On Friday,under very special circumstances, recordings for the German television ZDF were made in and around the castle of André Rieu. For days they have worked shoulder-to-shoulder to transform the gardens and the interior of Maastricht’s world star into a winter atmosphere. On Friday, The German TV channel began with the production of a Christmas Special 2011 . Even the roofs  were covered with a layer of snow.  This all happened during the same week that the Netherlands has experienced yet another week of summer. In the midst of balmy temperatures the Christmas bells rang under the evergreens within the walls of the Andre Rieu domain. 

The terraces around  Viefsprunk in the St. Peter are packed. The people are enjoying a beautiful summer evening. A kilometer further on, snow covered the roofs of Andre Rieu's stunning castle at the foot of the Zonneberg.Within the walls of the estate of Andre Rieu, a stunning winter landscape can be seen. Thousands of lights, Christmas trees and a real snowman, combined with sophisticated lighting in and around the castle give a magical sight. Just before the recording began, a huge snow cannon covered the trees and the roofs of the castle with a thick layer of environmentally friendly artificial snow. A selected group of invited guests, dressed in winter clothes, were  treated to hot chocolate and mulled wine in the subtropical weather. Everybody enjoyed the present rush of the Christmas songs played by the Johann Strauss Orchestra and soloists.

An unforgettable summer evening in a  winter atmosphere. This Christmas special, will be broadcasted on Christmas Eve on December 24  on ZDF television, in no less than seven languages ​​and will include broadcasts worldwide. Last night delivered forty minutes of video. During November, the necessary recordings will be made to complete the broadcast in several specified locations in and around Maastricht.. For example, in the historic center of Maastricht trees will also be shrouded in a winter atmosphere.
This is yet another export promotion of André Rieu in Maastricht for the production of his Christmas Around the World.

Thanks to Han Scheuerman.
Photo is courtesy of Maastricht Loc: © Govert de Roos

Our Thanks To Deirdre For This Translation