29 Nov 2010; Phoenix Concert Report
Andre Rieu - Andre walked right past me on the way to the stage to the tune of 76 Trombones. He was giving high 5's to some lucky people with aisle seats on the way to the stage.
Andre had good skin tone & color, appeared refreshed & energetic throughout the concert. Andre was Andre in every respect, you'd never know by looking at Andre that he'd recently been ill.
I spent $10.00 for the program which is filled with beautiful photos of Andre & the JSO. Surprisingly, there wasn't a program of music that was going to be the concert. I went back to the vendor & was told there is no longer going to be a list of the music that is the concert of the evening.
Andre announced the second selection as the "Roses From the South", but didn't announce the name of any other musical selections prior to playing the music. Hopefully, Andre will announce the name of each musical selection in lieu of the printed insert that use to be included in the program.
I'm unable to included a complete list of the musical selections that comprised the concert because I'm not that familiar with the music. I can tell you that;
- Ave Marie - Kimmy Skota (Soprano Soloist) sang This Phoenix audience, unlike other in the past, was full of life. the majority of the audience gave Kimmy a standing, clapping ovation at the end.
- Nessun Dorma - Platin Tenors
- Don't Cry for Me Argentina - Mirusia Louwerse (Soprano Soloist) also received a standing, clapping ovation from an appreciative audience.
- The Earth Song - Carmen Monarcha (Soprano Soloist), following a musical tribue to Michael Jackson. Carmen also received a stand ovation.
- Blue Danube - More people got up out of their chairs & danced tonight than in all prior 4 Phoenix concerts combined.& you could see Andre was pleased that his audience was showing him & the orchestra their appreciation by responding to the music
- Radetzky March - & the balloon drop had the entire audience standing, clapping, some patrons grabbed a balloon to take home, while others popped the balloons.
- Stars & Stripes Forever - This rousing rendition featured Nathalie & Teun, standing in the spotlight during the Piccolo passage. Laughingly, at the end, Nathalie jumped in front of Teun to accept the applause for their spirited duet
- Adieu, mein kleinner gardeoffizer - The Platin Tenors & all 3 soprano solists returned to the stage to sing & dance.
- Le Cygne -Tanja Derwahl (Cello solo). Tanja had the biggest smile you can imagine at the warm, clapping, standing ovation. As a matter of fact, you won't have to use your imagination because here is a photo.
- Ole Guapa - Leon van Wijk (Accordian Solo) -
- Amazing Grace - Trio consisting of Teun Ramaekers (Fife), Manoe Konings (Bagpipes), & Andre (Violin)
- I'm Off to Chez Maxim - Platin Tenors
- Das weisse Roessl am Wolfgang - Manoe Konings (Clarinet)
- Emperor's Waltz
- America the Beautiful
Hopefully, others will come forward & fill in the music that was played during this concert. Sadily, I'm unable to give you the name of all the music the Platin Tenors sang. The Platin Tenors trio was featured as the #3 song in this concert.
During the 20 minute intermission, all the musicians left the stage except one - Alicja Zajaczkowska (Harpist), she spent at least 10 minutes tuning her harp. I'd never noticed that before, however, I do know the harp is a difficult instrument to keep tuned
Kerstin Cornelis, Andres' right hand "person", was nice enough to let me take this up close photo of her after the concert. She is so much a part of the organization I thought you should know who she is:
Here is a list of the musicians that were in the orchestra tonight
Agnes Walter-Fizzano (Violin)
Alicja Zajaczkowska (Harp)
André Rieu
Anna Reker (choir)
Anne-Lise Parott (Violin)
Arthur Cordewener (Oboe)
Béla Mavrák (Platin Tenor)
Boris Goldenblank (Violin)
Carmen Monarcha (Soprano Soloist)
Cord Meyer (Violin)
Diana Morsinkhof (Violin)
Franco Vulcano (Double Bass)
Frank Steijns (Violin)
Gary Bennett (Platin Tenor)
Glenn Falize (Percussion)
Hanneke Roggen (Cello)
Giedre Mundinaite (Violin) - New violinist, wearing the green gown
Gosia Leboda(Violin) - New violinist,
Jennifer de Keersmaecker (Violin)
Jennifer Kowalski (Violin)
Jet Gelens (Violin)
Joëlle Tonnaer (Cello)
Judith Luesink (Choir)
Kalki Schrijvers (Choir)
Karin Hinze (Cello)
Kimmy Skota (Soprano Soloist)
Klaartje Polman (Viola)
Lara Meuleman (Violin)
Leon van Wijk (Accordian)
Linda Custers Slakhorst (Viola)
Lin Jong (Violin)
Manoe Konings (Clarinet)
Marcel Falize (Percussion)
Margriet van Lexmond (Cello)
Mireille Brepols (Percussion)
Mirusia Louwerse (Soprano Soloist)
Nadia Diakoff (Viola)
Nathalie Bolle (Piccolo & Flute)
Noël Perdaens (French Horn)
Olaya Perez (Violin) - New violinist
René Henket (Trumpet)
Roger Diederen (Trumpet)
Roland Lafosse (Double Bass)
Ruud Merx (Trombone)
Sanne Mestrom (Saxaphone & Bassoon)
Sophie Gabriels (Violin)
Stéphanie Detry (Piano)
Tanja Derwahl (Cello)
Teun Ramaekers (Piccolo, Flute, Fife)
Thomas Greuel (Platin Tenor)
Ton Maessen (Bass Tuba)
Vincenzo Vincent (Violin)
Virgenie Henket (Choir)
Ward Vlasveld (Synthesizer)
I missed seeing the following in the concert this year:
- Els Mercken (Violin)
- Freya Cremers (Violin)
- Hans Verhulst (French Horn)
- Jean Sassen (Double Bass)
- Kremi Mineva (Violin)
- Laura Engel (Choir)
- Pierre Colen (Viola)
- Carla Maffioletti (Soprano Soloist)
- Suzan Erens (soprano Soloist)
- Nicolle Steins (Choir)
- Coline Verger (Violin)
After the concert is when I had the good fortune to talk to & take some up close photos of
- Béla Mavrák (Platin Tenor)
- Thomas Greuel (Platin Tenor)
- Kerstin Cornelis (Tour Manager)
- Carmen Monarcha (Soprano Soloist
- Kimmy Skota (Soprano Soloist
I owe Mirusia Louwerse an apology for not taking an up close photo of her after the concert. She was with Carmen & Kimmy, the 3 of them were socializing which says something about them being friends, off stage & off camera. I have no explanation to you or to myself for not taking advantage of a photo op with Mirusia at the same time I was taking photos of Carmen & Kimmy. Of all the people in the orchestra, I've had more conversation with Mirusia than anyone else. Mirusia has always been available & approachable
During the encores, I held up a sign directed at Agnes Walter - "CONGRAT, AGNES & MICKEL FIZZANO MARRIAGE". She acknowledged the sign with a big smile & held up a glass of something. Agnes is now Agnes Fizzano-Walter, at least that is how it appears on Andres' website. Mickel Fizzano is a camerman.
After the concert I saw Agnes & Mickel walking toward me, both gave me a big smile. Sadly, I didn't take the obvious opportunity to stop & talk, clearly they were receptive. I regret passing up the opportunity to talk to & photograph Agnes & Mickel.
Go here to see all 45 uploaded photos taken during the 29 Nov 2010 concert.
Go here to see all photos uploaded in 2010. There are 4 pages of photos.
Bill in Arizona
southpawbc-photos@yahoo.com
Ok Bill...
I'm waiting...
Cutting some slack here...
just a little.
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15 photos have now been uploaded
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Hey Bill, Thanks for sharing your photos with us. They are really great. Some of them were familiar as I was at the Sun City concert in April 2010. Your hard work regarding the write up and the loading of photos is really apreciated!!! It really makes me happy that Andre and JSO have so many fans all over the world. His music is just so wonderful.
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Bill, your photos are great, especially like the ones of Kimmy & Kersten & your report, as usual is very detailed. I had read a comment on Andre's site that there were about 5 or 6 encores. How was the traffic situation?
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Hi Bill. Thank you for this report you so promptly wrote and the photos that take me back to the concert & seeing the wonderful members of the JSO & crew.
I LOVE the photos. Each one a new favorite of mine.
*Thank you for dinner and for being such a kind host & representative of Arizona.
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Another great and detailed report from Bill! Will be waiting for more. The photos are all great but I love the one of Andre the best!! : ) You know me Bill. Thanks and big hugs
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32 Photos have now been uploaded with include close ups of Jet, Arthur, Lara & Jennifer De Keersmaecker
I still have another 35 photos to work on & publish
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Bill, thank you for the lovely photos and all the information about the concert. You do beautiful, detailed work on the info and photos. I really appreciate it. Best Wishes
Also looking forward to more photos.
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The concert report contains a link to 35 other photos. Did you see the link & go to the 35 published photos? I still have another 20-25 to publish, hopefully later today or tomorrow .
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It's nice to get to a computer and catch up on all the news about Andre on his US tour. Thanks Bill for your wonderful report and photos.
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Bill how lovely to wake up & read all your input for us Down Here in Australia you have no idea how good it is to get up to date news of Andre' & His People, the only news I might add, we will only hear bits? when he is here, the reason being ,I think Andre is Good News, papers are only interested in scandals & dirt, I get slightly pinged off with that attitude, hence the only paper I buy is the Sunday one, mainly for the comic & tv programm, bless you for your posting
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Thanks for the report and photos Bill.
Am really at a loss since I was under
the strong impression that Andre's USA/
Canada tour was billed as a holiday
music celebration tour. You mention no
holiday/Christmas music at all. The
prospect of a very different songlist
from the Spring tour is why we booked
the Tampa concert. The "other" Andre
fan club certainly expected a good mix
of holiday music. We will enjoy Mirusia's new song anyway but wonder
who else was expecting some holiday
music.
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Hi Gary,
I was surprised & happy that the concert didn't include Christmas music. For me it is too early for Christmas music + I've already attended 3 of Andre Rieu Christmas music concerts in years past.
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Bill, I love the report, you did it so complete that I could picture myself being there. If I may guess, the song that Leon van Wijk played on the accordion might be the Ole Guapa and Suzan Erens is no longer with Andre since beginning 2009 and Carla Mafioletti I believe is busy with opera tours. Well done and thanks again xx
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BINGO, Leon did play Ole Guapa, I recognize the name now & will add it to my concert report.
I know Suzan is no longer with Andre, but I still missed her & wanted to acknowledge her absence.
Carla has other musical committments all during 2010, hopefully, she will return to the stage with Andre for some 2011 concerts.
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OH WOW Bill., thank you sooo much for the photos. My eyes were feasting on OUR MAN naturally, but then I realised that there were other important people as well-our JSO who makes beautiful music with our Andre. As Andre would say: BRAVO.
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Bill,
I was really disappointed to see no Christmas music on the list. My impression when I purchased these very expensive tickets for my aunt, was that she would be attending a holiday concert. If there isn't any holiday music I"m going to try and sell these tickets for the Toronto concert. I AM VERY disappointed!!!
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Prior to the concert, me, Sally, Connie, Steve, Kathleen, Juergen, Shirley & Rex, met for lunch @1515.
Sally, Connie, Shirley & Rex came from California. Juergen came all the way from Dallas, TEXAS.
Needless to say, most of the conversation was about Andre, the JSO, & exchanging our prior concert going experiences with each.
At 1715, Sally, Connie, Shirley & Rex headed off to the Meet & Greet, while Steve, Juergen & I continued to enjoy each others company.
Around 1830, we headed for the venue entrance & our seats, which were scattered throughout the venue. Juergen, the lucky guy, had a front row, aisle seat.
I struck up conversation with those around me, all of whom were attending their very first Andre Rieu concert.
For 20-30 minutes I shared my prior concert experiences, made a 2nd trip to the desk to buy programs for those around me unable to move about, answered their questions about the name of some of the musicians & told them about Sally's website & my photo website.
You should have the look of surprise & joy when I told those around me that Andre & the violinists would shortly be walking right by us, just like on the DVD's.
Unlike Phoenix audiences in prior years, this audience & those around me jumped up & applauded enthusiastically when the Platin Tenors & Soprano Soloists finished their song.
This audience was alive, stood frequently, clapped enthusiastically, & got out of their chair, en masse & danced during Blue Danube.
After the concert, Sally, Connie, Kathleen & myself met back at the restaurant for some post concert conversation.
It was at this point Bela, Thomas, Kimmy, Mirusia, & Carmen walked up, spoke with us briefly & allowed me to take those grrreat close up photos.
Unlike prior concerts, there was no mention or announcement of when or if, Andre will return to Phoenix in 2011. We can only HOPE.
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The 3 new violinists have now been identified, HERE and HERE
Giedre
Gosha
Olaya
Of the 42 new photos, that I've recently uploaded, the two most viewed photos are of the unidentified new violinists, which have now been identified.
I would have thought the new photo of Andre, or the close up photos of Kerstin, Frank, Jet, Carmen, Kimmy, Bela, or Thomas would have garnered the most views. Not so.
This is a testament to the world wide interest in each & every musician in the Johann Strauss Orchestra, even unidentified musicians.
Andre has a photo of Giedre. Go HERE , then click on the last photo of 5 ladies kneeling around the Michael Jackson STAR. Giedre, is in the middle, wearing white pants.
Bill in Arizona....if you would like a set of SEARCH instructions for the photo website, email me:
southpawbc-photos@yahoo.com
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BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO BILL FOR HIS IDENTIFING THE NEW VIOLINISTS !! WAY TO GO MODERATOR BILL. AND THANKS AGAIN FOR THE PHOTOS! AS ANDRE WOULD SAY: FANTASTIC !
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Mr Bill, I think you have done an excellent job with all your photos of Andre & the JSO. I like the feature that lets you "square over" any face & get the name. I liked your report too. I've heard a few complain about no Christmas music but I would think that any Andre concert would be welcome, especially since he might not have made the tour at all because of his illness. For those lucky enougn to have tickets I would go & expect a fun festive time, Christmas music or no. We are inundated with Christmas songs anyway, starting before Thanksgiving. Any concert that Andre gives will be festive enough. That's just my humble opinion.
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Bill - those photos and expanded report
are SUPER. Am glad to hear Platin Tenors
sang Nessun Dorma. Compared to Jingle
Bells etc, give me the former. Will see
if any other surprises show up in Fla.
Eye Candy Agnes Walter is getting more
competition with new violinists.
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Here is a grrrreat close up of DIANA MORSINKHOF (Violin)
Go HERE to see 3 photos Sally took during the concert.
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I just discovered a new photographer that took 48 grrreat, high resolution photos of the Toronto concert on 12.12.2010
Go HERE to see them
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Here is a link to Juergen's award winning Bavarian restaurant in Plano, TX. I met & talked with Juergen before the concert.
http://www.bavariangrill.com/
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Mmmmm Bill What a menu.I would love to go there. I am starving now. Have to go and get something to eat xx
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AZ Bill, do you know what happened to Laura Engel? I noticed her name is no longer on Andre's list.
Thanks,
Bill
Surprise, Az
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