The Seekers With Andre Rieu In Triumphant Return To Brisbane
* Nathanael Cooper
* From: The Courier-Mail
* May 19, 2011 12:00AM
AT the top of the price range for Andre Rieu tickets, fans were expected to cough up the princely sum of $249. But that top-shelf price buys you a top-shelf concert if you are into that sort of thing.
And if the classics, performed by a flamboyant Dutchman, are your thing then you wouldn't be left disappointed by Rieu's show.
The sound was a little thin when swallowed up by the vastness of the Brisbane Entertainment Centre which can handle the sound of a rock concert but is too acoustically challenged for the intricacies of classical music but it didn't detract much from the spectacle.
It is a trip down (distant) memory lane as he leads the audience through marches, waltzes, opera and more in an evening of joyous tunes that on at least one occasion quite literally had the audience dancing in the aisles.
A charming and warm host, Rieu's talkative journey through the evening was equally as entertaining as the music.
Backed by the talented Johann Strauss orchestra, who get into the theatrics as much as their maestro, Rieu treated the audience to some of the most loved classical works written.
Rieu's true fans were in rapture with the showman's performance but even those who don't subscribe to his kitsch theatrics will still appreciate the beautiful music generated under his baton.
But the real trip down memory lane came in the middle of the show when iconic Australian musicians The Seekers performed their 20-minute set.
Age may have wearied them but just one note from Judith Durham's, still magnificent voice was well worth the ticket price.
The short set delivered some of the group's greatest hits and while it certainly wasn't long enough, it was a privilege to be in the audience with them performing.
Kitsch theatrics!?! Come on then! Nobody will please all of the people all of the time. And to the likes of jaded journalists, it may seem kitsch. WE LOVE HIM and what he does. JOY TO THE PEOPLE!
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Thank you, we appreciate all the photos and all information of Andre Rieu. He is so charming. A great violinist, conductor, entertainer and very witty at times. We, the fans adore him and love him dearly.
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Hi all,
This was my "comeback" concert, and I have declared it the "best" Andre Concert I have seen. We had great seats (in fact..my head can be seen in that photo !!)and it was one surprise after another. It was so nice to hear new "patter" from Andre and quite a few new items. I think the "enforced break" has done all of them the world of good. The JSO were just magnificent, so alive and enjoying themselves. Their rendition of "We'll Meet Again" to close the programme was something to see. I was also taken by Kimi's performance, she has one powerful voice for such a small person. But, I could not single out any one performer as better than another, as the whole concert was just so full of pleasures.
Off course, being an Aussie, the appearance of "The Seekers" was the cream on the cake. They belted out their greatest hits,and you could be forgiven for thinking you back in 1965.
All in their 70's and showing it, their voices were as good as ever. Just the sight of Judith Durham up there singing at her best and taking in the whole moment was enough to water the eyes. The entire audience at Brisbane was into the mood for the entire night and this certainly added to the spectacle.
The "big screen" behind the stage with it's changing scenes also added another dimension to the show. A very refreshing experience and I can not wait until Andre announces his next tour "downunder".
Cheers to all my dear friends here on the "blog".
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Hi Grayeme, it is so nice to hear from you again! We sure have missed you. I am so glad you had such a great time and had the chance to see Andre again. What is new with you? Hope you and your wife are well.
For those of you who don't know Grayeme he was one of our moderators from OZ until he retired and started traveling. Big hugs
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How nice to see a familiar name again. Grayeme,we have missed you & your comments. I'm really hoping there will be a new dvd with the Australian concerts again. Happy you made the concert. Happy trails.
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Grayeme thank you for you input, what we had in Sydney was super, as you say those backdrops were great each one complementing The Music being played, Andre' & His people know their business, what they do they surely do extremely well, I can hardly wait for Himself & Co to return ;
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Grayeme! Hello stranger...
That was a great idea of yours Fay re the dentist.
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My Husband and myself attended Andre's concert in Brisbane on the 18 May. It was fantastic. It was the best night of our lives. Thanks Andre and his band for a fantastic night
Pauline
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