now ... I will attend a New Year's Day concert with the Vienna Philharmonic. It should be on everyone's list.
I would dearly love to go to the Proms as well. Maybe I could combine a Christmas Prom concert with the New Year in Vienna?
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Hello David,
Speaking of the Three Tenors, I saw them in Miami I think in the late 90's and it was a wonderful warm evening and we were way up almost in the clouds (outdoor venue). We could not see much but we could listen and it was just beautiful to see them together. My favorite was always José Carreras but I loved them all. Carreras has such an interesting story of his life and put up such a valiant fight against Leukemia. You would not believe what he went through to preserve his voice. He was such a handsome man at the height of his career and he emerged with the beautiful voice he always had with a lot less hair but the voice held. He had to use his own bone marrow for the transplant and that was a terrible ordeal. He has a lot of courage. I have all his CD's and all the CD's of the Three Tenors. I have a few also of Pavarotti. If you can find the Carreras book, it is called "Singing From The Soul" and was written by him. Hugs
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David, the "contrast" is always there, isn't it? Andre is just unique. I do like to watch the Vienna New Years concerts though, and you notice that some seem better than others, but I enjoy the different rotating conductors, each one has their own personality. I think the "jovial" conductor you mention must be Zubin Mehta. He is one of my favorites too. Of all the new year concerts I have watched, my favorites were Mehta and Willi Boskovsky, although I enjoyed Georges Pretre last year. He will be next year's conductor too. I think he is the only French conductor, so far, that has conducted the New Year concert. Too, I think a lot of it has to do with the music selection each year.I also like the Proms, but if I was to go to any of those I would choose the last night. That's when they seem to have the most fun. But our Andre is in a class all by himself! When I first saw him, on TV, I thought, well now, this is certainly different & exciting! A happy orchestra & colorful too. And that conductor, WOW!, zing went the strings to my heart!
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Hello Shirley
I did reply (belatedly) to the note you sent me on this page on 31st December. Did you see it?
Happy New Year to you and everyone.
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Hi Jill, yes, I did see your message but had forgotten to answer you.The O'Donnell show we saw was in 2007, they made a dvd of that show that we had to order there & we recieved it back in about two weeks. I was counting my Daniel cds & dvds, I now have 24 cds & 2 dvds, the majority of these I got from a friend!I usually go to Amazon to order most things, I've gotten several Helmut Lotti cds there as well.I also try to keep up with the personal web sites so I can see what is happening & watch for anything new coming out. I'm telling you, I need to win a big lottery!
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