Gifts From Andre Rieu
Every Andre Rieu fan has their story about how they came to know about him. Actually, I discovered him later than many, around 2003. My Mom and sister had seen him perform on PBS, and I was introduced to him through the DVD New Years in Vienna. I watched the sparkle in his eyes with interest, but it was his “wild man” routine during “Chianti” and his uninhibited sense of fun in the encores that made a lasting impression. It was obvious that he had the vision to go where no other classical musician had gone before. His irrepressible spirit captivated me.
A year or two passed after I’d seen him the first time. I was absorbed in an unusually stressful period of life personally and professionally, and wasn’t feeling well; things seemed pretty dark. Perhaps it was the memory of the uplifted feeling of that first DVD, but suddenly one day Andre Rieu strongly returned to my consciousness and stayed there. I started to discover other pieces of his work, finding one after the other like little gifts. I found solace in his performances, and they helped me remember the beauty and joy in life.
Unaware of the breadth and frequency of Andre Rieu’s American concert scene, I had never really considered seeing him live in concert. It seemed like an unlikely dream. I assumed that he only performed in major cities on the coasts, far from me, and that I wouldn’t be able to afford the cost on my teacher’s salary. With help from several fan sites and research on my own, I realized that it was more possible than ever to see Andre perform in person.
My first concert was in Omaha, Nebraska in October 2007. Because I was still learning how to get the best tickets, my first seat was far from the stage. Still, it was incredibly exciting to be there, within the electric atmosphere that Andre and his JSO create. My best memory of that concert was my Mom, sister and I cheering and waving our Andre Rieu scarves to the beat of “Adieu, Little Captain of My Heart”. Ours were the only scarves out there, and the ever-observant Andre noticed them. He paused after the song, gazing out in our direction. Then he whipped his hand playfully around his head like he was twirling a rope, letting us know that he had seen our waltzing scarves. Then, as I looked at the big screen, I saw him grin magnificently as I cheered and flapped my scarf back at him. I have found that Andre appreciates and rewards polite enthusiasm, and in some way we connected across that space, even though we weren’t close enough to see each other’s faces clearly.
Once you have been to one Andre Rieu concert, you are seized by a positive addiction. You are constantly on the hunt for concert dates and the best seats, and you find yourself with PBS memberships in several states. You start skipping less-amusing entertainment in favor of saving money and splurging on the next Andre Rieu event. It was through this process that I got much better seats for a Kansas City concert in April 2008. This time, instead of half an arena away, I was sixth row and center.
Every Andre Rieu fan feels their own personal connection to his performances, whether they experience them on a CD, a DVD or in a concert. He has taught every one of us how to dream again, and reminds us that we hold the power to make our own dreams come true. If you’ve read the story of Andre’s life, you understand how hard he fought and how persistent he had to be in order to achieve his current success. That day in Kansas City, with Andre Rieu just in front of me on the stage, I realized the absolute privilege of sharing that evening of music. No matter how many times you have heard Andre’s music, there is something surreal about watching him play his Stradivarius live. You become mesmerized by watching his fingers precisely and dexterously move over the strings with the absolute ease of years of experience and constant practice. (One thing I noticed immediately was the large muscle in his left hand.) You also notice the mastery, absorption and intelligence in his face.
I had always wondered if the man on the DVDs was a true reflection of the real Andre Rieu. What would he be like in person? I can say that from my experiences, he is what he appears to be. I think what surprised me most about this second concert was that Andre was so comfortable to be near. You didn’t feel shy, you wanted to interact with him because he wanted to interact with you. You could feel him seeking genuine connections with people, you could feel his emotions. He has played the most impressive venues in the world, the most prestigious places, and here he is, playing sincerely for you. He just has no pretense, no arrogance. He is open and warm. You could see his dedication, how he wanted to perform perfectly for you. He is simply extraordinary, and you feel that sense of greatness surrounding him. . . . . .
Andre’s sense of humor is endearing. He loves to play with the crowd, and really enjoys enthusiasm and involvement. For example, he absolutely cracked the crowd up when a woman came near the stage to take a picture. He posed, putting his hand on his hip and sweeping his hair back on one side, making a goofy face. He is a very funny and sweet ham. Another example was the hilarious experience I had during the encores; we were yelling for more, and in the spirit of things, I pumped my hands upward, looking at him expectantly. He caught my kidding gesture with eagle-eyed alertness, responding with that playful mouth-motoring he uses with audiences who are begging for more. “Bbwwaahh!” he mocked me with a clowning face. I was so surprised that as a reflex, I did it back at him, and we got locked in a few moments of face-making, hand-waving silliness. I finally dissolved in laughter, and he grinned with delight as he went back to playing.
What made Andre’s spirit even more special at this Kansas City concert was finding out (after the fact) that even though he had not been feeling his best that night, he still put on an incredible performance. Apparently, Andre and the JSO had gotten ill upon arriving in America, and since this was just their fourth concert on that trip, some of them still were not back to themselves. Andre’s eyes looked tired that night, but I wasn’t sure if it was the toll of travel or if he just wasn’t feeling well. From what I have read, Andre is well aware of how much people look forward to his performances, and how disappointed they would be if he cancelled, so he goes on no matter how he feels. When the crowd was cheering for encores, you could see him want to keep playing, but obviously he’s a human being who gets tired and sick like anyone else. With all the rest of the fans, I had been begging for more, but at a certain moment Andre’s eyes settled on mine and I felt his fatigue. Since I had never been this close to Andre in a concert before, I didn’t realize how effectively he can communicate with his face, without ever saying a word. It was humbling, and I silently understood that he didn’t have a lot more to give that evening. As the cheering continued, everyone’s raised hands around me spread into five fingers to signal “5 more!” Still holding his gaze, I put up just one finger and smiled a little. He smiled back slightly.
I felt Andre guiding the concert to a close, playing the final encores, and I got the courage to take a gift to him on stage. I figured I would “chicken out” and hadn’t seriously considered doing it. But something commanded me, and there I was, numbly walking up to the stage as he took his bows. I stood against the stage below him, my arm brushing the flowers, thinking, “Oh, please be as kind as you seem.” The cheering crowd was background noise to me as I waited. Then, in one of those startling moments, Andre’s gaze dropped to me. Because the stage lights were in my eyes, I couldn’t see his expression clearly. He leaned over me, a bright blue aura backlighting his body and shadowing his face. Although he is thin and wiry, his broad shoulders loomed over me. I was suddenly speechless and overwhelmed. Extending my arm, I held my gift up and he carefully took it. He sort of curled over me, seeming to sense how tentative I was. I heard his masculine, deep, melodically-accented voice say, “Thank you.” I felt his smile as he spoke to me, and his words were warm and kind as they vibrated between us. Andre’s presence was undeniably powerful, yet intentionally gentle. He nodded his head softly, then straightened and raised his arms in that signature encore pose, my gift in his right hand. Incredibly honored, I was too overcome to reply.
Still in a haze, I left that concert not wanting anything more from that evening. I am sure that Andre receives hundreds of demands every day, and inevitably carries the massive weight of the expectations directed at him. But he had thoughtfully given me a gift in return, a gift of gracious acknowledgment. That evening in the Sprint Center, fate allowed me to experience the magic of Andre Rieu. He still has the sensitivity, after thousands of performances, to notice a common person; most of all, he is considerate and spiritually generous enough to take a pause from the adulation going on around him to recognize a sincere gesture of thanks.
Speaking of dreams – in the company of Andre Rieu, you believe that princes really do exist.
Dear Pam
I could live those moments with you, so beautiful you describe your experience.
Really wonderful.
I just discovered him in 2008 and had no opportunity to be in a concert yet.
I hope someday I'll write how was my first André Rieu Concert.
Thank you for share this with us.
Lovely regards
Adriana - Blumenau/Brazil
Dear Adriana,
You were the first to comment on my article, so thank you for your very kind words. It makes me happy that my concert experiences were interesting for you and that you enjoyed them. I think it will be your turn to see Andre very soon! From what I know of Andre's upcoming concert schedules, he is planning to be in Brazil either in 2009 or 2010. Keep watching his agenda on andrerieu.com. Hold on to that dream of seeing him. When you get to a concert, write to me -I will want to hear how it was for you!
All my best to you, Pamela Didur
Pam, thank you so much for sharing your concert experiences. I was very touched by your heart connection to Andre, and your words to describe it.
Dear Shirley,
Thank you so much for your very kind comments on my article. I am glad that you enjoyed it. I hope that you have or will have concert experiences of your own to share with me!
All the best to you, Pam Didur
A lot of people don't watch PBS so that is why some have never heard about Andre, or else they just haven't happened upon him yet. We happened to catch him on PBS in 2003. We liked him so much I told a friend about him and I was so surprised she already knew about him & had taped earlier shows.In 2004 another friend asked if I was going to the concert, I said,what concert? She said Andre Rieu! I was totally shocked to learn that not only was he coming here but that he already had been here a few years earlier. As it turned out we couldn't make the concerts that year but I vowed that if he ever came back we would go. In 2005 we saw our first Andre concert & we had the meet & greet tickets to actually meet the man himself, thanks for the help of another fan we also had great seats. All that and I got to meet MS Sally, which was a treat in itself.
At the meet & greet I approached him almost apologetically, as if to not take up too much of his time. He was very gracious and kind as he signed my book & when my husband asked if he could take a picture of me with Andre, again he was most kind. As we stood there, Andre reached to point at the camera & suggested it might work better with the lens cover open. We all got a chuckle out of that one. Not only was Andre kind, he was most patient , although it really only took about 5 minutes, it was 5 minutes that I'll never forget. Then it was on to meet several of the other orchestra members. All in all it was my magic moment, to be cherished forever, my "first", my best.I have only been to 5 concerts, but this was my ultimate.
Hi Shirley,
Wow, what a fantastic experience you had with Andre! I did the Meet and Greet at KC in 2008, but Andre did not attend. Not sure if Meet and Greets will happen anymore with the new All-Access passes Andre is promoting. I can imagine him getting a laugh out of the lens cap on the camera. What a great story! Thanks for sharing it with me.
Sincerely, Pam
Thank You Pam. I think you captured the concert & Andre. Your report is fantastic!
Dear Sally,
Thank you so much for allowing me to share these experiences with other fans. You are an inspiration to us all, and we appreciate your wonderful website.
With much gratitude, Pam Didur
You brought tears to my eyes Pam.
He has a 'presence', an aura, or whatever word can be used to describe it.
Dear Jill,
I am very humbled by your response, and I am glad that the emotion I felt came through my writing to you. Thank you for such a heartfelt understanding of what I tried to convey for everyone who finds Andre Rieu special.
Thanks for your kindness, Pamela Didur
Hello Pam and may thanks for this wonderful letter telling of your experience ......your words say it all..our lives are made so much richer by seeing and listeneing to Andre and the JSO...one look at Andre tells one that this man is genuine in loving all people and sharing that love and appreciation around.....thank you so much Pam for putting it into words.
Joy and Bernard (in Australia)
Hi Joy and Bernard,
I was so happy when Andre did concerts in Australia. You waited a long time for a concert! I agree, Andre's love affects people all over the world. Thanks for allowing me to share.
Gratefully, Pam
Thank you Pam for a wonderful report of your concert experiences. You described your feelings and experiences perfectly.
When you get that "feeling" that most of us gets when we are at an André concert, there is nothing like it in the world.
Thank you for putting into words, so nicely, the feelings, thoughts and "gifts" you received from your experiences.
Hi Marlene,
Thanks for the gift of your comments, and I am glad you identified with the report. Let's hope many more concerts are ahead!
Sincerely, Pam
ELAINE wrote. you brought tears to my eyes;pam, FOR ANDRE HAS A ENDEARING SPIRIT .
Hi Pam, I just loved your concert report. You certainly described André as I have seen him in concert. Your words are beautiful because you can see the endearing qualities in him that we all see and love. Thank you so much for sharing this. Hugs to you
Hugs back to you, Jeanine! Thanks for the kind words and for allowing me to share with you.
Sincerely, Pam
Hi Elaine,
We're all lucky to live in a time where we can see Andre perform and appreciate that spirit.
Thank you, Pam
Great story, I loved reading it. Being a new Melbourne fan since 2008, how do you get good tickets to his concerts in Australia? I booked via the web, I thought, as quickly as the 2009 concert dates were released and am way, way back at Telstra Dome. At least I am there!!
Hi Denise,
I wish I knew more about tickets in Australia so I could help you. I know the "at least I am there" feeling! Keep networking and researching - you never know what little gifts will pop up when you least expect them.
Thanks for your response, Pam
Denise, getting the good tickets is an art in itself. The day tickets go on sale, usually 9am, you have to be on your computer, signed in to Ticketek or whoever is selling. Starting a couple of minutes before the time, start "refreshing" as soon as they go, select what you want. If not happy, select again and so on until you get the best you can. You can hold tickets in your box for 8 minutes before you have to decide whether to buy or delete.
Most of the best seats are usually gone in the first 30 minutes. You should try it sometime on a concert you don't want to buy for and just keep deleting the tickets you get. It is the best way to perfect the art. It is a real buzz I tell you. A bit like being caught in a "whiteout" at 120 mph on Kosciusko Hwy. Personally, I love it.
Ah,ha!! Now I get the gist of it - thanks Grayeme! I wonder whether Andre will put on an extra concert in Melbourne in October on Saturday 31st? He will be running into all the pre Melbourne Cup celebrations though.
Graeme
I follow you suggestion and tried to buy a ticket on the 5th concert in Maastricht and got the number: Level A1. Section A1, Row 15, seat 37. There was no map where a could look where this seat is.
Could you be so nice and try to explain where were I with this ticket and which one shell I try to buy to stay at the first line of chairs (in fronte of Cord Peters, my most beloved JSO).
I believe Level A1, Sections A1, Row 1, Seat???
I would be really greatfull for your help.
Thank you
Adriana - Blumenau/Brazil
Pam, thank you for your beautiful description.
You put in the right words the same feelings I felt myself during my experiences with Andre and his JSO in the 3 live concerts I attended so far. But specially with him, standing very near to the stage, when I told him a few things and despite the noise and the people and everything, he listened because he smiled to me and answered ... Very deep connection between the two of us in such circumstances ... Like yours.
It was a pleasure reading your report and I did it twice because I liked it so much and it's perfect.
Thanks again.
Hi Patricia,
It is a privilege to hand a gift to Andre at the end of a concert. I wish every fan could have that experience. At least you were composed enough to say something to him - I was like a deer in headlights! Thanks for your kind review, and for sharing your special moment.
All the best, Pam
Lovely; thank you for sharing your thoughts. I hope Andre and/or his staff read your article and know how much they are appreciated.
Joanne
Hi Joanne,
Thank you for your kind reply. It is a dream for me that Andre and/or his staff might run across my report. Together, with Andre in the lead, they all work tirelessly to create and maintain first-rate, memorable concerts. Thanks for hoping what I was hoping, and we'll see what fate brings! Pam
I THINK ALL OF US REALLY HAVE A STORY OR TWO. LOTS OF US IN THE USA, LEARNED OF ANDRE AND COMPANY BY A PBS PROGRAM, THAT WE ACCIDENTALLY RAN INTO. WE WERE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING THAT ENTERTAINED US FOR THAT DAY. TURNED OUT, IT DOES ENTERTAIN US FOR MOST LIKELY, HOPEFULLY FOR A LONG TIME TO COME. IT IS NOT JUST THE MUSIC THEY DO PLAY, HE DOES BRING A VERY HUMAN SIDE TO THESE CONCERTS TO ALL. VERY INSPIRATIONAL, ONE CAN ONLY LEARN FROM THEM. I REALLY DO THINK, THE WAY HE IS AND HIS JSO, THE WAY THEY DO CONDUCT BUSINESS AND THEIR LIFE, IS JUST HAVE TO BE AND EXAMPLE TO ALL MAN KIND. NO WONDER, WE ALWAYS WAIT FOR THE NEXT CONCERT, THE NEXT CD, OR THE NEXT DVD. WHAT IS DOES REALLY MEAN, ONCE YOU GET TO KNOW THEM A LITTLE, YOU NEVER HAVE ENOUGH!
Hi Piano,
Lucky for us, PBS saw the gem that Andre Rieu is early on. You're right, most of us would have never known about him otherwise. I am still surprised at the number of people in America who have never heard of Andre. "Where did you find out about him?" everyone asks. It says something about Andre that he chose educational/artistic television for his venue, and that his name is now helping PBS stations around America. Andre and PBS took a risk on each other and it has paid off for everyone!
Wonderful article Pam, it so adequately summed up what all true Andre fans feel. Thank you I found it very moving to read. Hugs Norma
Thank you, Norma, and hugs back to you.
Sincerely, Pam
Dear Pam,
thank you for sharing your thoughts & emotions of your concert going experience.
Attending an Andre Rieu concert is truly a lasting emotional experience.
I've been to 3 of Andre's concerts here in Phoenix & am eagerly anticipating his 4th concert on 23 June 2009
Hi Bill,
Thank you for your kind reponse. The feeling of these concerts really do last - it's a nice place to go in your memory! I hope you have a wonderful Phoenix concert - I plan to see Andre in Des Moines in May. We'll have to compare notes!
Thanks, Pam
Hi guys,
I was hoping somebody can help with information how can I purchase tickets up to $150 dollars Canadian for the Air Canada Centre Concert of Andre Rieu on April 17-th? I checked the TIcket Master and other web,sites, they force you to get the FedEx deal, I can pick them up. Thank you!
Hi Elena and Adriana,
I don't have experience regarding tickets in Maastricht or Canada, but I'm sure that someone who does will graciously offer some help. As far as American tickets, the best tickets have to be purchased nearly 9 months in advance, as soon as the dates go up on andrerieu.com. Does anyone have information they can share on tickets for Canada and the Netherlands?
hi elena and adriana. hi i have four tickets for june12/09 for gmplace in vancouver, bc. these are hot seats down on the floor, about 10 rows from the stage. if you can let me know i will sell them. elaine burch.
Hello to Australian fans who wrote to me. Would you let me know that you are all right? I am worried about you since the fires in Australia. Please accept our condolences from America, and I hope that everyone there is recovering as well as possible.
Please notify if you can.
Pam
Hello Pam,
We live in Morwell a township in Victoria Australia and the fires have been very close to us ....and to some members of our family.....3 of which are volunteer fire fighters who say that they have never seen anything like this before in their years of being volunteers.....the fires around us are contained but more fires began yesterday about 150ks from us in the Dandenongs a very wooded area and a popular tourist place..fires are still raging in the National parks and only the water bombers can get to them......209 dead at the last count with more expected ..8300 homes gone...thousande of acres burnt and whole townships burnt tot he grous.
The weather forcast is for high temperatures and windy conditions at the week end so we are not looking forward to that and will be on aleret for anything.
Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated
Hello Joy,
I was very glad to hear from you, and thank you for the update. You definitely have my prayers and most positive thoughts for your safety in the coming days. I hope that there will soon be a break in the weather so that these fires can stop. All of us here are thinking of you and praying for the protection of everyone involved, including residents, your family and fire fighters. Hang in there and keep us informed - all of us in America are with you.
Thinking of you, Pam
hello joy; from canada this wish that it would soon cool down and make it easier on everyone over there, the firer fighters, and my thoughts are all of you over there.love to everyone. from elaine burch.
Hi Pam and Elaine,
Many thanks for your kind thoughts and prayers...we, in Victoria are not out of the woods yet...large fires are blazing now over the other side of Melbourne in a place called Daylesford and in some of the National parks not far away from us.....if ony we could get some rain it would help us a lot but so far none in sight and 41c predicted for this week end with high winds again....we are opraying that this forcast will be wrong...it is certainly cooler this morning but by the afternoon it could be hot....Melbourne can have 4 seasons in one day so the weather is unpredictable here.
I have got my tickets for Andres concert in October here in Melbourne in an easy place so that I can pick them up quickly if need be...we missed his show last year due to illness so we have to get there this year.... we are praying that the fires will be well and truly out by then and I am sure that they will be.
Hugs to you all
Joy
Hi Joy,
I hope today finds you safe, with the fires decreasing and moving away. Hope the weather is better, too.
I really hope the fires are over by Andre's concerts so that you can truly enjoy them. I'm glad you will be able to see him this time. I think everyone in Australia will be ready for the happiness Andre brings after all of these fires!
Hugs and protection, Pam
HI JOY AND PAM, IAM GOING TO TELL YOU SOMETHING, IN JUNE ON THE 12,2009, IAM GOING TO MEET ANDRE, I HAVE A VIP TICKET, AN ALL ACCESS PASS TO SEE ANDRE AND IT WILL TO CELEBRATE HIS 30 YEARS IN SHOW BUSINESS, THAT WILL BE A DREAM COME TRUE FOR ME.HUGS TO ALL. I WISH IT WOULD RAIN OVER THERE, WE HAD A REAL ALBERTA SNOW STORM THIS MORNING .SO ITS A LITTLE COLD AT THE MOMENT IN WESTERN CANADA. WISH YOU COULD GET THIS SNOW, IT WOULD COOL THOSE FIRES DOWN AND YOU TO.LOVE AND HUGS TO ALL THAT HAVE LOST SO MUCH.
Hi Elaine,
How exciting! Thank you for telling me this great news. Meeting Andre will be something you'll remember for the rest of your life. I will be very interested to hear how your All-Access experience is. I am very happy for you, and please share with me what it is like.
All the best, Pam
Hi Elaine,
Many thanks for your e-mail WOW how about that you actually meeting this wonderful man and your dream come true