Frank Steijns, Musical Partner of Andre Rieu
RIEU SPECIAL FRANK
STEIJNS
Maastricht local, Frank Steijns(40) has performed
in many places.The most popular is that of first violinist in the Johann Strauss
Orchestra of André Rieu. Frank is also carillonneur (campanile player) of
Maastricht. He is also more and more the musical sparring partner of André Rieu.
Together they make compositions and arrangements.
Frank Steijns, the
musical sparring partner of André Rieu.
André Rieu and
Friends
Text: Jo
Cortenraedt
Over the last ten years, Frank Steijns had no
vacation. Given his dual function as member of the orchestra with André Rieu and
as carillonneur, Frank does not mind the fact that he has no time off. “ I don’t
mind, because I am traveling with the orchestra all over the world. It is not
really a holiday, but you see so much and the atmosphere of the group is
tremendous. I have no desire to go out shopping and can sometimes be the
carilloneur on Saturdays when we are on tour somewhere in Europe. If I cannot, I
get a replacement in Maastricht to make sure that the people will still enjoy the
beautiful chimes.”
Next to the violin and carillion, Frank also
studies Orkes Direction. He had studied different sides of music at the
conservatorium in Leuven. “I majored in Music Theory. It suits me well because I
can write more music with André Rieu. One beautiful morning in New Zealand,
André and I wrote a waltz which will be on our next CD. It is beautiful. André
has such a feeling for music and always knows where he wants to go with it. I
obviously feel the same and can put the actual chords to the music. Together we
make a beautiful music in its entirety. Last year when André had to take it easy for a few
months, we occasionally went to the studio to make music, actually to go and
relax. Together we composed a few pieces.”
The actor, Anthony Hopkins, also wrote a waltz that
was recorded with the orchestra. In fact, I have been the link between André and
the orchestra and it works perfectly. It is a great honor because I can feel the
atmosphere and emotion. You can play the same music every night, but each time
you can play it with a different kind of warmth and color. To make that possible,
we have to be on the same level.”
During different shows, Frank Steijns also plays a
mobile carillon. “ I have my hands full with music, but I wouldn’t want it any
other way. The morning after my final examination in Leuven, André phoned me and
asked if I wanted to be part of his orchestra – that was at eight o’ clock in
the morning. That same evening I was already playing in the orchestra. That was
in 1994. Since then I have always played with him.”
Our thanks to Deirdre for translating this story!
Our thanks to Deirdre for translating this story!
Posted by Moderator Jeanine Ann at August 4, 2011 
Categories: JSO Choir - Orchestra, ANDRE RIEU, Articles-Interviews
Categories: JSO Choir - Orchestra, ANDRE RIEU, Articles-Interviews
sometimes in life people cross our paths, that without music we would never have known, I think Frank is lucky to have Andre's friendship likewise Andre' too, He often says we make beautiful music, I think what Andre' & the Jso have is unique & we are fortunate to be on the receiving end with all the dvds/cds our lives would be a bit empty without having been able to share The Man & His Music;
Frank is extremely talented and André always chooses the best. I cannot wait to hear their new waltz, it can only be beautiful!
aww, I really like Frank. whether he plays the carrillon or the violin & he's as cute as a bug.
Thank You Jeanine Ann & Thank You Deirdre for bring the Fans & Friends this great story about FRANK.
Frank is so talented! What a Treasure.
I too love the piece about the little bell I think both men are fortunate to know each other & to have such a great friendship, I remember an interview frank did, I think " on the way to New York" where he said the day after leaving school Andre' sent for him, Pierre as a young lad made him some very strong coffee, He & Andre' talked & the rest is history;