André Rieu "King of Waltz" and Co. Come To DesMoines
Photo:The Register
André Rieu "King Of Waltz" And JSO Come To DesMoines
Andre Rieu has been dubbed the "King of Waltz," and rightfully so. The Dutch violinist-conductor has appeared on numerous PBS specials, traveled the world and packed arenas and city squares with his concerts of light classical music. He'll perform Sunday at Wells Fargo Arena.
"It is a dream come true to travel with my own orchestra," Rieu said over e-mail this week.
Rieu hand-picks the musicians in his Johann Strauss Orchestra, auditioning each one, since they play more than 120 concerts a year, traveling in close quarters - two double-decker buses through Europe and three buses through the United States.
"When musicians audition for me, they can play whatever they like," Rieu said. "The most important thing for me is that I can feel their passion for their music."
Serious classical musicians are sometimes wary of Rieu's musical platform. Rieu champions the music of Johann, the less austere Strauss, who composed waltzes, polkas and marches. Richard, the "other" Strauss (no relation to Johann) on the other hand, composed such serious works as the operas "Salome" and "Elektra."
"Johann Strauss was a genius. Classical music does not belong to an elite group," he explained. "It belongs to everybody."
Although Rieu is used to playing in the most beautiful European venues, a great performance can happen anywhere, even in an arena.
"If you have a great evening with an enthusiastic audience, it doesn't matter where you perform," Rieu said.
Comments