Martha's Baltimore Concert Story
Thursday May 14th was anticipation for myself, my friends Ken his sister and Mother. It was a cloudy day and rain expected in the evening so we were glad it wasn't earlier when we where driving to the venue. What was surprising was that we had no traffic delays at all, we arrived at the venue at 7:00pm and we expected to see gobs of people already standing in line early waiting to get their seats as this was the case last year and before. But not so this time at least when we arrived. Yes, there was a line but we got there at 7:00pm and the doors opened then.
The audience was very responsive and seemed deeply appreciative of
Andre, the orchestra and of course soloists. I don't have my list with
me while I'm writing this but my favorites where the 3 Tenors singing
passionately Tosca, Carla's Olympia and she was quite animated with funny facial
expressions and playful and the most passionate of all, All Men Are Brothers and
of course my favorite Marina just to cite a few. Words cannot be expressed when
Andre does solo other than I wish he would do more, it is always a treat to hear
him and his violin speaks to my soul. The audience gave standing ovations in
the second half and all throughout the evening a vigorus applause. When Andre
and Orchestra marched out Andre felt the audience's enthusiasm and he
acknowledged it as well from the stage; he was warmly received by the audience
that it was a special atmosphere I felt of warmth and love for a magnificent
artist. Everyone in the orchestra as well was up and really enjoying
themselves. Mirusia did not sing solo this time but all the ladies looked
beautiful in their gorgeous gowns. I was surprised to see the hall at what
looked to be about third full of a normal Andre Rieu concert at the 1st Mariner
compared to the last two concerts I saw there.
Andre's fans showed their support and love and the atmosphere was wonderful
and happy. More couples got up to dance than before and there were more of a
younger crowd there too which I think also made a difference. Andre played
America The Beautiful which was played twice and most in the hall who could
stand, stood to sing. At that point I felt so patriotic and it seemed Andre did
too. He sent me home on Brahms Lullaby very happy and yet a bit melancholy only
to wait patiently for Seattle and Maastricht.
Thanks Martha,it sounds like a great concert even if it was not as well attended as in the past. I'm sure the economic conditions played a part in a lot of cities. So many have lost homes & jobs.
Thank you Martha for a wonderful review of the Baltimore concert! I loved the way you described how a violin solo by André affects you. He certainly has a marvelous affect on us doesn't he?
I can't wait to see Carla do the Olympia, and hear "All Men Shall Be Brothers", it's a definite favorite of mine.
Thanks again Martha, and we will wait patiently for more to come from your next concerts!
Thank you Jeanine and all for posting my story. It really was a wonderful uplifting experience which I felt more so in this concert. It let me know Andre is truly loved by his fans.
Thank you. I like the picture of Carla. We were lucky enough to hear Mirusia in NH. Time is getting closer....
Martha this is a great story. What a wonderful time! I wish I was there.