Kay's Magical Andre Rieu Night At 02
My Magical "Andre Night" At The 02 London.
It was the day of the concert I had waited so long for. I didn't feel excited just nervous-probably because I was going alone and also worried that Andre wouldn't get a good reception. How wrong I was.. I am shy and lack confidence so I thought oh well here goes I shall just listen to the beautiful music, watch Andre and sit very sedately in my seat clapping. Did I?, NO. What is it about this lovely man that turns an ordinary and very mature lady into a raving lunatic????
7.15. Went to my seat 3rd row from front - fantastic. The people behind immediately starting talking and laughing with me-which put me at ease a bit. Most of the people I spoke to didn't know too much about Andre. They had seen him on television so decided to go to concert. 7.50 I noticed the camera was pointing at the aisle nearest me, I was about 6 seats in from aisle so I stood ready to make my move. 8:00 Seventy-six Trombones I was ready, I said a polite but very firm excuse me to the 5 people alongside me, they looked puzzled and didn't move so I promptly trod across 5 pairs of feet. There he was coming down -smiling ,waving, people clapping I didn't see any ask for high five - as he got in front of me I put my hand up and WHACK wow did he hit hard, still waiting for the bruise to come out. Did I mind?, no I loved it.
He said his greetings and began with "Voices of Spring", from then on such beautiful music. I thought the audience was a little quiet at first but all was to change later. The Tenors sang "You are my Hearts Delight" so very beautifully, on impulse I just stood up and applauded, as I looked around I realised I was one of very few standing. Andre looked across and mouthed a little thank you and pulled a face. I think he was a little disappointed that so few stood. I didn't notice any full standing ovations but that's not to say the audience didn't enjoy-it's just the way we are. More music laughter and tears and to my great delight Andre kept looking across at me and smiling. He said we are going for a break soon-I couldn't believe time had gone so quickly. It must be true when people say he doesn't miss a thing - I very discreetly looked down at my watch and immediately he looked at me and said "why do you look at your watch" I must have gone scarlet the audience around me were laughing and thank goodness so was Andre. Just so glad they didn't make a dvd there.
The Interval.. The people behind me said oh you and he have made a connection he keeps looking at you and smiling. As I have already said they didn't know Andre too well, I was in his eyeline there weren't at that time any people in the seats in front of me. He knows what the audience wants -music,laughter and yes eye contact with the ladies and how we love it. He made this lady very happy and have not felt so happy for few years now.
After the interval he did he's Colonel Bogey routine which is very funny when you see it live. "Skaters Waltz" - heaps of snow came down-everyone laughing - a gentleman with a bald head was rubbing the"snow" off and Andre was smiling and touching his own lovely locks. "The Blue Danube" no one got up to dance for some time, then a few couples and from there it snowballed and the aisles were filled with people dancing.
The encores. I waited for balloons and went to front-so did everyone else - by this time the whole arena was on their feet. Andre kept saying go home aren't you tired and shooing us away of course nobody moved. He played "Marina" and what a lovely little mover he still is. Then "We'll Meet Again" sad song but played up tempo which was good and everyone singing along. Then it was time off he went blowing kisses and waving. The JSO were wonderful, as were Kimmi and Mirusia also. What an Evening -what an Orchestra and WHAT A MAN.
My first concert and one is not enough, I want more. Please come back soon Andre to UK we need you-especially ME.
Kay Francis
Posted by Moderator Jeanine Ann at May 10, 2011 
Categories: UK United Kingdom, 2011 Concerts, 1 CONCERTS
Categories: UK United Kingdom, 2011 Concerts, 1 CONCERTS
Beautiful Kay!! Thank you for sharing!!
Hugs from Deirdre(South Africa)
Reply to this
Thank You for sharing with us Kay I think just think you may have enjoyed yourself, He really is Magicial I am going friday night & can hardly wait I am not on the floor but half way up the first rise I will enjoy it reguardless as I love how Andre' & Co perform;
Reply to this
Good morning all!
My internet and phone have been out of asction for 2 days - I did miss the blog!First thing every morning I look to see all your comments and photos.
Well Kay, what a brilliant report of your 02 experience!!How lucky you were to get a High Five!!You were brave to push past 5 people to get to the aisle, ready.Your photos are excellent too.We were upstairs at LG arena so not too near stage and couldn't get to the front at all.I am SO looking forward to going to Maastricht in July - hope to get much closer then.
Love from Brenda
Reply to this
Kay, that was a really fantastic report.
amazing what Andre brings out in us isn't it. so pleased you enjoyed it. Elizabeth.
Reply to this
Hi Kay, thank you for your report it was brilliant and a HIGH FIVE too!!!!! you luck lady. luv Ruth
Reply to this
wow Kay! What a delight to read about your concert.Just goes to show that you're never really alone at an Andre concert. Your report is full of humor, from the whack of the hand to the end I was smiling and understood what you were feeling. BTW, you had a very good seat, great for a first time concert. Thank you so much for telling us about it.
Reply to this
Thank you all very much for your kind comments. Brenda i wasn't brave just overcome by Andre i think, Shirley you are so right about never being alone at an Andre concert. (Btw. I did get small bruise on my hand he does hit hard.....)
Reply to this
Hi Kay,
Have you washed your hand yet???
Love, Brenda.
Reply to this
Hi Brenda, I didn't want to but I did have the bruise as a souvenier for about a week, Love Kay
Reply to this
Hi Kay i too was at the o2 concert with my hubby and it was our first Andre concert too.Oh my goodness what a brilliant night we had,i'm so envious you managed to get to the front but i don't think it matters where you sit the atmosphere was wonderful all round.Can't wait for andre to come back to london so we can have another fabulous night ,but hoping we may get ot to see him in his home town for an open air concert that is at the top of my wish list.Thank you for sharing your evening, he oes make us all feel special.lv Mags
Reply to this
Hi Mags, Thanks, yes your right as soon as Andre walks in it's electric and he does make everyone happy. I too hope he comes back to UK soon.x
Reply to this