Latest news with #AndréRieu
Irish Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Regaled by admirers, reviled by critics: A glimpse inside the André Rieu musical extravaganza
As the evening sun dips behind Maastricht's medieval spires, this summer evening ignites. Once the signature Entry of the Gladiators begins, all eyes turn towards André Rieu and his troupe of Disney princesses at the top of Vrijthof Square. This annual extravaganza, set against the towering Romanesque Basilica of St Sevatius and Gothic St John's that dominate the square, draws thousands of devoted fans from across the globe. But who is this mulleted maestro regaled by admirers and reviled by critics? Rieu was born and raised in Maastricht, his father also a renowned conductor. Rieu jnr was immersed in the world of classical music from his early years; opera houses became his playgrounds and by age five, he could already play the violin. Yet even then, he was unimpressed by the ambience of such rarified cultural shrines. READ MORE 'I remember loving the music,' he recalls. But the atmosphere was so 'snobbish and deathly boring'. And so, alongside his Johann Strauss Orchestra, he has taken a different and at times controversial approach to orchestration, arrangements and staging of classical standards. For those who cannot grasp the idea of symphonic music as fun, you've yet to witness a Maastricht Rieu special: the occasion – and it sure is that – unfolds in ever more elaborate episodes. One moment, you're seduced by 17-year-old Emma Kok's compelling rendition of Voilà and the next, swept along with what seems like an army of octogenarians tearing into the Macarena – led by none other than Los del Rio themselves. Among this lively Macarena mob is Majella from Trim, Co Meath. She is far from a Rieu rookie and knows exactly what to expect; this year, she decided to drag along her husband and two teenage children for the Maastricht pilgrimage. While sceptical at first, by the night's end, they were won over, admitting it was far from their expectation of that musical genre. [ André Rieu lobbied Ursula von der Leyen for €15m to stage world tour Opens in new window ] In part, their surprise could likely be chalked up to this year's special addition: the striptease skit featuring a blacksmith, briefly stealing the limelight from Rieu. The razzmatazz makes Rieu's performances feel a world away from the classical canon, a showbiz approach that has no shortage of critics who remain unimpressed. He has been branded the king of smaltz and McDonald's of Mozart for a presentation that has succeeded in broadening an audience by way of contentious packaging. But his interpretation of that prolific genius has produced yet another following – one that critic Karen Brooks claims the tradition has long sought to exclude. Accusations of crass commercialism do not faze Rieu or his wedded waltzers, who enjoy the adoration of millions worldwide. They will not claim to be custodians of the classical canon, but they know what they like. And what this nightly crowd in Maastricht want is the local boy made good, who lives locally in his 16th century Renaissance castle. One such devoted admirer is Cindy from Tennessee, who is attending her 24th Rieu concert. Despite claiming to be the least 'groupie' person on the planet, she admits to a soft spot for Rieu. . This year she's making the long trip alone as her husband is 'Rieued out'. And determined to make her journey worthwhile, she is spending the entire month in Maastricht to attend all 12 nights of the July concerts. Another couple, Judie and Jeff from Adelaide, are excited to see Rieu perform in his home town. They attended his 2008 Australian tour, which featured an ice rink and a horse-drawn golden carriage, but admit it falls short of the Maastricht magic. For 20 years, Rieu's July concerts have showcased a musical magnetism that never fails to thrill: whether you're a rookie or sceptic, denying his appeal fails to take account of that talent, charm and savvy commercial acumen. Purists will take a dim view, but while they cling to tradition, the magic is in celebration – fun, fiery and unmistakably alive. Is it an occasion of cultural piety? Perhaps not, but it certainly makes for one hell of a night.
Toronto Star
18-07-2025
- Toronto Star
I'm a perfectionist planner. My husband is not. For our 25th anniversary, we took a whirlwind trip to Italy with a bare-bones itinerary
On a sun-drenched April afternoon in the hilltop town of Cortona, my husband, David, and I are sitting, pistachio gelato in hand, on a wooden bench just off the piazza that Dutch violinist André Rieu dubbed Italy's most romantic square. We're overlooking the 13th-century town hall, which evokes a castle with its balcony and bell tower. From the grand stone staircase of Piazza della Repubblica, generations of newlyweds have started lives, descending into the heart of this ancient walled city.
Hamilton Spectator
18-07-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
I'm a perfectionist planner. My husband is not. For our 25th anniversary, we took a whirlwind trip to Italy with a bare-bones itinerary
On a sun-drenched April afternoon in the hilltop town of Cortona, my husband, David, and I are sitting, pistachio gelato in hand, on a wooden bench just off the piazza that Dutch violinist André Rieu dubbed Italy's most romantic square. We're overlooking the 13th-century town hall, which evokes a castle with its balcony and bell tower. From the grand stone staircase of Piazza della Repubblica, generations of newlyweds have started lives, descending into the heart of this ancient walled city. 'This is what it's all about,' David says as we watch the scene unfold. His words settle something inside me. We're in Italy on a whirlwind trip to mark our 25th wedding anniversary, and for once, I have no itinerary. It's thrilling. The writer and her husband on their wedding day, 25 years ago. The approach of our milestone anniversary was a keen reminder that time prioritizes no one — but I should. Especially this relationship, which has given life such shape. The mindset shift made me, usually the perfectionist planner, take stock. Could we show up in Tuscany and Rome and wing it? Hardly. But orchestrating everything and trying to do it all? Exhausting. So I surprised myself and my easygoing husband by sketching out the most bare-bones plan, with only glancing nods to some must-sees, and many days left wide open. Our skimpy planning allows for serendipity. That's how we find ourselves stopping to explore when a town, thermal spring or enchanting view catches our whim, slowing down as we zip through Val d'Orcia in a rental car. Filled with fields, farmhouses and stands of cypress trees, the Tuscan countryside is so idyllic that the movie 'Gladiator' used it to portray heaven: General Maximus's Spanish home. The beautiful countryside of Val d'Orcia, in southern Tuscany. In Cinque Terre, in Italy's northwest, it's raining steadily as our ferry docks in Vernazza, the fourth of five centuries-old fishing villages located, improbably, in the cliffs. The downpour splashes over café umbrellas, deserted patios and gozzo boats. The weather may not be perfect, but I'm still smiling. I beam at David. Come what may, we're in this together. We grab hands, spurred by playful spontaneity, and dash for refuge inside a 13th-century Catholic church, Santa Margherita d'Antiochia, rising at Vernazza's edge. Candlelight flickers on weathered walls, the darkened stone interior redolent of the Ligurian Sea. In glorious Florence, the city's beauty astounds us in the open-air statues, in squares and museums, and at Ponte Vecchio, the bridge spanning the Arno River. But David and I don't need monumental sights to be happy. Our favourite memories on this trip are of lingering in trattorias, getting lost, and eating decadent cake — lemon, chocolate, hazelnut — at hotel breakfasts (it's an Italian thing!). I sometimes forget we've abandoned an itinerary. Our days feel full, even if we're just relaxing on a marble ledge in a town square or chatting with a friendly shopkeeper. It's more than OK to be here doing 'nothing' together. Away from home, we're reminded of who we are at our core, beyond the busy working parents who've raised three kids. We're still the people we once were. And also the people we've become. In the last quarter-century, there have been babies born, a house bought, a mortgage paid off, a blur of swim lessons, graduations and greying temples that suddenly put us on the other side of 50. Not young, but young at heart. Left: Shelley Cameron-McCarron and her husband, David, in Cinque Terre. Right: The writer taking in Rome's Colosseum. As we travel from the Sistine Chapel to Siena's shell-shaped main square, where bareback jockeys famously dash for glory, I feel we're chasing ghosts, flashes of our former selves. I remember us as hopeful newlyweds, giddy with excitement, with little cash but huge chutzpah fuelling our dreams. In Montepulciano, Tuscany, we stay at Borgo San Vincenzo, a historic farmstead turned boutique hotel set among the vineyards. One night, over hand-rolled pici al ragu in the outdoor pergola, in the soft glow of the sinking sun, I feel both present and lost in yesteryear. We're not just celebrating 25 years but all the moments in between. 'What's been your favourite experience?' I ask. David's answer echoes mine. 'Time with you.'
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cinema concert of famous violinist coming to County Durham and Darlington
Violinist André Rieu's annual Maastricht concert is set to light up cinemas in County Durham and Darlington. Waltz the Night Away will be screened in more than 600 cinemas across the UK, including ODEON Luxe in Durham, Gala Theatre, and Vue in Darlington, bringing the magic of the Dutch violinist's world-famous show to the big screen. Maastricht's Vrijthof Square will once again be transformed into a glittering open-air ballroom, marking 25 years since Mr Rieu began performing there with his Johann Strauss Orchestra. Mr Rieu said: "The Vrijthof is a very special place for me. I grew up in Maastricht, my heart beats here. The annual Maastricht concert (Image: Andre Rieu Productions) "These concerts are a great celebration every year – for my city, for my orchestra and for fans from all over the world. "I'm really looking forward to sharing unforgettable evenings full of music and joy with you in cinemas around the world." Up to 150,000 fans are expected to gather in Maastricht for the live performance, while audiences across the UK will be able to enjoy the concert from the comfort of their nearest cinema. The programme will feature a selection of timeless melodies and waltzes, including the Beautiful Blue Danube by Johann Strauss II, Radetzkymarch by Johann Strauss I, and a heartfelt rendition of Elvis Presley's Can't Help Falling in Love. READ MORE: Meet the Darlington hospital consultant who runs as a dolphin to protect the ocean Campaign calls on public to help protect North East coastline County Durham school is rewarded for excelling in national walking initiative This year's concert will also feature special guest Emma Kok, the young Dutch singer who first impressed Mr Rieu at age 15 with her performance of Voilà on The Voice Kids. Classic FM and Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte Hawkins will provide exclusive backstage access and an interview with Mr Rieu, available only to cinemagoers. The concert, also to be shown at Vue Hartlepool, will be screened in the UK for one weekend only, on August 30 and 31, with select encore screenings to follow. Tickets are on sale now at
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
André Rieu's 2025 concert to be screened in Bournemouth cinema
André Rieu's 2025 Maastricht concert will be broadcast in more than 600 UK cinemas, including one in Bournemouth.. The performances on Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31 will feature the violinist and his orchestra in Vrijthof Square, Maastricht. Highlights will include The Blue Danube waltz and Can't Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley. Rieu will be joined by special guests, including The Voice Kids star Emma Kok. André Rieu's 2025 Maastricht concert to screen in 600+ UK cinemas (Image: Marcel van Hoorn) Rieu said: "The Vrijthof is a very special place for me. "I grew up in Maastricht, my heart beats here. "These concerts are a great celebration every year - for my city, for my orchestra and for fans from all over the world. "I'm really looking forward to sharing unforgettable evenings full of music and joy with you in cinemas around the world." Charlotte Hawkins from Classic FM will provide backstage access and an interview with Rieu for cinema audiences. The concerts mark 20 years of André Rieu's Vrijthof Square performances, which attract nearly 150,000 people each year. The cinema screening is presented by Piece of Magic Entertainment. The company specialises in theatrical distribution of documentaries, feature films, anime, live gaming events and concerts. For more information on the screenings and to book tickets, visit
