Let's Get To Know - Kerstin Cornelis
PR, Press & Tour
manager
KERSTIN CORNELIS
“RESPECT, INSPIRATION AND SELF DISCIPLINE ARE INGREDIENTS FOR A SUCCESS FORMULA”
“RESPECT, INSPIRATION AND SELF DISCIPLINE ARE INGREDIENTS FOR A SUCCESS FORMULA”
It was Kerstin’s dream to become a sports lecturer.
Because of back problems she had to give up her dream, but since then she
‘landed with her butt in butter’, a Flemish expression for being extremely
lucky, when André saw her worth in gold.
“After completing my studies in PR and Tourism in
Brussels I was employed as a tour manager at “Up with People” in America. After
I met my husband I decided to end my career but soon got the jitters to start
working again. At the Labour Bureau in Maastricht I saw the following: Tour
manager for a well-known South Limburg artist. I had no idea who it was. The
vacancy seemed to be filled, but I never the less left my application at the
desk. I was still on my way home when I received a telephone call. Apparently it
wasn’t easy for André to find a suitable right-hand and administrator. One of
the co-workers asked me afterward if he remembered my name when we were
introduced. I was the third person in a short period of time who had to arrange
the promotions, tours and travel arrangements. Over and above that I was also
responsible for the press and logistics of all tours. I have to check all the
hotels, sometimes even a year ahead of time. Only then I do the promotion, but
in America for example we had a bad experience. André decided to do the
promotion himself. When he announced his concerts on the TV-specials of PBS,
Public Broadcasting Service with “Waltz To Your Phone” his popularity was
overwhelming. Even world famous stars such as Sir Anthony Hopkins and Whoopi
Goldberg approached him; a friendship and mutual co-operation developed.
The concept of André Rieu Productions grows and
changes each day, it is never static. There must always be room for improvement
but it must be practical in order to make changes. Each link in this huge and
complex industry is important. If one section or function does not operate
properly, the whole organisation will fail. Everybody is aware of this fact.
Respect, inspiration and self-discipline are the ingredients for the success of
Rieu and his organisation. Rieu doesn’t have to replace anybody. We are all
motivated.
The period after the birth of my daughter in 2008
was hectic. Shortly after her birth we toured Australia for five weeks. While on
tour I usually work for 16 hours per day. Luckily for me I have an excellent
friend and Nanny. I will never forget the concert in Melbourne where I had to
feed my 10 week old baby with 38,000 enthusiastic fans in the background. I
spend more time with Rieu and the orchestra than with my own husband, I live my
dream.”
Kerstin Cornelis was born in 1967 in Dendermonde
(in Brussels), she is married and has two stepsons, Justin and Quentin, and also
has a little daughter, Ayko, Japanese for “little girl of love”. Kerstin loves
music but sings, according to her, very off key.
Thanks to Deirdre for the translation from Andre Rieu Magazine
Thanks to Deirdre for the translation from Andre Rieu Magazine
Thanks for the interesting article. Kerstin must be a good right man, as they say. She holds an extremely hard and trying position. I wish her much luck and success.
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thankyou for this info on Kerstin. I met her in Adelaide twice and saw the DVD of her with Ayko at the zoo with André when he used that 'f' 4 letter word in connection with the koala.your mother would have washed your mouth out with soap in front of a baby-fortunately too young to repeat it!!Libby aka HRH EIII
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Thanks Deirdre for the translation of this awesome article.
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Thank you Jeanine Ann and Deirdre, what a wonderful insight Kerstin and her very important job. How she must miss her hubby and family. Hugs and Luv Ruth
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Thanks Dierdre for this translation. I haven't yet received my magazine, but look for it everyday.
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So true MARLENE,Without LOVE this beautiful organisation would not have been a success! LOVE MAKES THE WORLD GO ROUND AND ANDRE IS LOVE!!!
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