Aliece Thomas' 29 Oct 2009 MELBOURNE, Australia Concert Report
An afternoon and evening filled with music; 29th October, 2009 at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia
I first saw André when he visited Australia in 2008, and as soon as I heard that he was returning in 2009 my sister & I were determined we wanted to pay $1500.00 each to have the "Day of our Lives", with André and the JSO.
When André first arrived in Australia for this concert I began counting down the days for our meeting with this magical man and his music.
When we arrived at the Rod Laver Arena for the sound check we found another 35 or so excited fans awaiting the big moment as much as we were.
Our escort took us to a dining room where we dined on
Entree - Grilled saganaki cheese with asparagus and poached egg.
Main - Twice cooked lamb rump served on wet white polenta with zucchini batons, stuffed bell peppers and rosemary jus
and Fillet of salmon on braised fennel and orange and black olive butter
Dessert - Chocolate crisp finger with fresh berries and raspberry coulis
Freshly brewed coffee and a selection of teas.
Many different packages of alcholol, assorted soft drinks and orange juice and mineral water.
It was a wonderful meal.
André and the JSO did not attend this dinner, although Béla, one of The Platin Tenors did come in and introduce himself.
The show began with André's usual spectacular entry. What made it so special for us was the fact that we had front row seats right in the centre looking upon André who was approximately one metre away from where we sat. Our faces appeared on the large screens many times for all to see. Many other people asked how we came to have the seats we were allocated and we said "It was the luck of the draw, and we also had booked and paid as soon as tickets became available, and being a member of the agency selling the tickets we got pre sales. It was opened to the general public 2 days later. So we were very lucky and overwhelmed to say the least.
It was truly a night to remember and one I shall never forget, a night of music was just what it was, as always. My favorite for the evening was Mirusia singing "Memories" from Cats.
We then went to the after show meeting where we were photographed with André, which he signed, and then we were presented with a bottle of red André Rieu wine encased in a genuine leather case. (Oh what a treasure that will be in time to come)
I have photos taken with several of the performers, and had quite long discussions with Aussie Tenor Gary Bennett and Tenor Béla Mavrák, from Hungary, also Mirusia Louwerse, Soprano Soloist, from Australia.
Béla Mavrák (Tenor) & Aliece
Gary Bennett (Tenor) & Aliece
Aliece & Mirusia Louwerse (Soprano Soloist)
Aliece, Carmen Monarcha (Soprano Soloist) & sister Melanie
Aliece & Franco Vulcano (Double Bass)
It was a night to remember, one I will never forget. I am now looking forward to next years show already.
Aliece Thomas- Melbourne Australia
Complete descriptions of "who" is in each photo will be here
Kalki, Mirusia, & Carmen is the only photo, so far, that has been published.
Dear Aliece,
I have read, re-read, & re-re-read your concert report numerous times.
The photos of you with André, Béla, Gary, Mirusia, Carmen, & Franco are treasures that I'm sure have been enshrined in your room at home.
I share your enthusiasm & thank you for taking the time & effort to share your photos & concert experience with me.
I'll eagerly anticipate reading about your next concert experience.
I will have detailed descriptions & a direct link to each photo posted on the photo website, in a day or two,
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Fantastic Report Aliece! What an exciting evening you had... the music .. the food .. the fun .. oh my goodness! The photos are wonderful!
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All I can say is WOW!
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Hi Aliece, your photos are just beautiful and I loved your story. I remember you on Facebook. Thank you so much for sharing with us. This is something for you to always remember! Hugs
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What a wonderful experience for you many thanks for sharing your photos with us
Joy
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Hi Aliece have just read your report and seen your photos. It was fantastic to have an insiders view not to mention snapshots. The photos were brilliant!!! Thanks so much for sharing it with all of us!! I can't imagine how amazing it would be to be able to chat and have your photo taken with these incredibly talented people. I am so envious but I am also so pleased for you that you were able to spend time with them and take away some treasured memories that will last a lifetime!! What were Gary, Mirusia, Carmen and Bella like to chat with? Were they very approachable? What about our esteemed friend Andre what was he like?? It must have been a grueling tour for him and he must have been desperate to get back home to see his new grandchildren. As you may or may not have seen my report on the Saturday October 31st Rod Laver concert I mentioned a dark haired celloist who I tried to get to come down to the front of the stage (you had to see my actions to believe them!). You can't imagine my shock when I saw the photo of you both (you lucky thing). He was so nice blowing me kisses from the stage etc but he didn't come down and I don't know what his name is. Are you able to tell me what his name is and a bit more info on him (you are the only person that could possibly help me with this). He truly was a lot of fun that night and gave me some added bonus fun memories. Sorry about all the questions. I hope you don't mind I would just love to get a fans insiders point of view. Once again sorry about all the questions and well done on living a dream. A DAY WITH ANDRE RIEU AND HIS ENTERAGE!!! CHEERS TO YOU!!!!!
HUGS JILL GEELONG (AUSTRALIA)
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Jill, I think the "dark haired celloist" you speak of may be Franco Vulcan, but he plays the double bass. i think the celloists are all girls. In the picture that Aliece shows it is Franco. very handsome Italian guy & very nice too.
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Hi Shirley, thanks heaps for the info as you can tell I am REALLY KNOWLEDGEABLE about orchestral instruments!! That was certainly him. I am so glad I can now put a name to the face and now know that he indeed plays the double bass. I FEEL SO STUPID but I still have some wonderful memories of him that I will treasure!!
WELL DONE SHIRLEY!! YOU CAME THROUGH YET AGAIN. IS THERE NOTHING ABOUT THESE GUYS YOU DON'T KNOW? Great to chat with you and look forward to doing so again soon! I promise the photos are coming soon. Its just that my daughter is posting them (CAN YOU BELIEVE IT I DON'T KNOW HOW!! WHAT CAN I SAY I'M CHALLENGED TAKE PITY ON ME!) and she is about to sit exams soon. But I have most definitely not forgotten.
HUGS JILL GEELONG (AUSTRALIA)
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Hi Jill,(smiling again),believe me, there is a lot I don't know about these guys!You shouldn't feel "stupid" either, if you are, I are! The instruments are easy to get confused, especially those we mentioned,they do look alike except their size. As for Franco, he's hard to miss isn't he?
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Hi Jill,
Go here if you want to attach a name to the face of JSO members.
The person you are inquiring about is a Double Bass player, Franco Vulcano
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bc_az/
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HI BILL IN ARIZONA FOR THE FIRST TIME!!!! Great feedback and thanks for confirming what Shirley said, you were both indeed right without a doubt!! I am also extremely grateful for the link you provided to JSO members. It was great and very informative. It is fantastic to chat with an American fan of Andre and JSO. Once again THANKS and hope to chat with you again about this awesome man and his orchestra!!!
HUGS JILL (GEELONG AUSTRALIA) (FROM THE LAND DOWN UNDER SORRY THAT WAS A BIT CORNY. I COULDN'T RESIST!!).
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When you go to:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bc_az
if you look in the upper right hand corner you will find a place to enter search terms.
Enter the name of the JSO member
Then change the search from Everyone's Uploads, to Your Photostream
to see all photos of that JSO member on the website.
If you don't know the name of the JSO member, enter the search term of the instrument the JSO member plays. Again you will need to change the search from Everyone's Uploads, to Your Photostream
You will instantly see photos of everyone that plays that instrument
In time, you will be able to enter a search term of the name of the DVD & photos of everyone that appeared in the DVD will magically appear.....I"m working on that now & have a long way to go so hold off on entering any search terms of the name of the DVD
Enter search terms of Tenors, or Soprano Soloists, Choir, or Clog Dancers, Then change the search from Everyone's Uploads, to Your Photostream; to see photos of all the Tenors, Soprano Soloists, Choir members, or Clog Dancers.
The really informative search term Musicography,
change the search from Everyone's Uploads, to Your Photostream
This will bring up a photo of JSO members with a lot of personal stuff in the Description, that isn't included on other photos. In time, it is the Musicography, photo that will have a list of all the DVD's each musician appears in
If you want to quickly look at all of the photos that Aliece took
enter the search term Aliece
change the search from Everyone's Uploads, to Your Photostream
Now you will have all the photos Aliece took. There are more photos than appear in this concert report
Please let your friends know about this blog where EVERYONE can keep up to date on EVERYTHING that is known about Andre & the JSO
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What a great report and wonderful photos Aliece. What a fabulous night you must have had and the memories will last with you forever.
Jill, if you have read any of my articles, you would have noticed I write about the Italian Stallion. This is the gorgeous hunk, Franco.
I don't think anyone has gone backstage and come away without getting their photos taken with him.
Many of my friends have had the pleasure and enjoy telling me all about it. Grrrrr!
Like you Aliece, we also have our tickets. Doesn't October sound like forever?
Lyndall Freeman - Adelaide
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Hi Lyndall, great to hear from you. Franco does look really HOT!!! both in photos and on stage. I would love to hear any of the stories your friends have told you if possible. I think the terminology you used calling him the Italian Stallion is quite apt!! I hope to go to the concert next year with the Spend A Day with Andre Package and get to meet everyone especially Andre (of course) and Franco!! He just comes across as being a fun guy and very charismatic even from a distance. Anyway, I look forward to hearing from you again and thanks heaps for your reply it was great!!! :->
HUGS JILL GEELONG (AUSTRALIA)
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Hi Jill
My girfiend in Townsville had a couple of photos taken with him this year. She said he was a very gentle, delightful man. He is always smiling and if you are lucky enough to see him in the street, he will always allow his photo taken.
When Rob and I stayed in the same hotel as Andre and the JSO in Toronto, my girlfriend and I were sitting at the breakfast table when Franco walked in, in skin tight leather trousers. WOW!!!
I was at the buffet table, when I looked at the person next to me and it was him. I was so gobsmacked, I couldn't say a word. The only chance I've ever had to speak to him.
One day my time with come. I hope.
Hope you aren't getting too much of our heatwave in Geelong. It's appalling here.
Lyndall
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Hi Lyndall, how are you WOW WOW WOW I would die to see Franco in tight leather trousers!!! He must have looked so hot our Italian Stallion. We must share the same great taste!! How incredible staying in the same hotel as Andre and JSO. JUST THINK IT MIGHT HAVE ONLY BEEN A MATTER OF A FEW BEDS OR EVEN JUST A CEILING THAT SEPERATED YOU FROM ANDRE OR FRANCO. I'M SO SO JEALOUS!! Maybe you could have become a pseudo room service person for the day and strategically searched the hotel going from room to room. I know Lyndall I'm DESPERATE!! Some people have all the luck. I only wish that it wasn't so expensive to buy the day with Andre package $1,500 is a lot of money for the average person. You'll have to carry notes with you next time they are in town I know I would probably have to do the same. Otherwise I bet I would just stand there staring at Andre or Franco, mouth dropped open and staring like an idiot!! As for the weather on Sunday it was 36.3 and humid far too hot, today however it was a lot better just 31 with a cool change mid afternoon. I am so sick of all this really hot weather. I don't know about you but Geelong's rain situation is desperate we have been on some form of water restrictions now for approx 10 years. WE DESPERATELY NEED RAIN!!! Anyway time to hit the sack would really love to catch up with you again soon to chat about our HOT friend Franco!!!!!!!!!
CHEERS FOR NOW :->
HUGS JILL GEELONG (AUSTRALIA)
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As I am not very good at sending photos on the internet, I am giving you a web link my son set up for my Day with Andre at Acer Arena in Sydney, on 15th October, so you can view my photos.
http://img27.imageshack.us/gal.php?g=ar052.jpg
It was a great day, but the highlight of the day had to be the backstage party and being able to talk with Andre and have my photo taken with him, as well as some of the orchestra members. The day was very memorable, and one I will cherish forever.
Already have my ticket, and looking forward to Andre's concert next year in Sydney.
Debbie Tyrrell-Sydney Australia
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Debbie, your photos are beautiful and fabulous! I am there now and enjoying them.
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Debbie I love your photos, they are wonderful. I am there now looking also! Than you for sharing : )
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Hi Debbie, just looked at all your photos. gosh, even the bull! You had your picture taken with quite a few of the JSO & of course "the man". Thank you for letting us look.
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Hi Debbie just seen your photos they were brilliant I really loved them all. I particularly loved the ones of you with Mirusia and the one that has Franco having a drink on stage. If you were the photographer you sure did a great job!! I am so pleased you had such a great time.
JILL GEELONG AUSTRALIA
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Dear Debbie,
I, too, have just enjoyed viewing all of your photos. Thank you for stepping up to the plate & proactively giving us all a link to your photos.
This blog/website is what it is all about. Fans sharing with other fans, their Andre Rieu concert experience.
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Hi.
Rod Laver Arena, Sunday, 1st of Nov. Finally I get to see the greatest marketing genius there is. The entrance march was fantastic and the decibels blew a slight headache away.By the end of the show I startet do think about what I have just seen. Practically a perfect show. But a reduced orchestra, (to name a couple, Roland Lafosse and Jean Sassen). A clogdance on a very small space and Andre not looking his usual self. Slightly bloated face, mildly slurred speech, like you get when you consult you favourite dentist. And lastly a stain on Manoe's dress. Almost like last year. I really believe these people were extremely tired and being Cup-Day Weekend in Melbourne would not have helped.However, it makes no difference, the tickets for the October 1910 Concert are booked and that is all that matter
Klaus
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Debbie,
Many thanks for the photos...kind of you to share.
Kalus,
We absolutely love Andre Reui and the JSO we saw them in Melbourne on the Friday and enjoyed the show but as you say we did notice that Andre and his JSO were looking very tired.....as much a we want to see them again and again I feel that they have to look to their own wellbeing and health...this tour was a long one and must have been very tiring to them all...hopefully they will take more rest days next time around....reason being we do want to see them again and again.....but their health and stamina comes first
Wishing Andre and the JSO all the very best
Joy and Bernard
Melbourne
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Aliece, I had to read this again. You just had such a great time and sharing it with us makes me happy too. I pretend I am right there with you!
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Hi I was also at the day with andre on 1st Nov in Melbbourne----a really great day however the 1 downside was that Andre, off-stage, appeared distant and aloof and spoke to no one ----this was the same at a concert in the USA earlier so I would caution anyone not to expect to be able to speak to the MAN.
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I just want to say that I had quite a different experience with my "day with Andre". He was very pleasant and talked to us when we ate with the group. While we were getting our meal he said hello to us and told us to enjoy our meal. At the after party he came to our table and shook hands with all of us. Clyde and I talked with him about my violin lessons and he was very nice. Then of course we had our photo taken with him as a couple and then allowed me to have a photo with him alone. I guess it just depends on what is going on in Andre's life at the time, he may have been very preoccupied. So I would say hope for the best day and that all will go well. Hugs
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Just wanted to put forward that perhaps two considerations as to why he may have appeared aloof and distant. Firstly he was on the end of a very grueling tour so far from home. Secondly I'm sure his twin grand-daughters would have certainly been on his mind. I bet he couldn't wait to have the opportunity to meet them for the very first time. Who could blame him for that. For these things alone we should cut him some slack. I'm sure he would be upset if he thought anyone went away thinking he was distant and aloof. I would be interested to hear others comments about these encounters. I've only so far heard encounters with the man and JSO being positive ones. Also I have seen posted that even outside venues when various JSO members are stumbled across they are always friendly and pleasant.
cheRIUE
JILL AUSTRALIA
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see you last year best night ever can not wait to see you again just get well and take care god bless thanks again
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I am very sorry I missed the show when Andre + co weree in Melbourne this year 2011 but will make sure not to miss it again if they come back love them all
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