Andre Rieu And Seekers At Ron Laver Arena
Andre Rieu in concert at Rod Laver Arena last night.
Picture: Ben Swinnerton Source: Herald Sun
HE will never be cool but Andre Rieu has a knack for giving his fans what they want to hear.
And last night, at Rod Laver Arena, thousands of them got an earful of what the Dutch maestro calls "beautiful music" - waltzes to swoon over, marches to clap to and sparkling operetta aimed squarely at the heart.
Rieu had them on side from the moment he strode down the centre aisle to 76 Trombones, his image magnified on giant video screens and the Johann Strauss orchestra following in his wake.
"We are in the most joyful city in Australia," he declared. But the chocolate box images looming behind Rieu’s company of singers and musicians spoke of Europe, a world of old fashioned charm where the soundtrack almost demands thrilling trills.
Rieu is a genial ringmaster, sending fake snowflakes falling on the shoulders of his audience when he is not sawing away at his Stradivarius.
And if the happy snaps of grandchildren get a bit cheesy, he brings the show back into line so every number zings with energy.
Highlights included the Snow Waltz, Time to Say Goodbye and You Are My Heart's Delight.
And inviting the Seekers to join him on stage is an inspired move. They ground this Euro-fantasia in solid Australian songs, punching out rousing versions of The Carnival is Over and Georgy Girl.
Rieu laid strings lightly on these classics and worked wonders with Bruce Woodley’s I Am Australia. The music soared, the crowd roared and Rieu knew he’d done it again. He’d generated joy.
Andre Rieu will play a second show tonight.
Dear Jeanine, your comments are fantaSTIC and so true. Andre always delivers so much top-notch entertainment. His audiences can't help, but fall in love with him. He is so genuine and thoughtful of all his fans. I am looking forward to our turn in Nov.20th, Pittsburgh,Pa. We will be talking so fondly of his concert on our way home, as we have after the previous concerts we attended. This will be our 4th. Thank you for the photo of the Great Maestro, Great EnterTainer, and Best Conductor and Best Violinist ever of my times.Love
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