Frank Steijns Carillon
Update: December 24, 2009 PRESS RELEASE:
Frank has said the loss feels like an 'amputation'. He is upset and sad.
in view of security cameras - Complete carillon of 41 bells stolen
MAASTRICHT-thieves last night of the mobile carillon Frank Steijns stolen. The carillon was stored in a guarded warehouse in Maastricht. The burglars have 41 bronze bells each unscrewed from their suspension.
Frank Steijns, Christmas Day which celebrates his 39th birthday, is very excited by the theft.
The stolen instrument, unique in the world, represents for him more than the value of the bronze. It is a part of his life and therefore feels like a robbery amputation.
Steijns purchased the carillon in 2007 by Andre Rieu after one years time with the orchestra of Rieu had wandered over the world. Frank Steijns addition carillonneur also first violinist in the orchestra of Rieu, played the instrument during concerts including the United States, France, Germany and Japan. The television pictures of the concerts brought millions of people in contact with the carillon music and ushered in an increased awareness of the instrument widely.
Steijns used the instrument in 2008 and 2009 for various educational purposes. Last summer, he is including them in during the Prinsengracht Festival in Amsterdam and concerts as part of the Euro Carillon. A few months ago he had seen and heard during a special concert in Heidelberg. In 2010 were to include a concert in commemoration of the Enschede fireworks and concerts as part of the fifth centenary of the carillon in the program.
December 23, 2009
Dear Andre Rieu Fans & Friends:
Disturbing news report out of Maastricht last night....
Last night in Maastricht the mobile carillon bell ringer of Frank Steijns was stolen. Steijns bought the carillon in 2007 from Andre Rieu.
Police have confirmed that in the shed where the instrument was stored, had been compromised.
The burglars have or will have some work to the carillon, because they have the 41 bronze bells each unscrewed and taken away.
What a terrible Christmas for Frank.
Please leave for Frank your best wishes and hugs.
Categories: News
Tags: Andre Rieu Johann Strauss Orchestra
Dear Frank, you are in my heart and prayers! I hope Santa brings a lump of coal to whomever did this, and that you are reunited with your carillon very soon!
Couldn't agree more Sally. What a lousy thing to do. Humbug to the thieves and hope they do the right thing and return it. Let's hope they have a pang of guilt.
Lyndall
Frank, what a shocking loss to you of your precious bells. We are thinking of you, and do hope that the burglars will, at Christmas time, return them to you in good order.
Hi Frank, so sorry to hear about the loss of your Carillon.I do hope the thieves are found and they are punished accordingly to their crime.Thank God that you wrre not attacked in the crime as so often is the case. Have faith, and may you and yours celebrate a happy Christmas. See you in Cape Town & Salzburg in May 2010. God Bless Julia.
Oh Frank, what a terrible thing to have happened, and at Christmas, too. I do hope you can recover it soon. Love and hugs,
Susan.
Oh Frank! I am so sorry to hear the news about your carillon! I hope they find whoever did such an awful thing. You are in my thoughts (and my Mum's as well!) and I hope that you and your family have a lovely Christmas! A big hug to you, Heather in Washington
This is horrible.And right before Christmas & your birthday too. I am so sorry Frank. I hope your bells will be returned to you. I hope the Grinch who stole them will have a change of heart.
Dear Frank,
I am so sad to hear this news and hope and pray that the Police will catch the thieves and that you will get the carillon back safe very soon
Hugs Joy in Melbourne Auatralia
Dear Frank , I am sorry to hear of the criminals that stole all your bels.I hope they will be cought. You are in my thoughts and prayers and wish you a holy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year. God bless Robert.
God Bless the Bells, Frank and know He will have a reason for this cowardly act, just when they should be set up to ring reminders of His birth.
Here down under, we all wish you a Happy, Holy Christmas and feel sure you will once again, in the future, be in possession of the bells and charm us with their music. In our hearts, Mildred
Easily said I know, but despite the theft of your delightful carillon bells, may you find peace and happiness with your family at Christmas. You are an outstanding young musician. Your carillon-playing is just beautiful. Andre, yourself and all members of the orchestra have millions of followers...together you spread more joy across the world than anything else I can think of. Let's believe that somebody out there will know something and inform the authorities. Thank goodness you are safe. Bless you Frank, for your contribution to the happiness that Andre's orchestra brings to my life. See you in Brisbane again Oct 2010 by which time I hope this theft issue will have been resolved. Take care...and yes, Happy Christmas! xx
Oh what a terrible shame for this to happen to Frank and right before Christmas. My heart goes out to you and yours and I hope and pray that despite this tragic news you and your family will have a wonderful Christmas. My prayer is that the bells will be recovered soon and in good condition. Hugs
What a dasterly deed has been done, stealing those beautiful bells.
May their Christmas tree be a Christmas stump,
their stockings filled with coal & not a plum in their pudding.
Frank, let me add my wishes that everything is recovered. I hope the thieves are punished. I believe in forgiveness but I also believe in everyone suffering the consequences of his actions. Enjoy the holidays if you can.
Dear Frank,
I'll mention you in my prayers & hope justice prevails.
It makes me sad when I hear of this kind of story that happens to any artist, whose goal in life is to contribute to happiness.
So sorry, Dear Frank.i hope you get them back very soon, and in good condition.my best wishes ,tessie.
Hello Frank. Do know that we are thinking of you after your horrific loss. We do hope that the burglars will, at Christmas time, return your precious bells. Beutiful memories of the bells. Audrey & Bill
Frank, we are so very sorry for your loss of your precious bells, and do hope that the burglars will, at Christmas time, have the decency to return them to you. Thinking of you with fond thoughts, Audrey & Bill
Dear Frank - My heart goes out to you -
We have met in Oz - and I know you are a very special young man - with a huge talent which you share to bring so much happiness to others. You brighten our lives with your beautiful music and lovely smile. My name is not Hope for nothing - and I do believe that somehow these very bells will be returned to you. After all - it IS Christmas.
My prayers are with you and your loved ones. Don't let these thieves steal
your joy Frank. You have a very special Christmas. God Bless you.
Vicki
I'm so sorry Frank. My heart and prayers go out to you, I know this is very sad news. You are a wonderful person and don't deserve this in any way.
I will pray for the return of your beloved carillon, I cannot imagine what you are going through.
Neither can I imagine how, or why, anyone could do this. You bring such joy to the world with your music, I can only imagine the good you deserve.
Take care and know that we are all thinking of you, and thinking of the return of your carillon.
Dear Frank, I hope this new year will find your bells returned to you. I wish I could wave a magic wand to make it happen right now.