Andre Rieu's Column In Eigen Bedrijf - April/May, 2010
Used With Permission. . .Eigen Bedrijf, magazine Kamer vanKoophandel.
A Family Company
Do you remember that TV advertising where the couple lying in bed and the
woman says: "That will just sell your boat?" In a jerk, the man sat
upright in bed, panting and grabs the light cord. I recognize that feeling when I
think of that myself or my family hurt. How to continue, under emotional
and business terms?
André Rieu Productions is a family company. My wife and my son play
a key role within the organization, plus a handful of loyal managers and
employees over the years I have come to regard as family. People
without whom I never could have been as successful. Continuity and
the future of this company and the people who work there, it is essential
interest in transferring a business. That responsibility you have as an entrepreneur.
So that we have done.
I have two sons always released in their studies and careers. They
should feel free to make their own path. But I can not deny
I was very moved and happy when my youngest son, Pierre,
after he had quit his law degree, said he would like to work in the
company. I had never asked, but dreamed of this.
And so in a natural way for us we arranged the transfer, without
my oldest son Marc feeling passed. He has a great
knowledge of music -classical music but also film music - and helps us to make
our artistic choices, but has no ambition to manage the company.
But if you ask me: is this the subject of discussion at the breakfast table?
Totally! We are not doing.
Suppose me and my family get hurt
- Touch wood - we will decide at that moment what to do.
This is no ostrich behavior, but there are simply no plans
for situations where you now do not know exactly what you and your environment will be.
At that time the best we have is the legal transfer well organized
and that's a nice thought. Maybe my wife and I therefore can
sleep!
André Rieu
Andre Rieu gives about 120 concerts
in dozens of countries on five continents.
Andre Rieu at the company
Productions has120 people working under
him, his wife Marjorie and son
Pierre. He is among the top ten
selling artists world wide tour.
In 2009 he finished in the sixth spot,
even for world artists
as Britney Spears, Coldplay
and Beyonce.
Thanks for posting this article Jeanine Ann. Another 'feel-good' (to start a new day) about family, loyalty & great character from a great human being!
HUGS xx
You are quite welcome my dear Jan. Andre writes this column 6 times a year and we were fortunate enough to have the magazine article sent to us. Hugs
PS: I have more videos to post and as soon as I upload to YouTube I will post them on the blog. I am sorry to say that I cannot top Marina. However, who knows what he will do this year. I am so excited just thinking about it. Just 19 sleeps. Well I should not count the few days before because I do not sleep. I just lay in bed and think and anticipate. mmmmmmmmmmmm Hugs
Thank You, Jeanine Ann, why am I not surprised by this article,it says a lot, even reading in between the lines,HE Is A Nice Man ,not just a clever one eh,a very caring one;God Bless & watch over Him & His Family always; think I'd best add The Holy Family to that For Andre; has such a large extended Family:
Dear Jeanine Ann. I really enjoy Andre Rieu's music. Went to see him in Sun City , South Africa. I read in the newspaper this morning that he wants the Bloemfontein choir 50% black.
I understand that he would like to include black South-Africans, since 90% of the population is black. It would be better though, if he could maybe get a children's choir from Soweto? and maybe support them financially for the tour? I wish he could try and read about the history of the Afrikaans ("Dutch") people in SA and the hardships they had to endure in the past, as well as today. (Many -also English people) find it extremely difficult to get a job, since the strict , new laws in SA.
Contrary to popular media reports, most white SA's live in peace and respect black people. 70% voted 'yes' for sharing government prior to 1994. Even people who do not like the black people, are quite decent to them. Most white people I know try to give clothes and food and help especially their employees where they can.But unfortunately, you do get the minority who behave in an unacceptable manner. It is VERY rare, though, that you will get a white person attacking a black person, but it seems to me that the media keep quiet about the thousands of white people who were brutally murdered by blacks, since 1994. I have some black friends and my sister is even married to one. I like some of them quite a lot. but I do wish that especially overseas media would stop being so biased, since MANY white people are suffering from poverty nowadays, too. I might be wrong, but I did get the idea that Mr. Rieu still thinks that the whites are benefitted more, but it is nowadays just the opposite. Books about SA are also quite biased towards the Boers, and mostly ou will not find the truth written about our history. I feel sad, because even the young people are being given disinformation and distorted truths.
By the way, I would love Mr. Rieu to try and listen to a SA (Black woman) sing. Her name is: Pretty Yende. She is a lovely person and has the voice of an angel.She is also very beautiful.
Hello Janine Anne, I have no comment on things that you have posted today. But I would love to Join your site. Is there any rules (or Payment)to be able to join you. I think this site is fantastic for all Andre and the JSO fans.
thankyou so much, Elizabeth.
Hi Elizabeth, so nice to hear from you and glad you like the site. Our Webmaster is Sally and she runs a great site for the fans of Andre and the JSO. There are no dues, just come and post any time you want. We always love to hear from the fans. I would recommend you read the Terms of Use on the website but that is all. If you go through the website and the blog you will find many stories and photos that have been posted over the years on Andre, JSO and other topics also. Enjoy yourself and thanks for joining us. Hugs
thanks for adding this topic to the blog, Jeanine Ann
It is topic like this that make this blog/website so interesting & increases my enjoyment of listening to & watching Andre's DVD's or CD's