Speaking With André Rieu


                                  
                                                                               Photo:  Zimbio
                                                                               

Chicago Sun-Times

Speaking with Andre Rieu ...


May 15, 2009

Dutch violinist and conductor Andre Rieu's life mission is to make a night at the symphony nothing short of a rousing good time. And he has the gold, platinum and moneymaking tours to prove he's doing just that.

The "King of Waltz," who has played violin since the age of 5, brings his hugely popular show to the Allstate Arena next week. He answered our questions via e-mail on a recent tour stop.
Q: How does it feel to have your "Greatest Hits" album sitting at the No. 4 spot on the Billboard Classical charts?

AR: Fantastic, of course! My music is my life. If then people recognize your work and your passion, even better!

Q: What kinds of music/recording artists do you like to listen to?

AR: I actually never listen to music. I know it sounds weird, but when I'm not onstage, I rehearse, I have meetings, I travel, etc. That doesn't mean I don't like other music. Pavarotti was a great artist, as well as Yo-Yo Ma, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen and, of course, Strauss and Mozart.

Q: What is it about Johann Strauss that spoke to you so deeply in that you have devoted your professional career to this type of music that you do so well?

AR: Strauss was a genius. Composing a waltz might sound easy, but it's not. A waltz is like a way of life -- there's lots of melancholy, sadness, joy and laughter. Strauss composed his music for everybody, just like Mozart. Classical music doesn't just belong to a small elite group; it belongs to everybody.

Q: What item or items must you absolutely have on tour with you?

AR: My iPhone with all my pictures of my wife, my two sons, my two dogs and all the beautiful pictures of my garden. And my violin, of course!

-- Miriam Di Nunzio

                                 
                                                                             Photo: Zimbio

Posted by Moderator Jeanine Ann at May 20, 2009
Categories: ANDRE RIEU, Articles-Interviews
Tags: News
 
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  • May 20, 2009 Webmaster Sally wrote:
    Great Article. I like hearing from Andre Rieu himself. I appreciate that he defines himself, not allowing others to tell him who to be, and it shows in his life and work. Thanks for this article!
  • May 20, 2009 ELAINE BURCH wrote:
    i really like this article, andre tells us alot about himself and i love articles like this. he lets us know what he thinks and i love that about him. a very good article. elaine burch.
  • May 20, 2009 Marlene Warren wrote:
    I enjoy that André always speaks exactly the way he feels. I also appreciate his love for his family, his dogs...garden...he doesn't allow anyone or anything to get him to deviate from his life. I so admire that.
    I think that speaks highly of the man behind the violin. Honesty, passion, heart and soul, life and happiness. André is all of this.
    I'm not predjudiced at all, I do enjoy André very much, but I also appreciate who he is and what he stands for. I'd admire that in anyone.
  • May 21, 2009 ELAINE BURCH wrote:
    when i think a few weeks i will get to meet andre and be able to talk with him . after this article, iam proud of him for standing up for what he believes, lifes most important values. his wif e and dogs and his sons and his home.
  • May 21, 2009 Shirley wrote:
    Andre, you are at your best when you do the Strauss waltzes. Who doesn't love a waltz, especially by Strauss jr.And as for Mozart, in my opinion, unbeatable!
  • May 21, 2009 Martha wrote:
    Marlene you're so right on. Loyalty and honesty coupled with sensitivity is what make Andre a very unique artist. His character makeup is so unusual and I think that's what make him unusual to the rest of the world and some interviewers. I think the fans understand Andre so much be he touches these same elements in us. Like attracts like, it's not unusual for us to be attracted to him I feel. A very nice article and you know he's no different from any of us, we would miss home too.
  • May 21, 2009 ELAINE BURCH wrote:
    iam still working on telling people about him in this small town where everyone loves golf and heavy medal ,rock music and country, there are alot of people who have never heard of andre rieu, i wear my tea shirt that i sent all the way to aussieland for, people want one, so they are aware of him because of me.
    1. May 21, 2009 Shirley wrote:
      Keep on spreading the word Elaine. It's fun isn't it?
  • May 22, 2009 Nancy Lawrence wrote:
    Tonight my 5 year old granddaughter, Jenna, and I will attend the Andre Rieu Concert in Milwaukee. How exciting that he was 5 years old when he began playing the violin! Jenna has loved Andre Rieu since she was three and this will be our second concert. Last year during the encore she gave him a flower and he smiled at her while shaking her hand. These are the memories that will last a life time. Tonight we hope to do the same and I will be certain to let Jenna know he was 5 years old when he began his career!
    1. May 22, 2009 WebMaster Sally wrote:

      I love it when children see Andre, and it is so cute how he smiles big when they give him a flower or something.  Jenna is very lucky she has a good Mommy who takes her to things like Andre Rieu.  What a wonderful memory it will be ...   and by all means please come back and tell us about it.  

      We can make you and Jenna a page on the       Featured Fans ..


      1. May 22, 2009 Nancy Lawrence and Jenna wrote:
        Dear Webmaster Sally

        Being Jenna's Grandmother I will have camera in hand and take a few pictures at the concert and have Jenna become a Andre Rieu "Featured Fan". Thanks for the reply Nancy and Jenna
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