Let's Get To Know Stéphanie Detry



 
 
LET’S MEET THE PIANIST STÉPHANIE DETRY

The piano always was Stéphanie’s first love, since her childhood she had a passion for this instrument. The violin was her second choice. But both instruments play a very important role in her life. The one gave her the other.

“André is so engrossed and charismatic, he dances and you dance too”

“After I finished my studies at the conservatorium in Luik I was very pleased to join André as violinist. The piano is a solo instrument. It is seldom included in an orchestra. I played the violin for many years and it gave me great pleasure. When the pianist left and André asked me if I wanted to take his place, it felt as if I came home; the piano is my true talent. Although I nowadays barely touch my violin, I am eternally grateful to the instrument. It opened a door for me and enabled me to play with André and his phenomenal orchestra. The concert wing has a specific role; it is one of the pillars and just as the drums, brass and bass section it is undeniably fundamental.
 
 


While on tour the piano is tuned before each concert. Transportation affects the purity of the instrument. Because of the complex logistics I have three pianos that are often at different places in the world. I am much more in the spotlight with my piano than with my violin. This can be very stressful. I know the complete score of ‘Ballade pour Adeline’ by heart, yet I am still nervous when I play. I always try to improve on my technique but I also try to improve myself as a musician. As a person I have grown and gained more life experience, this is visible when I play.

 

I live in two different worlds, when I am on tour and when I am back home. At times this can be difficult. But the price I am paying is still relatively small. I believe that I am valued; music is a universal language, it moves you. When we depart, traveling to another country, we leave something behind. We have opened some hearts and united the people with one another. It is a privilege to have been a part of it. Sometimes during a concert it feels as if I am elevated, then I see us sitting on stage in a strange faraway country, where we are making thousands of people happy with our music. It is not real, but at times it makes me feel extremely happy. André is the spindle, the motor and the soul. His life has an influence on your life. He never seems to tire, he is so engrossed and charismatic, he dances and you dance too.”

Stéphanie Detry was born in 1973 in Luik. In her daily life she is very modest and serene. On stage she allows us to see another facet of her personality. She is an avid photographer and makes photo diaries of her life on tour.

    
     Photo taken at Wilkes-Barre, Pa Concert by Jeanine Ann


Thank you Deirdré for the translation

Posted by Moderator Jeanine Ann at February 19, 2012
Categories: Special Entry, ANDRE RIEU, JSO Choir - Orchestra
 
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  • February 19, 2012 Steve Williams wrote:
    Stephanie is another brilliant member of the JSO, one day, maybe, just one day I will be able to say 'Hello' and tell her how good I think she is !
    clip of Stephanie in 'swills9' You Tube page: Koln Jan 2011
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  • February 19, 2012 Fay Roberts wrote:
    Thank you Deirdre for that translation also Jeanine Ann for the photos I especially like the first one with Andre' superimpossed , also the little funny bits that Stephanie does at times she has a great talent, I also love the statement of Andre' being " The Spindle, Motor & Soul", how true is that eh????
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  • February 19, 2012 Dorothy wrote:
    Thanks Jeanine Ann , I really liked your article on Stephanie . I always wondered how she felt playing the piano, which she does very well. She seems to be set apart from the orchestra at her position. She is very attractive. with love.
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  • February 19, 2012 Bill in Arizona wrote:
    Thank you Deirdré for the translation

    Thank you Jeanine Ann , for the photos.  I especially like the photo of Stéphanie, just being herself. This photo is now the lead in the photo website, & is included in Stéphanie's set of photos.  

    Your photo will be the first one everyone sees when they go to the photo website or go looking for Stéphanie photo set.  And IF people follow instructions under the photo they will be able to see Stéphanie LIFE SIZE , a photo that is as sharp as a razor.

    Jeanine Ann, the photo you took of Stéphanie is better than the lead photo of this article, IMO. 

    Topics like this are what make this website so interesting,

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  • February 19, 2012 Marlene Warren wrote:
    Thank you Dierdre for translating this article. I enjoyed reading about Stephanie and I really enjoyed her words. 
     
    I must say that the JSO is an incredible group of people, unique, happy and talented of course. We hear their music and it comes across so beautifully, and one of the reasons is because they are all so full of love...for the music, for their comrades, for their families, their jobs, and of course for Andre. 
     
    Thank you Stephanie for your enjoyable words, you truly sound like someone who loves what they do and who they are!

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  • February 19, 2012 Cheryll wrote:
    Brilliant and lovely photos, thanks Deirdre , your translating is awesome.
    Reply to this
  • February 20, 2012 Eve wrote:
    MY SWEETS, THANK YOU

    FOR photo and translation!
    I knew quite a lot about ANDRE but very little about the JSO. These articles take me closer to these wonderful performers. It's interesting to know how each and every one perfectly fits into that beautiful family of musicians.
    Oh, yes, they leave something behind when traveling, they open hearts and bring people together! So true!

    Thank you JEANINE ANN & DEIRDRE!

    Love you, my darlings,
    Eve
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  • February 20, 2012 Gary M. Bourret wrote:
    Great article! Stephanie is unique. Loved her performance of Ballade Pour Adeline last year. We do worry about Stephanie missing her landing spot(piano bench) during JSO closing music where Stephanie is jumping up and spinning around during certain lively
    numbers. What country was she born in
    and is she married/have a family?
    Reply to this
  • February 20, 2012 Ruth wrote:
    Thank you Jeanine Ann, this is lovely to read. Hugs and Luv Ruth
    Reply to this
  • February 20, 2012 Philip wrote:
    I hope that Stephanie reads these comments
    and know how much we love and appreciate her, and what an integral part in the orchestra she plays,she has a very unique,magical almost mystical way of playing the piano,I believe she has reached the pinnacle of her music,her playing is very pleasant and easy on the ears.Well done Stephanie.Buckets of love and hugs for you.
    Philip
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  • February 21, 2012 kerry wrote:
    She's born in Belgium, she lives in Belgium, she's not married and has no kids or something.
    GO GET HER, TIGER!
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    1. February 21, 2012 Moderator Norma wrote:
      Thank you for this information Kerry. You are one of our walking André/JSO Encyclopedias! Ha-ha I love the last bit: 'Go get her tiger!' Love and hugs, Norma xxxx
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  • February 21, 2012 kerry wrote:
    Oh lordy, actually that pic isn't very flattering, makes her look older than she normally does. I am guessing it was taken after she had her make up done officially, for a tv recording or dvd concert or something. They always bring in make up artists for occasions like that, I have noticed before that the make up is not the most flattering then.
    Just let these women sort themselves out and they look best, but of course, that is just an opinion
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    1. February 21, 2012 Moderator Jeanine Ann wrote:
      Hi Kerry, actually I think Stephanie looks very sweet in this photograph.  Makeup is not the person, it only covers physical faults or enhances eyes, etc.  The true person is inside and I think that is revealed no matter what kind of makeup you are wearing of none at all.  Thanks for your opinion.  Hugs

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  • February 21, 2012 Marianne. wrote:
    GREAT STUFF Deirdre, as usual!!! A gold star on your forehead, and a HUGE (FEMALE) BEAR HUG TO YOU!!!
    LOVIES XXXXXXXXXXX
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  • February 21, 2012 Maureen Hunter wrote:
    hello Deirdre and thanks again for the dedicated work in translating for us. However much we know{ or think we know} enough is NEVER enough!!... always longing for more... more. What an incredible human being Andre is. We all need our daily dose of him and his music. I only hope his health continues to improve and stays that way.The thought of not ever having dear Andre giving concerts dosent bear thinking about. On a brighter note I hope is well and happy...Love maureen H xx
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