Marlene's Special Time In Portland
JUNE 14, 2009
I don’t have to go into how little time we have in preparing for an André
Rieu concert, I will say that it truly is a very special event in my life.
Before the concert, I don’t want anyone to ask anything of me, just let me
enjoy this time of preparation. And, it takes a few days to come down after
an André concert. If I could tell everyone at home not to talk to me, don’t
give me chores, don’t ask me to do anything so that I can extend this
glorious moment as long as possible…. if they could do that, I would be ever
so grateful. We just don’t get these moments all that often.
The Portland concert was fantastic! I failed to take notes of all the songs
that were played and there were no song lists, so I have to go on memory, oh
boy.
I have some good friends who had never seen André previously. They tease me
a lot (in a very nice, humorous way) because I am always so excited about
André and his music, and I am always talking about him. They said they would
like to go see him the next time he came to Portland. Well, my friends DID
go to the concert and are very impressed. It may not seem much to most
people, but for me, it was actually years of wishing they would see André,
to see why I like him and the music so much, and in knowing in my heart that
they would enjoy the concert immensely.
After they finally opened the doors I met with friends Marilyn and Vernice.
It was very nice to see them again as I only see them at the André concerts,
so no one has to pinch me…yes…I’m here, waiting for my André Rieu
experience. I’m waiting for them to come on the stage and start a wonderful
evening of beautiful, happy music, together.
I went over to the merchandise counter to see what new products were
available. There are still no life-size André poster boards, still no new
posters, however there were some really nice items that I hadn’t seen
before, so I had to buy them of course.
I saw Franco and Béla in the lobby area and said hello to them, they are
always very nice.
As I walked into the arena I felt that positive, happy, excited feeling I
always get at one of André’s concerts. I walked towards my seat and stopped
to experience the arena and what was about to take place…An André Rieu
concert…I’ve waited one year and almost 8 months for this.
My good friends were now seated, we weren’t sitting together, but I knew
they were there and I knew they would enjoy the concert.
This is the time I start clock watching…one hour to go…I talk with another
one of my friends whom I brought with me, she was seated next to me and she’s
all excited because this is truly a big event for her. I was happy that she
was able to be there. I think at this point that everyone is clock
watching…ok, it’s almost time…
I hear "76 Trombones", we all stand and there they are…coming up the middle
as they normally do, and heading for the stage, André is leading of course.
I know that I don’t have to go through the list of songs that were played
but I would love to tell you about some of the highlights, for me, during
this concert.
"Gold and Silver Waltz", excellent, "Intermezzo Sinfonico", I love this song
so much and I was very happy that it was played. "This Land Is Mine"…André
has a way of introducing this song that is really heartfelt…that the world’s
children could someday grow up in a world of peace, without war and hate. It
always gives me goosebumps when I hear it, the Tenors are amazing as they
sing this song with all their heart.
"All Men Shall Be Brothers" is another excellent highlight. "Amazing Grace",
Manoe is fantastic as always on the bagpipes. Carla is nothing short of
incredible with the Olympia Song…what a fantastic voice! "Song of the
Volga", has to be one of my favorite songs, like right up there in the top
five! I love André’s expressions and I close my eyes and hear his violin as
he plays this music, there is nothing like it in the whole world.
As I listen to Mirusia sing "Time To Say Goodbye", nothing else exists. I
feel that Mirusia’s version is the most beautiful rendition of this
incredible song. Thank you Mirusia! I wanted my friends to hear this song
because it’s their favorite, and they said they just looked at each
other…beyond words.
The Clog Dance was great! I’ve wanted to see this since the "Love Around the
World" dvd, and it was very fun and enjoyable to watch. Cord took some
Polaroid pictures, of André, who is posing for these pictures and having a
very good time doing it. André watches each picture as it develops, then
tosses it out into the audience…unfortunately I wasn’t sitting anywhere near
where they landed. I must say though, that André does have a nice pitch,
just like a Frisbee, they went flying!
Then there is the bull song "Espana Cani"…what a fun time!!! Everyone was
laughing and when the gal with the red dress stood up, her popcorn went
flying and then she started running and the bull was running after her…it
was great! There are so many unexpected things that happen at an André Rieu
concert. Who would ever guess there would be a two-manned bull, along with
the big red tongue and the horns and the steam coming out of its nose, at a
music concert? It’s…so incredibly funny. And one of the many reasons why
everyone enjoys the concerts…these concerts which take us away from
"routine" and places us in a very enjoyable, fun moment.
There are many other songs that I could write about, but just know that the
music was great…ALL of it!
The JSO is perfect as always. A few familiar faces were missing, and I
missed seeing them. I think of all the good times the JSO has given everyone
in these concerts and I have to say that they are the most entertaining,
professional and talented musicians anyone could ever ask for. It’s always
nice to see their participation in all the music that’s played. Everyone
watches the big screens because there is always something going on there
that you cannot see while just looking at the stage…fun and enjoyable
things. The JSO are truly one big happy family of talented musicians, but
they also give us a whole lot more than music.
I feel that André and the JSO Orchestra played for each and every person,
individually, who attended Sunday night. It’s hard to experience anything
more beautiful, fun, and enjoyable than the music of André Rieu and the JSO,
because they play with such life and of course, they play with their heart.
I know that André Rieu wishes to make people happy with music, and he does
that perfectly!
Thank you André, JSO, Tenors, Sopranos, cast and crew for a musical and
incredibly fun-filled evening with you… and PLEASE come back to Portland,
Oregon very soon, because it will certainly be quiet and dull around here
without you.
~ Marlene Warren
~ Marlene Warren
Here is a list of the songs in Andre's Program:
76 Trombones
Gold & Silver Waltz
Intermezzo Sinfonico
All Men Shall Be Brothers
The Exodus Song
My Heart Will Go On
Olympia Song
Ol' Blond, Oh Braun
Song of the Volga
The Blue Danube
E lucevan le stele
Time To Say Good-Bye
Clog Dance
I Could Have Danced All Night (My Fair Lady Medley)
With a Little Bit of Luck "
Espana Cani
Radetzky March
Libiamo
Adieu
Stars and Stripes
America the Beautiful
Amazing Grace
Marina
Lullaby
More Photos to come!
Posted by Moderator Jeanine Ann at Monday, June 22, 2009 2:24 PM 
Categories: 2009 Concerts
Tags: Andre Rieu Concerts
Categories: 2009 Concerts
Tags: Andre Rieu Concerts
Marlene it all sounds so wonderful, perfect. I'm pleased you have all those memories forever now.
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A great report, Marlene, I could just feel myself there again. I'm glad your friends became fans, totally understandable as we know.
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This is a wonderful report Marlene. You deserved a happy time and I am so glad you had it. I was thinking of you all evening. I always think of the great time you and the other fans are having. I can picture all the happiness that you are enjoying. Thanks for sharing with us. Love and hugs
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Marlene, I just love your concert stories. They make me feel as if I ws there with you! Thanks for sharing!
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Marlene, I know how excited you have been, just waiting for this concert.I don't know anybody who squeezes every drop of enjoyment out of Andre's concerts like you do! It's always fun too when you are with someone who's never been, just to watch their reaction.Thanks for sharing your good time.
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Marlene, your report was so exciting, I
felt myself re-live my first concert in April. It is so great to share the wonderful experience of an Andre concert
these are some moments that will last in our memories forever ~ and reading your report, it was just oddling with so
much happiness. I believe it makes for a
excellent experience if you have some one who shares the same excitement when you see Andre and the fabulous JSO. I am still journaling my thoughts on my experience's from April. Treasure your
moments forever Marlene. Looking forward to hearing and seeing more info from you. Smiles for you always....
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lovely report Marlene, well documented and easy to read. Felt like I was there.
Thank you for sharing it with us. Chiara Homeopathics
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Marlene, I love your report. I know how much happiness you get out of your concerts and it shows. You get every moment out of what Andre puts into it and that is what is important. Thank you for sharing. Lot of hugs
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Thank you all for your nice words. I so much enjoyed this concert that I'm still up there on that cloud. It's been 8 days now, which is also a countdown to my next concert, for I'm definitely going to see André and the JSO again sometime, hopefully sooner than later! What a beautiful moment to look forward to!
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Dear Marlene (my all time favorite wordsmith)
Thank you for taking the time & trouble to share your concert experience with us. I, too, felt like I was right there, sitting right next to you, feeling & sharing all of your emotions.
I am eagerly looking forwrd to more photos & will be checking back regularly.
Now, to get back to composing my concert report.
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HI MARLENE,
I DID ENJOY YOUR WRITE-UP OF THE PORTLAND CONCERT!
LOOKS LIKE YOU ALL HAD A GREAT TIME.
THE PICTURES ARE WONDERFUL.
TOO BAD THE CONCERT ENDS TOO FAST, ISN'T?
WELL, WE JUST HAVE TO WAIT FOR OUR NEXT ONES.
THANKS MARLENE, TO SHARE THIS BEAUTIFUL EXPERIENCE!
KATI
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