OCTOBER 2009 GUESTBOOK - ANDRE RIEU FANS
OCTOBER, 2009 GUESTBOOK
ANDRE RIEU FANS AND FRIENDS
UNITING FANS FROM AROUND THE WORLD!
Join us to celebrate the arrival of Autumn and André Rieu's Birthday
AndreRieuFans.com BLOG
Fans & Friends Around The World
Fans & Friends Around The World
Andre Rieu Fans and Friends: OCTOBER 2009 GUESTBOOK - ANDRE RIEU FANS
OCTOBER, 2009 GUESTBOOK
ANDRE RIEU FANS AND FRIENDS
UNITING FANS FROM AROUND THE WORLD!
Join us to celebrate the arrival of Autumn and André Rieu's Birthday
happy 60th birthday andre', they say the older the wine the better it is.and andre', you get better and wiser with age.we love you and wish you all the best.and i love the sound of your violin.elaine burch.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDRE
SEE YOU LATER THIS MONTH IN AUCKLAND
Gordon and Diana Barnaby
I wish you all a wonderful month in October! Many things this month...like Halloween, which also is the day that Nevada was entered into the Union as a state. I used to live in Nevada, and we always had the 31st as a Holiday, with pay!
It's Fall! Hooray! My favorite time of year. Not hot, not cold, beautiful, colorful leaves.
October first, André's birthday!! Happy Birthday André!!
October second, was my mom's birthday, Happy Birthday mother! I know she's no longer here to celebrate, but she's still in my heart forever.
I know there are other birthday's this month, we shall get to those as they come up!
Have a great month everyone! Time to share some stories, concert experiences and other fascinating and exciting things...come visit, share and enjoy everyone!
Hi Andre I wish you the happiest birthday ever on your 60th See you soon down under
Tried to post a birthday greeting on official web page. Not published yet. Happy, happy birthday, dearest Andre. I hope you enjoyed it, and were able to spend some of it with your lovely family.
Love you ,
Susan.
X X X X X
Hey guys!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDRE!!!!!!!!!
Have a good week guys!
-Jeff
From Andre on Twitter. Look at that cake!!! It is gorgeous!! OMG how could you eat that cake!
Isn't that a nice birthday cake! I feel like I want to make music for at least 60 more years!
October greetings to all. It's nice to see all the birthday greetings for Andre. He deserves only the best.
If I could present him one gift, it would be a bottle of Château Pétrus.
Would go well with that beautiful cake of his.
For all fans who want to post a special Birthday greeting to Andre we have a Happy Birthday page up just for him. Thanks
Well my goodness!
Love to you darling Andre on your special day!
Love Grace
xoxo
Nice photo from Arie Bussemaker
I'll take you with me in my heart, Kisses
Look what Marc painted for my birthday. A very old dream of me , a marine for my castle. Waw
Photo: Twitter by Marc Rieu
From Mirusia's Twitter Page
My whole company is here to congratulate me. What a nice and warm gesture
This is an absolutely gorgeous painting. Well done Marc. I am sure Andre loves it!
This is also a lovely picture of Mirusia and Andre. She has great poise and professionalism not only in her lovely voice but her stage persona. Well done Mirusia!
Love Grace
xoxo
Wow, I love this painting. Marc has a very interesting style, which I really like.
15 days,7 hours and 31 minutes till Andre's concert in Newcastle!
Not that I'm counting....
Wow, Marc's painting is beautiful!
I agree Marlene. It's magnetic, I could stare at it for hours. Something very serene and peaceful there, you can almost hear the waves. Marc is very talented.
Congratulations to Rio de Janeiro for being chosen to host the 2016 Olympic Games.
I will look forward to watching on TV.
I finally took some time to watch Maastricht 3 and it is just wonderful. I would say it is the best of the Vrijthof concerts. All of the music was well chosen and it just flowed from one song to another flawlessly. Even Clyde who usually like the concerts where Andre plays more waltz numbers thought it was great. Carmen was magnificent when she sang Earth Song. I have never heard her sing quite the way she did with that song. Heino made a nice addition to the concert and sang three numbers. Mirusia did her Time To Say Goodbye and a beautiful rendition of Panis Angelicus.
There was a new choir member and I thought I saw a new face playing Clarinet. I would need to go through it again so I can keep my eyes off Andre and notice what is new in the JSO : ) But I loved it. The only thing is I do not remember any solo by Andre which was a disappointment. Big Hugs to all
Hi Jeanine. The only two relatively new choir members are Rene's wife, Virginie, and the blonde girl from Germany. Can't remember off the top of my head her name, maybe Ana. I will have to go back and look. As for the person playing the clarinet she has filled in several times over the years when I guess he thought he needed another clarinet. I don't know her name but have seen her several times.
Hello Jeanine, How did you manage to get a copy of MAASTRICHT 3? I can't even get Maastricht 2 yet? I would love to see it. Can you please help me with this?
Cheers, Jean
Hi Jean, Yes I did get Maastricht 3 only because I have an all-region player which will play a PAL DVD. It really paid to invest in one because they are under $100.00. You can buy them on Amazon. This way if I get anything from Europe or anywhere else I can play them right away. Maastricht 2 is available on Andre's Boutique. I love Maastricht 3 even more than 2 so I hope you can get both. Hugs to you
Hopefully, I will succeed, if belatedly, to wish you a happy birthday, dearest Andre. I have tried other avenues, to no avail. I think the painting is marvelous. I have always loved tall ships.Marc is very gifted.
Love, Susan.X X X X X X X
I just want to say happy birthday. and i hope you and your orchestra has a lot of fun. and i love you all and that Andre you are the best. that i consider you as a Brother to me and that i will be with you. on your journey throw the world. I love every one that is in you orchestra.I really wish i could see you but we don't have enough money to fly to New york to see you. and one of my wishes is to go on a tour with you someday but i know thats not possible. so have a happy birthday. and tell everyone i said hi. and tell Carla,Carmen,Susan,and Mirusia i said hi and that i love you all and that i will pray for them you and everyone else on the orchestra to have a good life. see ya.
Ivan is here today! Is he beautiful or what?
He is so cute
Emily walked wearly down the road to her home from her job. It was as though (although she was only 21) she had nothing left to want or need. All she kept thinking over and over in her mind were the dreams that she had been having for the last seven or so years, the time just went by and she never wrote it down or thought much about it. She also felt as though she was drowning in the thought of what she really were here for and what her calling was.
She had no idea what these dreams meant at the time, nor what they would hold for her in her future life; after all, she was just a girl growing up in a small town.
She knew the time was coming close to having her most vivid dream. By 21, she was really thinking this through and what it meant to her.
The night that she knew the dream would come into her mind and soul, Emily lit candles and prayed for help from her most favourite angel. The angel that always appeared to her in her dreams - Ananchel.
When it was time for her to sleep, again, she had a vivid dream of a young girl with raven hair and skin of ivory. She wore a gown of golden sparkles and it rippled in the wind of the East. Along the path the girl walked. She looked around at the pebbled walkway that seemed to have been created many eons ago. She also looked around at the bright, shiny pears that hung from the trees.
Emily reached over the brick wall and took a bright shiny pear. They were so inviting and she seemed to hear them saying "pick me, pick me". Emily held the pear before her, and all of a sudden the angel Ananchel appeared before her. Ananchel was the most perfect light she had ever seen. Ananchel said, "take a bite and eat".
Emily did so and found that all of a sudden her world changed. All of a sudden she knew that her calling was and that she was empowered with the way in order to achieve this.
Her calling was to make music and bring peace about the earth.
Ananachel, said, "bring all those you know who are weary and forgotten and have lost their way to this place". "You will be dreaming this dream until the infinite number of people chosen by the Light will choose their particular pear and they, too will be on the path to make the same decision to peace and music." You will not have to worry about who these people are. Have faith and leave it to me, Ananchel, to gather the people."
Emily awoke from her dream and realized the girl with the ebony hair and and fair skin was her. She knew for the first time in her life what she wanted to: make music and make this music all over the world. This music would touch the minds, hearts, and souls of all who wished to listen. She knew she was not alone for long and that other would join her. Secretly she thanked the angel Ananchel for her help.
The next day she went to the store and bought a violin with the money she found in her housecoat. How it got there, no one knows!
Love Grace
I love your story Grace. I just wish I had dreams at 21 of what I wanted to do then I to would have bought that violin to make music. When I saw Andre he was my inspiration to even dare try to play. I had never held a violin until that moment. I can only play as well as a person my age can learn but I do it with happiness. It takes a lifetime to be really good. I have a lifetime to try but who knows how long that is.
Thanks again for your story. Really missed them. You are so good at writing. It is your way of making us happy. Hugs
Grace, this is so beautiful & has touched me in a very personal, private way. Thank you for being you & sharing "you" with us.
Well, you now know I am definitely a crazy person. People next door got a little kitten about nine weeks old. One hyperactive boy and a mother who didn't really want the kitten. He was left out when they weren't home. I took him in but people knew I did and when they got home the woman came over and got him. All she has done is complain about him and the boy is too rough. So today I saw him out there and brought him in. I told the woman I had him and she said "do you want to keep him?" Now the problem is, how do the others go out without him, and how do I let him out only when the boy is in school. He has started his shots but hasn't finished them. He is so tiny beside my guys I think I'll call him Hercules. Will take a picture soon. He was out in the rain one day and I could't stand it so I'll have more peace of mind to know he's here. Don't dare tell my family. They'll have me taken away.
Virginia you are a good person and I am so glad I know you. That is so nice of you to take that kitty in. You are so kind that way. I would not let him go out and maybe you could confine him while they are out. Do the others need to go out? If not can you make all of them strictly indoor kitties. I love the name Hercules. Cannot wait to see him. Hugs to you
Photo of the day!!
Sally, I hope you are having a great Birthday! Hope you are enjoying Andre's music, having lots of cake and maybe a caramel machiatto!
Here are two photos of Virginia's new kitty Hercules plus she added two more for our enjoyment. Aren't they cute!!
What gorgeous cats Virginia. I think Hercules might be a very lucky cat too!
Hi Jill, how are you doing. Are you all calmed down by now? Now you will be all excited again for Andre's concerts. You are one lucky girl. Hugs to you
Hi Jeanine Ann
No, I'm not calmed down. I'm still on such a high. What a wonderful few weeks.
Now it's only 11 days, 2 hours and 39 minutes till Andre's concert. I can't wait but don't want the fun of the anticipation to disappear too quickly either. I'm in such a state I don't know what I want.
Virginia, love your kitties!Your johann looks a lot like our Jazz. Hercules is a very lucky kitty, to have found a good home. How do you manage to have the cats get along, especially a new one, with the others? My daughter would like to know. She has two cats & a new husband with his kitty. Her two just sit & hiss at CeCe, the newcomer. She's such a beautiful rag doll & the other two cats are just having "hissy" fits. any suggestions would be appreciated(by anyone).
Hi Shirley, believe me it's not all peace and quiet. Benny, the 15 year old, is in a snit and mad at the world. Eddy tolerates him as long as he's not too close. Joey and the little guy would be friends if the little one would calm down. They were "wrestling" and having a good time but when Joey gets tired of it the new one keeps going. It's only Benny who is a real problem because he was the youngest of the original four and he was never really accepted and in turn he never accepted any new ones. He had finally stopped hissing at Joey, but now, he hisses at everyone. I will try to give him some extra attention, but he hisses at me too. Once in awhile I pull the little one away when I see him heading for a sleeping cat. But, I haven't heard any commotion at night which is a good sign. My only hesitation in taking the cat was Benny but I couldn't stand seeing that little thing left outside at three months old, even in the rain. My sister had two cats who never got along --she ended up feeding one upstairs and one down. They finally got so they could pass each other without hissing but kept to their own floor pretty much. My first three would always sleep curled up in a heap. They're gone now and the new batch won't do that. I think that Eddy and Joey will end up being okay with the new one. Unfortunately I can't leave the door open (which I was doing) to let the others go in and out when I'm home because the little guy goes too. Boy is he difficult to catch. So now I have to keep checking outside to see if someone wants to come in. They come to the door, see the little one in the kitchen, and run away again. It's only been four days so I guess we're dong okay.
Editing the Heidelberg special together with Marjorie and Hans. The most beautiful ever again!
I can hardly wait for this DVD. I hope they have some of those wonderful pieces from "The Student Prince".
Hi Jeanine Anne
I accidently unsubscribed myself from this blog -would you be able to put me back on it please.
Thanks Kirsten
Hi Kirsten, just go to the blog and post a message like you always do and check the box "subscribe to this blog". You will get a screen which says "subscribe". Just click on that and you will be back. Don't want to lose you! Hugs
Hi Jeanine Anne
I did exactly what you told me to do and I'm still not receiving the blog thru my emails. I have to read this on the website. I'm not sure what else to do about it. Kirsten
Hi Kirsten, I am trying to remember but I think I told you how to subscribe to the blog so that your posts would show up. Only the moderators get the posts through their email so they can monitor them. You did exactly the right thing and your posts are showing up. You should however be getting the new entries by email as we put them on. The new entries are the special pages we put up i.e. the Guestbook and Birthday page. Let us know if you do not get those. Hugs
The best way to spend your time, work on the new special!!! I'm curious what you think of it! Andre from Twitter
Photo: Twitter
VERY NICE JEANINE ANN! HOW WONDERFUL OF YOU TO SHARE YOUR PRIVATE VISIT TO THE SOUND CHECK WITH US. IT IS A NICE LOOK AT ALL THE HARD WORK ANDRE & HIS JSO PUT IN FOR OUR CONCERTS.
It is my pleasure to share everything I have Sally. I have other videos from the concert which I will post. It is so nice to look back and remember that wonderful day. It cannot be duplicated. Hugs
Hi to all,
Well we are just one week away from our next Tour by Andre in Australia. The excitement is building and I guess it is time to get my "Reporters Hat" on again. The pre-visit hype is a bit quieter this time, but that is understandable, as the "castle" was a big attraction to media last year.
Will keep you updated as it comes to hand. Cheers all.
Hello
My mother is a big fan. She would like to know if the DVD "Champagne" is instrumental only or is there singing as well?
Hi Kathleen - "Champagne Melodies" is all Instrumental, most of it is in concert situation but it does have a few clips interspersed.
It is an excellellent compiliation....enjoy.
Thank you Graham
My mother has nearly evey DVD put out by Andre.
Hi "all", been out-of-service here at the ole home stead. Have so much news to catch up reading. Hope all my friends
are happy, healthy and in great spirits.
Still waiting for our water supply to get fixed. Such a major break in pipes,
and to top it off, phone service has been out for some time; luckily I was not the one without phone service.
Photo of the day!!!
What a great picture. Thanks, Jeanine.
Nice photo of the day Jeanine Ann!
I've been a bit busy and haven't been able to spend time here like I love to do, but it just cannot be helped right now. I hope things change soon because as much as life in general is important to me, my fun time and things I enjoy are important as well. I'm sure that you all know what I mean.
There is one song that André plays that is always good to keep me focused on what's important, and that song is Song of the Volga. It's like all the troubles of the day seem to be erased when I hear it. There are many other songs too, but this one is the best, for me.
The cooler weather came in all of a sudden...from wearing short sleeves at 80 degrees to wearing overcoats and freezing weather.
I hope you are all having a great Sunday wherever you are. Until the next time...have a great day and week!
I'm watching the Maastrict III dvd and noticed Manoe Konning's seating position has been moved a space to the right (away from Arthur)and another clarinetist has moved into this prime slot. Anyone know the reason for the change?
Ok, at the end of the Masstrict III dvd, she's back in her regular spot.
I live in Australia & I buy the DVD's through Ovation Chanel. I'm so glad I found this website.
Hi Maxine, we too are glad you found this web site. Hope you will come back often to post with us. Big Hugs
Welcome Maxine! I am glad you found us too. It is always good when Andre Rieu Fans get together.
I love your Ovation Chanel. I buy some of my DVDs & CDs there as well. In the USA we do not get so many Helmut Lotti offerings.
Will you be going to any concerts this year? Please let us know.
Andre is in your beautiful country right now.
Sally
I've just listened to the Alan Jones interview. I can't blieve Andre sounded so good when he was just off a plane!
So glad you found our website Maxine. Everyone on this site are so very happy to share info on Andre and related articles. Are you within range of getting to see Andre in any of the cinema's? Please come back and share all
your news; I just love hearing all the
beautiful stories of your country. I
have recently invested in a large map of Austrailia and get excited to be able
to locate all the different cities where
our 'new' Aussie fans are writing from.
Once again Maxine, good to "Welcome" you into our blogsite.
I noticed her too. She does not stay for the whole of the concert though.
Thank you for your welcome, it was a really pleasent surprise!
I'm going to the Classic Cinema in Elsternwick on Friday to see the Sydney satellite broadcast.I have a lot of Andre's DVD's & my library has plenty too. I still want to know what has happened to Suzan! Please let me know that she is OK.
Next: Can you contact Andre & ask him to update his web-site? The orchestra listing & profiles are way out of date!
Maxine, Suzan is married and living in Norway right now.
Suzan on Facebook
We just had an update Entry on Suzan ... Isn't she so wonderful?
Suzan Erens Into the Hearts
Having an interview for "current affairs" with Tracy. She gave me two koala's for the twins.
This are the koala's blinky& caramello
Look what The Universalguys downunder gave me, my castle!
Thank you for letting me know about Suzan. I've looked at her My Space site. I'm so glad she is OK.
Next question, who has Pierre married?
When are the twins due?
To Andre' Barbara and I are looking forward to seeing you in Aucklandon the 24th we are your greatest fans with 30 dvds. We only hope we can meet you when we come up to Auckland, you are the best your music keeps us young,
Peter and Barbara
Schön das Hören und fröhliches Zusehen S a l l y und Fans an Andre Rieu TV rieu-live in Vienna,
Andre Rieu TV Andre Rieu TV rieu en andre van duin sketch. Yuviel Gruss Terezie
Wern't the ladies in the orchestra just "beautiful" wish I understood all "Andre" was saying??
Photo Of The Day!
Terzie, ich lachte mich krank an den beiden Andrés, obwohl ich nicht glaube, dass André Rieu den André vam Duin wirklich mit seiner Strad Tennis spielen liess, sicher war das eine andere Geige!
It's 12MD on Saurday in Victoria, Australia & I'm still on a high! Seeing the Sydney concert in a cinema last night was fantastic. The enormous screen & high quality sound made it so much better than watching a DVD at home. We had a front row seat as well as all the usual shots of the orchestra & Andre.We clapped & sang, made new friends & exchanged Andre info. I missed Suzan & Carla. The program was top class as usual & Andre was interviewed when he came off stage.
The program was seen in about 50 cinemas all over Australia & about 10 in Holland. I wonder what the Dutch audience thought about Dame Edna!!!
Hi Maxine! It must be difficult to sleep after such an exciting night. You were a part of Andre Rieu History ! I can imagine the theatre having a big party as the concert was on ... and what a treat to have an interview too. wow. I'm so happy for you.
Absolutely magnificent(without getting wet this year)Incredible production after seeing 'the before concert rehearsal'Andre we all love you and cannot wait for nest year. Dame Edna was magnificent with you, also Alan Jones and the 'budding young new Andre'!!!
Long time admirers of the Maestro, and enjoyed the last Sydney concert, but intenslely disappointed with his decision to join with two Australian notables to 'dumb down' his huge talent. We cringed at the Oi, oi, oi, scenario, and decided it was all now lost on us. The result? Decided against proposed tickets to the new show, and decision to not further add to our extensive collection of DVD and CD library. In one fell action, Andre has 'sold' his soul to lesser talents. A truly sad situation for serious admirers.
Hello Yvonne :
I answer with respect for your thoughts, but include mine which would be you are kidding? I recall when we bought Albums as CDs had not yet been invented. On any album I might like 10 of the 12 songs. But never would I deny myself the joy of those 10 songs because there were 2 I was not fond of, as I realize others might favor the 2 over the 10 I enjoy the most.
Did you enjoy watching Otto as he performed with Andre? I did. It was all good silly humor, and just a small part of the concert. Certainly you have this DVD and knew humor is part of Andre's concert? It is no different with Dame Edna or any other guest performer. They might not be the favorite, but I can smile and laugh for a few moments, and then hear the beautiful music which brought me to the venue for the evening.
Andre's concerts will never be the black & white, sit stiffly silent type. (thank goodness!) I think most serious admirers understand Andre brings something for everyone.
Sally, www.youtube.com/Andr0 Rieu, Maastricht,Maastricht Hymne. Lustig Europäer und klassiker Europa
Yvonne, I do understand what you mean. I remember the first concerts I saw with André were only him and his JSO and it was great, then he added the 3 Russians and then the singers and more and more. There are some I never liked but like Sally said, some others might have loved it and he wants to cater to everyone and he does not hit everybody´s button. DJ Ötzi is not my beer, but I guess he is Austrian and in Vienna he takes some of the local stars like now in Australia your talents.
In Germany he had Otto and I laughed so much when I looked at the tapes from Terezie, I do not believe that he let the other André van Duin really play tennis with his Strad, haaaaaaa, that must have been an other violin.
I agree with Sally. There are always a few acts I don't like as much but maybe others do. As long as the act or person is good clean fun or good music that is fine because I know someone is enjoying it. When Andre is in Australia or any other country he has the right and maybe in some cases the obligation to add some local talent especially in the case of Alan Jones. He is a very nice man and the Aussies love him. The other person I do not know anything about but as long as he or she has a clean, family oriented act I don't mind that. I go to see Andre and the JSO and his time with us is the most valuable time we have (except with our families) so I am grateful for this time even if it is a little diluted now and then. Jeanine Ann
Really looking forward to see Andre in my home town of Newcastle on Monday, 19 October. Not sure of what he will think of the tin shed we laughingly call an entertainment centre! Will post some pix on my Facebook page afterwards. Welcome back Andre!!
We will look forward to your photos on Facebook and I hope you have a fabulous time! Hugs
What is your Facebook address please?
Hi Max,
It is Jeanine Ann. If you have any problems just email me. Thanks much.
Love and hugs
How can I find your page please?
Hi Max, are you speaking to me? Jeanine Ann
Anyone know who the new female singer is in the sydney concert. Also miss Carla and Suzanne
HI Pam, I will have to check, but I believe you are asking about Mirusia Louwerse? The tall beautiful blond singer with a crystal clear voice?
http://andrerieufans.com/Special_Guests/mirusia/mirusia_louwerse.htm
Take a look and let us know if this is how you are asking about.
I do not think that 'dame edna everage' is a good clean family act. I am very disappointed with the Maestro's choce this time.
I enjoyed some of the Dame Edna skit, but it went on too long & some of it was out of place in an Andre show
Am just home after seeing Andre and the JSO in Newcastle last night and am still walking on a cloud.
They were all just wonderful, so happy, full of life and fun, Andre looks marvellous and was in fine form. He referred to the Newcastle venue as 'this romantic barn' - probably a good description, but it was full to capacity with a very enthusiastic and appreciative audience.
Dame Edna and Alan Jones stayed in Sydney.
I think we saw the same concert you were treated to earlier in the year in America. The acts we saw last night were the same as you were all talking about, so we too have seen the '30th Anniversary Tour'.
How great it was/is.
Dame Edna Everage alias Barry Humphries is he a transvestite or just a comedian?????????????
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_Humphries
The man has had an interesting and long career in entertainment. I never looked before but wikipedia has a long page on him.
I looked up Barry's page on Wikipedia after I saw your post Sally. It reads as if it was written by Barry himself - I bet it was. He's very witty and, I think, funny. Has an Australian/British sense of humour that many nationalities don't understand. We love irony and sarcastic wit, think it's very funny if everything is in total chaos and someone says, "This is going well-" etc.
He is a famous Australian comedian not a transvestite - very talented but just a bit flamboyant
For those interested in "Dame Edna", when Barry Humphries was at Melbourne University in the 1950's, he was a brilliant & witty writer (plus artist & actor) who conjured up various characters for the uni theatre who were part of social commentary through comedy. At the time Australia was very British, olde world & we needed to grow & evolve our own identity & culture, which Barry's characters helped us do. One of the characters based on his aunts & mother was named Edna who was very average that Aussies pronounce "everage" so a character called Edna Everage arose. Not long after Barry did Edna on radio, she became famous, following which Edna needed to become a physical presence. Edna Everage evolved into a housewife & mother living in a working class inner Melbourne suburb called Moonee Ponds; she had a hubbie called Norm & three kids. As Melb grew so did Edna but always as an exaggeration of what was "worst" in society but she coped with the adversity & through comedy taught us how to face uncomfortable social issues & cope. When children were being stolen around the world, her "eldest daughter Lois" was mysteriously taken from her cot. Her "2nd child a boy called Kenny" had to become gay in the 70s & 80's to help society how to cope with homosexuality, & her "3rd child a girl, Valmay", in the 80's married out of her faith, her "husband Norm" had to die from prostate cancer to help bring attention to the disease, and so on with the social commentary through comedy until today when the character is now Dame Edna with flamboyant costumes. Barry Humphries on the other hand is the total opposite of Edna & he has just written a new book on "Handling Edna" that is very witty & funny. He has been married 4 times & is now in his mid 70's but looks much younger; he has adult children & grandchildren. He lives between Melb & London. Neither Barry nor his character Edna have ever had anything to do with "gayness, cross dressing or transexualism". He's simply a brilliant witty writer who had to bring one of his characters to life by public demand. Hope that helps your understanding of Edna.
This is a brilliant piece of research & an excellent summary of the man, but I still think some of what happened on the show was out of place.
Maxine, Having not seen either Sydney show, I cannot comment on the complete content but one of the segments shown on the web made me feel uncomfortable briefly before the next joke took over.
Maxine, did you find my Facebook page? Hugs, Jeanine Ann
I totally agree. Some of Dame Edna"s jokes were o.k. but I thought most of it was too crude and sarcastic at other peoples expense. Andre Rieu's concerts are usually a safe place to take anyone of any age to. There must be other people who could be guests on
his show. I think Andre Rieu is a fine gentleman and I remaim a loyal fan.
Thanks Rae for clearing that up for me, looks like that man is a real Australian icon.
I think that's true Inge & I understand he is very popular in England also. sounds like the Australian concerts, so far, have been mostly successful, even though a few complaints about the choice of guests, overall I think everyone pretty much enjoyed themselves.I can understand why Andre chose Alan Jones & Dame Edna . They are local talent & have been connected with Andre in one way or another. In my opiinion it's just another way to compliment the area.
We saw the 30th anniversary tour in Brisbane last night and we quite disappointed. Having seen last year's concert twice, in Sydney and Brisbane , we expected a new show. I could have sat at home and chosen one of my 15 Andre dvd's and watched more comfortably. I don't think Andre put anything special into this concert. I still love his music and watch his dvd's all the time. My husband at 69 started learning the violin because of Andre and his music - I bought him cufflinks like Andre's violin cufflinks - we have gone completely bonkers over this musician and have contributed enormously to his wealth but I still don't think he put enough effort in choosing numbers and putting show together. We're very pleased we saw last year's Schonbrunn castle show twice. thank you J.Billett Gold Coast,Qld
I'm a LONG TIME Andre follower - I saw a comment above here about Suzan being married and living in Norway now.
Also, I've heard on Andre's official website (which I'm usually on that Pierre's wife had twins.
The last I heard was that Suzan & Pierre were engaged. I thought they got married.
Then, as someone else asked, who did Pierre marry then ?
Hi Gail, One of the blogs on this page
(but I can't find it!) says Pierre met someone at Effteling.
Hi again Gail, I've just found something from last year.
Go & look for "Andre Rieu & Pierre Rieu" Max
Yes, Suzan is married and living in Norway. Am not sure what that will do to her career. The other three (Carmen, Carla and Mirusia) are well-established and are becoming very well known in their own rights. Suzan did a couple of very small concerts recently. Suzan and Pierre were engaged for quite awhile but broke up in the summer of 1997. Pierre met his wife that same year when they were filming at the Efteling. They got married last October and are to have twins any day now. Marc had a son, Ivan, the beginning of the summer. So Andre and Marjorie will have three grandchildren in the span of a few months. Hope this helps.
Hello everyone. I've been very busy lately and haven't been able to be as active here as I like to be. I check in once in a while and read things but my time is limited.
I have missed some of the October birthday wishes, I do apologize for that. Birthdays are important and I don't like to miss them. If I missed your birthday I want to wish you a very happy belated birthday wish!
Jeanine Ann, the Photo of the Day for the 16th is fantastic!
The Koala bears for the twins are so cute! I'm sure that André will have fun with them...and the babies.
I read all the comments on "Dame Edna". I enjoyed Sally's reply. Having not seen "Dame Edna", it's hard to comment on the program. I've seen André bring in many different talents and they have all been a success.
There are different opinions on everything in life, as it should be...there are no two people alike. We tend to be very critical of those things we personally don't care for, however, there are others who do enjoy these things.
I would not like to think that I could drop an incredible person as André because of a certain portion of a concert that I didn't care for. I try to leave an open mind and enjoy the fun and laughter that it is meant to be.
Rae wrote a nice report on the man behind "Dame Edna", Barry Humphries.
Take care everyone. I wish you all much happiness and peace.
You'll never believe what I just saw in the Royal Albert DVD. You'll have to go look for yourself.
30 seconds into the #16 Sirtaki you will see someone in the audience that you should recognize.....it is our very first glimpse of SUZAN ERENS.
Have you ever noticed Suzan, long before she became a sporano soloist in this DVD?
Yes Bill, the very first time I viewed that DVD I told my husband that the girl looks like Suzan Erens but wasn't sure it could be. I don't know how long that was before she was hired.
Yes, I had noticed Suzan also. But I think Celine Saleh was with her, wasn't she? Sure looked like her.
It sure looked like Celine, to me.....good catch!
Yes, she's in that video several times. By the way she joined the AR organization in 2000. She was first in the chorus. The Royal Albert performance was in 2002.
I almost made a TOPIC out of this subject because I thought I'd just made such an important discovery. grrrrrr
I'm sure Kati is laughing at me so hard, she can't throw snowballs.
I also saw Suzan in the chorus of the "Holiday" DVD (on the boat).
There is someone who looks like Marjorie in the audience of the 1st DVD with the Bull.
Bill, if you look in the audience of Schönbrunn, you find Marc Rieu laughing and also Barbara Wussow with her husband and the banner man you can almost find in every DVD.
Hi Inge,
Could you give me some additional directions for finding Barbara Wussow in the audience? I know about Marc & Dan the Banner Man.
Haaaaaaaa, Bill, just look at it i slow motion!!!!!
This is something I would have EXPECTED, from Kati
Yes, I've seen Marc in the audience at a
few concerts, but who is Barbara Wussow.
Hi Marilyn,
Barbara Wussow is seen on the DVD "Live In Vienna". I cannot remember if it is during the first song or when but the camera will show a dark haired woman (very attractive) with a handsome blond man. I know this is hard to explain but I really don't know what she does. She lives in Vienna and has done some specials with Andre including the special Zauber de Musek (sp) in which she and Andre dance the Landler. Shirley may know more about her. Hope this helps a little. Hugs
she is a television show host in Austria.
Barbara Wussow is an Austrian actress, die many shows on TV in Germany, also her father was a well known actor on German TV, her brother is also an actor and her mother was, too, the parents died. Her father had a daughter out of a first marriage and Barbara and her brother Peter are from the second marriage and then he has a son from the third marriage, in the fourth he died. Barbara is married to an actor and has tow kids, a boy and a girl. She hosted with André the 3 " Zauber der Musik", the first in Salzburg, the second in Maastricht and the 3rd in Vienna.
Hi all, actually I don't know all that much about Barbara Wussow. Only as Piano has said, she is an actress & TV personality. Her mother was an actress and her father an actor so she comes from by it naturally. She is, or was, dating Albert Fortell, that may be the blond man you saw.When I first saw her I thought she might be Andre's wife. silly me!
Albert Fortell is Barbara´s husband!
Click the photo for more
YIKES!
Beautiful picture of the city down below, but you wouldn't catch me standing there! Gives me the shivers just thinking about it.
Marlene, I couldn't even think of being there! Wonder how he would do in the Sears Tower in Chicago? They have these glass boxes that stick out from the building, 103 floors up! They stick out 4 ft. from the buliding & give one a sense of floating above the city below. Neither could I go on the glass overhang at the Grand Canyon! Guess that leaves me out of mountain climbing too!
I have a question. To this point, the Maastricht III DVD is only out in PAL. Is he planning to put it out in NTSC (the right spelling?). I sure hope so.
I often see references to 'the banner man'. Who are you talking about? I've often wondered. I keep looking for someone holding a banner, but no-one leaps out at me.
I've already bought my precious tickets for Andre's concert in Sydney next year - 31st October. It's going to be a long wait.
Jill, his name is Dan Lycan, he's a retired Army engineer & in his spare he follows Andre to as many concerts as he can. I don't know how many he's been to now but it must be in the hundreds, probably more than anybody. In some of Andre's dvds you can see him holding up a big banner, which it seems he always has handy. I only met him once but Sally could tell you more about him & his lovely wife, Alice. BTW, I understand he also likes Max Raabe & has been to his concerts also.
Thanks Shirley. I'll watch carefully for him next time I'm watching an Andre DVD.
Does he hold a banner up at Max's concerts too?
Ovation Channel here is having a run on Max Raabe at the moment. He's often on. Makes me wonder if they're planning on bringing him out here like they did Helmut. Max is certainly unique, one of a kind for sure. I like him though and enjoy his voice.
Sally, Fans, 14.11.2009 an TV Canal: ORF 2, ARD und SF wir Musikantenstadl bei Andy Borg wo wir zu Gaste André Rieu. Viel Vergnügen
Does anyone know of anybody who would like 2 tickets to Friday's Melbourne night concert? An Adelaide friend of mine has 2 for sale. Her husband has just suffered a stroke and has been forbidden to fly even if he was well enough to do so. She doesn't want to waste the tickets, so I told her I'd put out the feelers for her.
Lyndall Freeman
Note: If you would like these tickets please post here and we will get in touch with Lyndall
Wonderful photo. We also saw several of you at the Auckland War Museum on Sunday and then enjoyed your wonderful concert in the evening. Such a wonderful treat for us. All the best for the rest of the tour. Gaelyn
Kati is getting snowed on right now, BIG TIME.
That means she will be restocking her depleted inventory of snow balls.
Such beautiful little feet. I bet they are sooo cute!
Life is beautiful in so many ways.
This is a bit of a teaser. I hope Opa has had better pics than this. LOL.
Is there anybody that can tell me where to find the details of the JSO ie names etc.For such a talented group of artists it appears they don,t get much of a mention.
Here is a photo website devoted to helping you & others attach a name to the face of your favorite JSO member.
Thank you!! It's a much better collection than the one on the official website.
I just wish there was a photo of Glen Falize.
Thanks very much Bill AZ.Very informative info.I will be going to the show in Melbourne Saturday night-thanks to you I can put a name to a face.Keep up the good work.
Have the twins arrived? Are they both boys? What are their names? We adopted 3 children years ago, and then I had twins, a boy and girl.
Did you all get your Andre newsletter today? It's a kind of survey, asking about your choice of TV programs, your newspapers, your hobbies etc. Looks like Mr Publicity guy is trying to find out the best ways to promote Andre. Wish they would have mentioned radio too as I listen to a lot of music on NPR. Very rarely do they play anything by Andre except at pledge time. One year they did play a waltz by him & the phones started ringing. When I phoned in my pledge I told the lady that they should play more Andre Rieu during their classical segment, at least the waltzes. everybody loves a waltz. If you don't get Andre's newsletter you can sign up for it on his website. They don't come very often but usually they may announce a new cd or dvd coming out. This survey thing was new to me.
Hi Shirley again. I have recently changed internet provider so did not get the survey. I have provided this address to André's website but I guess they haven't changed it.Any chance of you forwarding it to me at benjamen3@internode.on.net please? Cheer Libby
Libby, like Jeanine Ann said, this survey was probably only sent to people in the US. I answered & sent it in so it is gone now. Some of the questions I remember, besides name, address, etc, was "how many concerts have you been to?", "would you go again"?, what newspapers do you read", what TV shows do you watch, what are your hobbies, these are the main questions I remember. We here, in the US need more exposure for Andre, no doubt. Mostly it's word of mouth. we don't see him on TV except at pledge times on PBS & that's only a couple of times a year,& not everyone even watches the PBS channel. So yes, I'd say it's a publicity thing, maybe finding out more ways of getting Andre recognized over here.
i naver got mine why please send
Hi
I usually receive the newsletter from Andre's website but I haven't yet received a newsletter about the survey. Maybe they choose certain people or countries to be part of the survey.
Kirsten
I have tried numerous times to get Andre's news letter too, to no avail. I used to get it, but have also changed my ISP and bought a new computer. Can anybody help me?
Susan, that happened to me also. I emailed them and they said I would get it but I didn't so I just reapplied for it and that did it. I don't know if you tried that. The newsletter survey I believe is just for the United States because I think they are going to promote Andre more here in America. Try signing up again. Hope this helps. Hugs
the twins are waiting for their grandpa who is going to give two more concerts in Melbourne, then home!
Just a note to tell you that Hans Music Spot in Australia will be selling Andre Rieu's Australian Adventure for $29.99 when it is released in November! You can pre-order this now.
I bet Andre can hardly wait to see those little girls, and the rest of his family.
Safe travelling everyone in the JSO.
Love from,
Susan
Jeanine Anne,
I have tried to reapply numerous times but no luck as yet.I know they do not come out very often, so, maybe I just need to be patient.