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Irish Times
3 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.
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
Glasgow Times
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
André Rieu to perform at Glasgow OVO Hydro - here's when
The globally-renowned musician, who is best known for creating the waltz-playing Johann Strauss Orchestra, will be performing at the West End venue on September 10, 2026. READ NEXT: André Rieu talks love affair with Scotland ahead of Glasgow gig (Image: Image by Janita Sassen) It comes after Rieu performed in the city earlier this year on April 5. The Glasgow Times previously reported that one-hit wonders Los del Río took joined Rieu during the city show. The Spanish band, who rose to fame in the 90s with their hit Macarena, delighted the audience with a performance of their classic track. READ NEXT: 90s one-hit wonders surprise Hydro audience at André Rieu show Tickets for the upcoming city show will go live on June 6 at 12pm. To purchase tickets, click HERE OVO Live will be running a pre-sale on June 4 at 12pm. To sign up, visit
Gulf Insider
15-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Insider
Bahrain: House Full, A Magical Night With André Rieu at Beyond Al Dana Amphitheater
The Beyond Al Dana Amphitheater was transformed into a mesmerizing spectacle as world-renowned violinist André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra brought an unforgettable night of music, dance, and emotion to Bahrain. The much-anticipated event was a sold-out success, drawing music lovers from across the region, including Saudi Arabia. In a special tribute to Valentine's Day, this year's concert featured an extraordinary addition—a breathtaking performance by 300 dancers from the Maastricht Dance Company. Their elegant movements added a touch of romance and grandeur, making the evening even more magical. The show opened in true André Rieu fashion, with a grand entrance by the maestro himself, accompanied by his orchestra of more than 30 international soloists representing various countries. From the very first note, the audience was captivated, swaying between moments of joy and deep emotion as the music dictated the mood. Adding a local touch to the international spectacle, Bahraini artist Faisal Al Ansari took the stage for a special collaboration with André Rieu and his team. His performance resonated with the audience, making it a truly memorable highlight of the night. As the concert reached its peak, the 300 dancers took center stage, joining in a breathtaking display of movement and rhythm. The open-air theater, bathed in moonlight, came alive with a dazzling interplay of music, lights, and energy. The audience couldn't help but be swept away by the magic, moving to the beats and celebrating a night of pure artistic brilliance. For many, this concert was more than just a performance—it was an unforgettable experience. Citizens, residents, and visitors from neighboring countries came together to witness a once-in-a-lifetime event that blended classical music with the beauty of dance, leaving a lasting imprint on Bahrain's cultural landscape.
Daily Tribune
15-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Tribune
House Full : A Magical Night with André Rieu at Beyond Al Dana Amphitheater
The Beyond Al Dana Amphitheater was transformed into a mesmerizing spectacle as world-renowned violinist André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra brought an unforgettable night of music, dance, and emotion to Bahrain. The much-anticipated event was a sold-out success, drawing music lovers from across the region, including Saudi Arabia. In a special tribute to Valentine's Day, this year's concert featured an extraordinary addition—a breathtaking performance by 300 dancers from the Maastricht Dance Company. Their elegant movements added a touch of romance and grandeur, making the evening even more magical. The show opened in true André Rieu fashion, with a grand entrance by the maestro himself, accompanied by his orchestra of more than 30 international soloists representing various countries. From the very first note, the audience was captivated, swaying between moments of joy and deep emotion as the music dictated the mood. Adding a local touch to the international spectacle, Bahraini artist Faisal Al Ansari took the stage for a special collaboration with André Rieu and his team. His performance resonated with the audience, making it a truly memorable highlight of the night. As the concert reached its peak, the 300 dancers took center stage, joining in a breathtaking display of movement and rhythm. The open-air theater, bathed in moonlight, came alive with a dazzling interplay of music, lights, and energy. The audience couldn't help but be swept away by the magic, moving to the beats and celebrating a night of pure artistic brilliance. For many, this concert was more than just a performance—it was an unforgettable experience. Citizens, residents, and visitors from neighboring countries came together to witness a once-in-a-lifetime event that blended classical music with the beauty of dance, leaving a lasting imprint on Bahrain's cultural landscape.
