Virginia Baker's First Andre Rieu Concert In Maastricht 2009
Virginia Baker's Maastricht Concert
Maastricht 2009
I think we have seen many descriptions and videos and I do not want to repeat so will give you some of my general impressions instead. First of all, it’s the atmosphere. That’s what makes it so special. Sitting in the square is so different from sitting in a hockey arena. And of course there is a sense of excitement and delight. Just being part of the whole scene is what it’s about. And people from so many countries, some of whom traveled a lot longer than we did to get there.
Our trip over was a nightmare. But once we were there it was over (except we didn’t have luggage). We arrived on Wednesday and our luggage arrived on Friday. I was to meet Martha in Amsterdam at 8:30 a.m. Well, my flight from Portland was delayed which meant I missed the plane to Amsterdam. I flew from Newark to Paris and Paris to Amsterdam. Martha sat on the tarmac and ended up flying to Manchester and then to Amsterdam. Even though we left from different destinations and at different times, it turns out we ended up on the same train. The little hotel was in the main square and although the rooms were small, it was a perfect location and the staff were very friendly. Free breakfast was a plus.
Second, the dress rehearsal. That’s the best part of the whole experience where they work out glitches and do the German TV recording, which means he has to go through his whole patter in German. Sometimes he forgets and it has to be gone through again. They had a problem getting the children situated and on and off the stage properly, and that had to be gone through a few times. It still didn’t work the first couple of nights but finally it was right. You can hear people talking to him through the microphone on his lapel and he talks back. Then the brass players who were on the stage didn’t walk off in sync and they had to do that again. It’s funny and impressive.
The first of the week was cold and damp but it never actually rained at the concert. Weather got better when it was time to leave. Several people made the comment that last year’s program was better. Having seen the DVD I agree. In my opinion I liked the Maastrichter Star a little better than the Brass Band but that is just my preference. However it really doesn’t matter because I don’t think we’re really there for the performance. A disappointment for many was that Carla and Mirusia sang the same songs as they did on the spring tour. I was told that they wanted it done for the German TV station. Mirusia did sing Panis Angelicus beautifully. It’s probably a real plus for Carla and Mirusia to have those performances on German TV, especially Carla’s Olympia’s Song which she did a little differently (as she usually does every time she performs it).
The city is very walkable. I didn’t get to see everything I wanted and will have to go back again. Very vibrant. Of course I walked down to Andre’s area and took some pictures. Kept running into people I recognized. It’s just a fun experience and I hope to do it again. Now back to the real world and work and then back to NYC in mid-August for ten days (it’s not for pleasure) and then hopefully back to enjoy September in Maine.
Thank you Virginia for your nice report of your experiences in Maastricht. Sounds like you had some disappointments, some enjoyable experiences and a lot of traveling!
I hope your next trip to Maastricht will go smoothly and you will enjoy everything.
It's nice that you were able to see the dress rehearsals, I'm sure that would be a whole lot of fun.
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Thanks Virginia nice story. Visiting Maastricht the first time you definitely want to go back, the city itself is so charming.
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Thanks Virginia,I am sure it was a thrill just to be in Andre land. Trips anywhere can be such a nightmare. I'm not a world traveler so I only know from friends who are. I think you are right about "atmosphere".I would feel the same.
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Dear Virginia,
Thank's for your information and photos of your trip to Maastricht it sounded so exciting, I am hoping to do it next year.I will contact you before then to find out where you stayed. It sounds just like somewhere I would enjoy.
Cheers, Jean
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