20 Nov 2011-Pittsburgh Concert Report by Gary Bourret

Pittsburgh- Consol Energy Center   Nov. 20  6 PM   2011


Concert Report Below, Photos HERE.  There are 27 beautiful, high resolution photos that are included in the photo set. All musicians in each & every photo have been identified. 

 

Prior to the concert:

 I was attempting to deliver a package to Mirusia and attempted to communicate with Diana Morsinkhof, Hanneke Roggen, Margriet van Lexmond and Karin Haine outside the Marriott Hotel without success.


Once inside and waiting for the doors to open:

Sanne Mestrom, Linda Custers and Anna Reker walked through heading toward the make-up area probably. Luca Madrigo was wandering around inside too. While talking with some other ticket holders I turned around and there was Franco Vulcano about four feet away and also looking for the JSO wardrobe area. I said a quick hello to Franco and he returned the greeting.


Mirusia not feeling well:

Spoke with Mirusia Louwerse 30 minutes prior to the concert. Mirusia has been ill with flu-like symptoms for about two weeks and was still not feeling well for this concert. She very bravely took to the stage and sang beautifully Don't Cry For Me Argentina as well as several other songs with Kimmy, Kalki and the Platin Tenors.


How JSO musicians are selected for M&G’s:

I also asked Mirusia how the M&G persons representing the Johann Strauss Orchestra were selected. She said JSO musicians are asked to volunteer when there is a M&G. Mirusia, Béla Mavrák and Giedre Mundinaite like to socialize and speak great English so they often volunteer. I also personally know that Kalki Schrijvers and Linda Custers Slakhorst have attended M&G's.


The Concert Program:

The concert program closely mirrored USA/Canada concerts during September:

  • Nessum Dorma was the Platin Tenors big song and received another standing ovation. 
  • Kimmy Skota was absolutely wonderful singing Vilja and received a well-deserved standing ovation.
  • Stéphanie Detry led off the beautiful piece- Ballade Pour Adeline.
  • The Skater's waltz and Snow waltz(??) were performed too. The surprise snow storm surprised André and didn't happen (equipment failure??) but the snow bomb whitened part of the center floor section.
Marcel's Mysterious temporary disappearance on stage during concert:
At some point during the concert, Carolyn noticed that Marcel disappeared briefly, & when he returned cast a sheepish look at Glenn.  Did Marcel drop a drum stick back stage & then have to retrieve it?

Who is she:
Nathalie Bolle, the flutist/piccolo player that normally sits next to Teun was missing & a new musician was sitting in her place.  Does anyone know who she is?

There also appears to be a new violinist sitting next to Cord.


Am sure some patrons/fans were surprised by the variance in pre-concert advertising and the actual concert program.


We met a number of fans who were attending their first live André Rieu concert and they were absolutely thrilled by this performance.


Carolyn and I attended the concert in Des Moines and this one in Pittsburgh. Both were excellent.


JSO fans might want to express encouragement to Mirusia as she continues to perform wonderfully while fighting this current flu bug

or similar ailment.


Gary M. Bourret

Posted by Moderator Bill AZ at November 21, 2011
Categories: 2011 Concerts
 
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  • November 21, 2011 Bill in Arizona wrote:
    Thank you Gary, for taking the time & trouble to share you concert going experience & all of the beautiful photos.

    I've finished identifying each & every musician in each & every photo.

    I've looked & looked, at all the photos.  Someone is missing, from the front row.  It's Nathalie Bolle , she is missing & there is a new flutist/piccolo musician sitting in her seat next to Teun

    Sooooo....what is the name of the new FLUTIST/PICCOLO musician?  That is your next assignment, boys & girls.



    Reply to this
    1. November 22, 2011 Philip wrote:
      Hello all.I am just popping in for a minute.the new violists name is
      Linda Leccese,and the new lady on the flute is Liset Pennings.

      Regards.
      Philip from South Africa
      Reply to this
      1. November 22, 2011 Moderator Norma wrote:
        Hi Philip,

        Thank you so much for this information. We will pass these names on to Bill. Hope to see more of you on the blog.

        Reply to this
      2. November 23, 2011 WebMaster Sally wrote:
        Thank You for this information Philip!
        Reply to this
  • November 22, 2011 Ruba wrote:
    Dear Gary thank you very much for reporting this , and thanks for sharing the beautiful photos , it was nice to tag people in those pictures , I love Manoe and I was wondered what is her name Excuse me, I'm Arab and I don't speak English very well … but I love you all and adore your music … My Facebook friend just post a link attached your beautiful website .. It's very interesting..
    God bless you all and wish you a happy thanksgiving day...
    Here I come all the way across paths, seas & fields to wish all of you my wonderful "Andre" friends a happy Thanksgiving day …

    Love from Jordan
    Reply to this
    1. November 22, 2011 Marlene Warren wrote:
      Thank you Gary for the nice report on the concert. The pictures are great,.
      of course.
      Ruba, you are very nice and Thanks for the Happy Thanksgiving wish! It's one of my favorite holidays here in America...there's always so much to be thankful for. Special friendships are something to be thankful for too, and like you, we have so many here on this blog that are special in every way.
      Reply to this
  • November 22, 2011 steve welch wrote:
    If you need any help Bill with names let me know.
    Reply to this
    1. November 22, 2011 Moderator Bill AZ wrote:
      Steve,

      There is a new violinist.  + a new Flute musician sitting in the place normally occupied by Nathalie Bolle.  If you can come up with a name, EVERYONE would really appreciate it.

      For everyones benefit, Steve is probably the person that BEST KNOWS the names of all the JSO musicians.

      I've just finished identifying all the musicians in each & every photo.  I put a ?? around the faces in the photos that are unknown to me.

      Reply to this
      1. November 22, 2011 Gary M Bourret wrote:
        Hi Bill,
        You really did super attaching names to
        faces. The unknown violinist in photo #
        282 is Els Mercken with the BIG smile.
        The unknown female violinist is in photo
        #283 & 298. I did not scan the crowd like usual but Carolyn said the Arena was about 85-90% full. The attendees gave numerous standing ovations. The
        Blue Danube waltzers were very scarce
        compared to 9-10 previous Andre Rieu concerts we have attended. At this concert we were in the second row center
        section which gave Carolyn a GREAT view
        of Marcel Falize-one of her favorites.
        And, Marcel may have performed a pre-
        Thanksgiving stunt by dropping a Drumstick.
        Reply to this
        1. November 26, 2011 steve welch wrote:
          Gary, thanks for great photos. Are you sure it was Luca you saw, didnt know he was back with Andre.
          Reply to this
          1. December 2, 2011 Gary M. Bourret wrote:
            I may have confused Luca with Vincenzo.
            Several photos show Vincenzo and that is
            who I saw wandering about. Unless they
            are one and the same person.
            Reply to this
            1. December 3, 2011 Moderator Bill AZ wrote:
              Luca is no longer with the JSO.  You must have seen Vincenzo.  They are entirely 2 different people.
              Reply to this
              1. December 8, 2011 Gary Bourret wrote:
                Must be Vicenzo. He is violinist that
                sits left of Giedre. That is who I saw
                three different times in street clothes.
                Not sure what he was looking for - food,
                beer? You don't have a photo of Luca or
                Vicenzo on your special Attach Names to
                Faces page. Thanks!!
                Reply to this
  • November 22, 2011 Josephine wrote:
    Hi Gary. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with us.
    I do hope Mirusia is soon feeling better
    Hi RUBA I love Manoe too. She is so talented and always looks very happy and friendly
    Lots of love xxxxxxx
    Reply to this
  • November 22, 2011 Mary wrote:
    Gary
    Thank you for the lovely photos and all your hard work. It is very special!
    Love
    Mary (South Africa)
    Reply to this
  • November 22, 2011 Gary M Bourret wrote:
    In case someone is wondering M&G refers
    to MEET & GREET. Also, the three JSO ladies that passed through the crowd at
    Consol Energy Center were Linda Custers,
    Sanne Mestrom and Anna Reker. All are
    very tall with long blond hair.
    Reply to this
    1. November 22, 2011 Moderator Bill AZ wrote:
      I have a constructive suggestion for you Gary, & for everyone else.

      BUY a program before the concert begins.  It costs $20.00 however the photos in the program are well worth the money.  The program includes a printed insert which includes the music that will be played that evening.

      I make notes on the printed insert to include the songs sung by the Platin Tenors & Soprano Soloists.  That way when I get home I KNOW who sang which numbers AND I have a complete list of all the music played.

      BUY A PROGRAM, before the concert begins.  At least here in Phoenix, the programs are only sold near the door you enter when you are being checked out by security.  I've never seen ushers coming around after being seated offering to sell programs.  That is something André should have the ushers doing before the concert begin.



      Reply to this
      1. November 22, 2011 Gary M Bourret wrote:
        I wasn't committed to writing a report on this concert but since we had great
        seats and intended to take numerous photos decided to do a written report too. The lady next to us shared her program with us. Was concentrating on
        getting a DVD player to Mirusia and
        stressing whether security would cause a
        big fuss. Turned out okay. Was dismayed
        by Mirusia's health problem after seeing
        her up close prior to make-up. She is a
        tough trooper and lovely spirit.
        Reply to this
  • November 22, 2011 Dorothy Laigle wrote:
    Dear Gary, Thank you very much for the great photos. My daughter, granddaughter and I were present at the concert in Pittsburgh. Your photos are super. My daughter and her daughter had taken photos. At work, they haven't set them up on the computer. Again thank you and my best wishes. Dorothy
    Reply to this
  • November 22, 2011 Fay Roberts wrote:
    Thank you Gary I am always hungry for news of Andre' & His doings, so exciting, I fancy you enjoyed yourself, I tried that bit of writing on my program but it did not work for me, last time He was in Sydney I was just so involved with what went on, on the stage, & then your head & heart are so full to overflowing, so thanks for you report & photos;
    Reply to this
  • November 22, 2011 Deirdre Kruger wrote:
    Thank you Gary for sharing your concert experience with us! Truly love the photos!!
    Deirdré (South Africa)
    Reply to this
  • November 22, 2011 Moderator Jeanine Ann wrote:
    Hi Gary, thank you so very much for your photos from Pittsburgh! That is across the State from where I live. Your photos are just great!! Thank you Bill for putting the report on for us. Big hugs
    Reply to this
  • November 23, 2011 Reuben Simpson wrote:
    That was a neat concert report, thanks for sharing!
    Reply to this
    1. November 23, 2011 Moderator Bill AZ wrote:
      GIEDRE (Violin), 

      I just added an up close & personal photo of Giedre , that Gary took back in October.

      Thanks Gary for the eye candy.

      Reply to this
  • November 23, 2011 Terry Ernest wrote:
    Hello everyone.... especially Bill, I have be away and missed all the wonderful comments and pictures, which I haven't seen the latest yet...where are they?
    Bill, I still watch Silvester Punsch almost every nite, among others. Can't get enough of that wonderful music.
    A special thank to you dear friend. You are #1 in my book.
    Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
    Terry the french gal who loves the most, "the Blue Danube" . Did you know there are french lyrics to that waltz?

    Terry
    Reply to this
    1. November 23, 2011 Moderator Bill AZ wrote:
      Terry,  look near the top of the concert report, you will see the word HERE.   Click on the link which will take you to the photos

      Reply to this
  • December 2, 2011 Josephine wrote:
    Hi Gary Thank you very much for your report and pictures. I love the way you have named everyone. I wondered if maybe it was Bela who wrote on our blog earlier about the meet and greet mainly because when I was in Maastricht this year I saw him out and about a bit so thought maybe he didn't mind meeting the public. Thanks again xx
    Reply to this
  • December 8, 2011 Josephine wrote:
    Hi dear friends. Woo it has been rough herein UK tonight. We have had a power cut for 4 hrs. Went to bed to keep warm so just got up again to check what my favourite people are up to

    Looked on Andre's site as well and we are sooo lucky. His Gorgeousness is on Sky loads over Christmas. I am particularly looking forward to Christmas Eve as its 'Gala Concert' which I haven't had the delight of seeing. On it are some wonderful pieces that I have only seen snippets of on you tube, including Dark Eyes, Red Rose Cafe and Clogdance

    Oh well dear people I had better go to bed proper now and get some beauty sleep. One never knows you may come knocking on ones door tomorrow !!!!!
    Lots of love xxxxxxxx
    Reply to this
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