ANDRE RIEU In Australia for Mother's Day Screening
He’s known as "the Flying Dutchman" and "the King of Encores", but yesterday, the classical musician Andre Rieu gained another nickname - "the Mother's Day Darling" - when he appeared on the red carpet in front of 200 shrieking mums.
In Sydney for a big-screen promotional launch of the DVD of his Australian tour, 59-year-old Rieu claimed it was his first red-carpet appearance in a career that has spanned 20 years.
Famous for bringing stadium-style rock performances to classical music, his shows are major productions with mock Viennese castles, ice rinks, waltzing skaters, and fountains. But it is the joy his music brings - and his determination to express it - that was the subject of the love.
Supporters included Faye Trevethan, who despite her silver hair, spoke of undying adoration that smacked not just of being a fan, but a groupie.
"I go to bed with him. He's on when I wake up, I drive with him - I just love him," she said with a starstruck grin. She attended the premiere with her long-time girlfriends Monika Ueckert and Gloria Croke - also huge fans. Gloria's daughter, Leanne, bought them the tickets for Mother's Day.
Another fan was Diana Robb and her husband Bob, who have travelled to Vienna, Las Vegas, San Francisco and Adelaide to see him. Diana credits Rieu with healing powers - Bob had given up a lifelong career in piano and composition when diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Hearing Rieu's music inspired him to try to play again.
She had noticed during the performances that the orchestra used common plastic pegs to hold their music to the stands to prevent them blowing away and that spurred her to action.
"That didn't look right - it was out of keeping with the beauty and the elegance of the rest of the performance. So I spray-painted 250 wooden pegs gold and sent them to him," Diana said.
The pegs are now regularly used - and can be seen on several DVDs, she said. Yesterday, she presented him with one.
Rieu returns to Australia on October 15. The Sydney concerts are already sold out.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald
by: Kylie Davis
Categories: Australia,News,Articles-Interviews
Tags: Andre Rieu Special Event
Hi, I'm writing this note on behalf of my mother. She is 82 years young and her maiden name is Johanna Louwerse.
Mum is a great fan of Andre Rieu and his lovely singer Margueritte Louwerse, the girl from Brisbane Australia. She is very excited she has tickets to see you in Newcastle. What a coincident the same sir name. Mum was wondering if there may be a family link.
My Great Opa Willam Louwerse and my Opa Louwers Louwerse both come from and had bakeries in Wissekerke North, Beveland, Zeeland, in Holland. If Margueritte doesn't mind could she check with her parents.
Many thanks, Jan van der Vliet.
Dear John, We have checked with our family in Zeeland who have recently done a family history of the Louwerse genealogy and unfortunately there is no link with your parents. I remember coming from the province Brabant and moving to Zeeland after my marriage, I thought I had a pretty unusual name. Then I found out how many Louwerses there were. But it is very nice that we share the same name. If you sent me your mother's address I will surprise her with Mirusia's CD.
Henriette Louwerse, PO BOX 3169, Birkdale, QLD 4159
hi
i went to wespoint blacktown an spoke to andre in dutch wich was such a thrill for me he also signed my cd you never walk alone
regards dora
Hi Dora ... How Exciting! I am happy for you.
Do you have a favorite song on the CD?
Sally
hi sally
i like all the songs but you never walk alone and nearer to thee are my favourites
dora
Hi,
My son took me on a ferry ride to Manly on Monther's Day. On our return journey, just as we arrived at Circular Quay, who should come out onto the fore deck after everyone else had left, yes, Andre Rieu. We said hello to each other. My son was really pleased to think he arranged something special for his mum for Mother's Day.
Mother`s Day was wonderful.Enjoyed Hoyts Cinema Presentation.In Perth Western Australia.Just wonderful,thank-you to all who made this musical experience possible.Looking so forward
to the return of André,JSO & all responsible who belong to a family, who
present such music.Music of the Heart.
Attended the screening on Mothers Day in Perth W.A and then went back on last screening on 20th May with a friend.Felt like it was a live show ,loved it and when heard you were coming to Australia this year we straight away said we were going.But next day found out you are'nt coming to Perth ,WA.Why is this so ,we want to see you too.Please rethink your schedule and fit us in,we are'nt that far away really.Please do come here Andre