Andre Rieu's Brithday Gift - I'm A Grandpa
Woman's Day
André Rieu's birthday gift: I'm a grandpa
A 60th birthday is reason enough for a party, but musician André Rieu enjoyed a double celebration when he became a first-time grandparent shortly before his landmark day.
"I am extremely proud of my grandson," André says of Ivan, the child of his older son, Marc.
"I like to play and romp with him, just to look at his face, admire and to really enjoy him."
Adding to the joy of Ivan's arrival three months ago was younger son Pierre's news – his wife is also expecting, and due next month. "I was so thrilled when Pierre told me," smiles André. "My wife, Marjorie, andI were very excited, but it wasn't until five minutes later, when Pierre showed us the ultrasound, that we realised they were having twins. What I had thought was the heart of one baby was actually another baby."
André says the imminent arrival of the twins put his birthday plans – a few days away with Marjorie and friends – on hold. "We stayed at home instead and celebrated the simple way."
A violin virtuoso still deserves a special cake though, and his featured a chocolate violin so perfect it made André "feel like I want to make music for at least 60 more years!"
But Andre's Australian tour which begins on October 16, means that he may be far from his family when the twins enter the world. "I hope not, because then it is impossible to fly home quickly," he says.
Best known for his extravagant sets, which include imitation snowstorms, Viennese castles, Andre insists his flamboyant streak is all for show. When he isn't on stage, he's happy to pick blackberries for his homemade jams and cook cutlets for the family's dinner.
I never thought I would be so involved in enjoying my Grandson," he says. "and then, in a while, two more little ones! It will be busy in the Rieu house with all the attention on the children. That doesn't matter, there is enough room in our house, and in our hearts".
With a fond smile, the musician adds he is looking forward to watching his new grandchildren grow up. "I cannot wait to hear them call me Opa, the Dutch word for Grandpa" he grins.
Apparently Andre Rieu arrived in Sydney from Hong Kong early this
morning and made his way straight to 2GB Radi Studios in Sydney to talk to
Alan Jones
on-air from 8.45am-9.00am (local time).
There will probably be a podcast on the website (of the interview) within
the next few days at: http://www.2gb.com/
Regards,
Harold
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Thank you so much Harold. I was able to listen to the interview. I thought it was great that the ones who called in to speak to Alan & Andre got a dvd or cd of My Music, My Life. That's one I don't have yet.22 hours on a plane just to get there? and Andre sounded great. I'm sure the concerts will be fantastic, and the cinemas seem to be nearly sold out too, especially Friday nights.Hopefully we'll hear all about the concerts.
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Thanks Harold from me also. It is a thrill to hear Andre's voice coming from such a long distance. I know all the fans eagerly await his concerts. Big Hugs
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Andre and Marjorie,
Congratulations. It's the best feeling you can ever have being a grandparent. We have 5 grandchildren and another due in January. The kids all call us Oma and Opa even though we are in Australia John and I were both born in Holland and we still like knowing that it is special.
Hope you have as much love, fun and laughs as we do with our little ones Love Toni
PS See you at your concert in Melbourne at the end of the month
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How Proud you must be Andre and the family so excited...your birthday...do hope you had a wonderful day.....plus the birth of a grandson with twins on the way..so congraulations Opa.
looks like someone is going to be busy.
Looking forward to seeing you on the 30th October in Melbourne
Joy and Bernard
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Congratulation Mark & Wife (name?) & André .
This kind of news & photos is what makes this website/blog so interesting because I can keep up on the latest happenings as they pertain to Andre & the JSO.
I sure wish we knew the name of Mark's wife. Afterall, SHE is the one doing all the work.
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Congratulations on becoming a granddad.. Looking forward to your concert on Friday night.
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Congratulations on becoming a grandfather for the first time. Congratulations also to your son and his wife on the arrival of baby Ivan. Being a grandparent is a beautiful feeling as I'm sure you have already experienced holding this little human being. Marjorie would be just as excited as yourself. Our love to the whole family and all the best to your son and his family who are expecting twins in a couple of months time.
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