Andre Rieu Australian Promotional Tour
ANDRÉ RIEU
ANNOUNCES AUSTRALIAN PROMOTIONAL TOUR
Acclaimed violinist, André Rieu is very excited to be making his first ever trip to Australia in September. André will be undertaking a heavy schedule of interviews and TV appearances in Sydney (September 19 & 20) and Melbourne (September 21) to promote his amazing recordings and to announce his first ever Australian Tour with his orchestra, scheduled to take place in 2008.
What an outstanding year it has been for André here in Australia! From a relative unknown with a small yet loyal following to one encompassing women across the country meeting for morning tea to talk about 57-year-old pin up boy, André Rieu’s fan base knows no bounds!
The amazing success of his recordings – with some 250,000 sold in the last twelve months alone – coupled with regular television broadcasts of his concerts, in particular on the Ovation channel (a virtual André Rieu destination these days), has led to record – and unprecedented – entries in the ARIA charts.
"André’s success in Australia is unmatched in chart history. The domination of the Australian DVD chart is an absolute phenomenon in terms of sales. The pure artistry and popular appeal of André is what makes each DVD such a compelling experience," says Universal Music Australia Manager Director, George Ash.
Radio switchboards jam every time they played a Rieu record. Retailers around the country are drawing up petitions for André to tour Australia. And the people have voted with their shopping dollars.
The result - that all 9 of his DVDs have stormed their way into the Top 40 ARIA DVD charts and stayed there for three consecutive weeks (weeks commencing July 30 - August 13).
On August 6 this year, André commanded a record SIX of the ARIA Top 10 positions in the charts!
But who is André Rieu…? Before he completed his studies at the music academy in Brussels with honours (Premier Prix) in 1977, he had briefly considered not becoming a professional musician and had planned instead to open a small pizza bakery together with his wife in their native Maastricht. But nothing came of their plans. So in his late twenties he accepted a full-time job with a symphony, but starting in 1978 he also started played first violin in a salon orchestra. At first this was nothing more than a hobby. Soon, however, the quintet made a name for itself beyond the most south-western province of the Netherlands. "When we played Franz Lehár’s Gold and Silver, I felt as if a new world opened up to me.
I was immediately enthralled with the beat that many years later would more or less become the rhythm of my life: the waltz," recalls the 57-year-old today.
After nearly ten years with the salon orchestra André Rieu wanted to take it a step further. "I never sat at home and waited to see if perhaps someday and somehow happiness or success would come to me in order to then start complaining when neither came knocking. I’ve always gone out in search of my happiness," Rieu revealed in his biography ("My Music, My Life").
Since 1994, he has released a staggering 19 albums (available on CD and DVD), he has sold in excess of 23 million CDs and DVDs worldwide. His most recent release, New York Memories (October 2006) has already achieved Double platinum status on DVD here in Australia. In the last 9 months, André Rieu has performed over 100 concerts across the world, touring extensively across the US and Europe.
The atmosphere at one of his concerts, complete with lavish costumes, is more like that of a pop concert. It is impossible to deny André Rieu his worldwide success, for the Dutch violinist and orchestra conductor has become not only an ambassador of light classical music, but first and foremost an internationally renowned star. Today he is known as the "Modern King of Waltz". One might equally dub him the "King of Romance".
Catch André Rieu on the promotional trail in
Sydney on September 19 and 20, and Melbourne Sept 21.
In tandem with this promotional tour, the Ovation channel will mount an
André Rieu week jam-packed with TV specials and premieres.
Upcoming André Rieu releases:
September 1 André Rieu On His Way to New York ( DVD)
September 8 Romance (DVD)
September 15 Love Around The World (DVD)
October 6 La Vie est belle (Life is Beautiful) CD and DVD
November 24 Wonderful World (working title) CD and DVD
Australia, you asked and he listened.We are all so happy for you. As Andre fans everywhere,we know what a treat you are in for.
Sally, thanks for this info.
The article refers to:
Catch André Rieu on the promotional trail in
Sydney on September 19 and 20, and Melbourne Sept 21.
Will there be any way we can view this promotional train?
Have a happy day
Joanne
Yippee! An official notice, roll on Sunday at Warringah Mall, it will be wonderful Faye Smith
CANT WAIT TO HAVE YOU IN OUR BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY WE ALL LOVE YOUR MUSIC AND BY THE WAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY ON THE 1ST OF OCTOBER THANKS FOR THE MUSIC MOIRA
I've been watching andrerieu.com for updates but as yet there aren't any.
Does anyone want to go to the Channel 9 studios in Sydney on 20th, We could all meet there, but it will be a very early start.
Andre's appearance at Eastlands, Melbourne is on Saturday Sep 22
I shall not be able to get to Eastlands on 22nd but do you know when the interview is on 21st September?
Margaret
Hi, Im from Geelong, and have no idea where Eastlands is. Could you help me please as I think I would get very brave and drive there if i knew where it was. Thanks. Jeanette.
I've noticed the Ovation interview with Andre(19th at 7pm) has been taken off the program, I rang Ovation and they would not give me a reason. So keep checking Ovation for any changes.
What a great article this is! Yes, I would say that Australia has caught the Andre Rieu spirit of happiness and beautiful music. As Shirley stated, Australia, you are in for a special treat!
I must say how happy I am with all of you who have shown how much Andre means to you and how excited you are having Andre and the JSO coming your way. Your efforts are being rewarded and you will always be the very first in the world with what has happened in your great country.
You can be proud with your incredible efforts. Please know how much this means to all Andre fans all over the world.
WHEN can we get some tickets for AUSTRALIA 2008?
I want front and centre, sorry, the rest of you can line up behind me. I'm Sooooo excited andre is finally coming here. YeeHaaarr robbie-S
Robbie we will all be there behind in front or beside you??? when are the tickets avaiable what states are the concerts,
Hi Mike, as far as I have heard Syd. Melb. and Adel.
Yes, we are all excited about André's visit. He gives me goose bumps. I'm already saving for my ticket.
Hear an interview with Andre tomorrow (WED) with Bob Rogers on 2CH after 9 am.
Cheers Robbie
I will be devastated if Brisbane misses out
Cathy
I would really like him to come to Brisbane also. But I am going to his concert where ever it is!!!
Hold on there!!! robbie-S. Let Seniors have a go first! You might (hopefully) still have a few dozen years ahead of you and once André has been here, he might just come back again and again. I might not have that chance. I hope you are in Sydney, we wouldn't clash then. On second thoughts, the seat next to front and centre are pretty good, too). If I can't afford it, I might borrow against my 80th birthday present. I just can't imagine where he is going to stage it. Sigrid F.
Yes Kate, I would love to meet up with you at Channel 9, what time do you suggest. I understand Andre will also be on David and Kim, Channel 10 Friday, talking to Alan Jones on radio 2GB Wed. 9.00am, 2CH 10.20 Wed., 12,noon ABC Radio Australia Fri, Radio 3AW 2.30 Friday. Faye
Hi Faye, gosh we are little collectors of information, amazing what we can rally. Ann and I will try and be at Channel 9 from 7am onwards.LOL should be fun and nice to meet up. How did you find all that out? Disappointed about the Ovation special.
Andre spreads PURE JOY with his music - just saw his brilliant talent on Ovation - heard he was Downunder on ABC radio this morning LIVE yeh ! - ...........unbelievable he has already left Sydney!
B.....! How about a return visit on the way home?
This is how the world should be my Father Tom Clayton spent a lifetime spreading joy for all around the piano!
So LOVE MUSIC SINGING LETTING GO AND ENJOYING LIFE - ANDRE IS JUST THE BEST THERE IS RIGHT NOW......
PLEASE come back SOOOOOOOOON......stay a while
why not a season at the Opera House on the harbour.......THANKS A MILLION from us all Downunder. So enjoyed seeing you on Ovation.
Am off the buy some CD's
BUT.............
there is NOTHING to come close to a LIVE PERFORMANCE THATS FOR SURE !
Happiness to all - Janelle
From the Eastland web site:
Members of the public will be treated to a very special appearance from highly acclaimed and internationally renowned Dutch violinist Andre Rieu at Eastland Shopping Centre on Saturday 22nd September from 12 noon to 1pm.
Where: Eastland Shopping Centre, Centre Stage, Level 1
When: Saturday 22nd September, 12 noon to 1pm
(Maybe after Andre leaves anyone from this list could meet for a coffee?)
Paul in Melbourne
Paul, this is the first time that i have been to this page, so i am very grateful to have read your information regarding Andre Rieu. I know that I will be definately at Ringwood Eastland Shopping Centre this saturday. Its such a pity that he has only 1hour. Though of course this is better than not seeing him at all. Its incredible to think that he is coming to our suburban centre. Can not wait to hear when his 2008 concert will be, i'm saving already. Don't know if i will be in the front row or rows, but hey just to be apart of the whole atmosphere will be mind blowing. Any way thanks for your information. Who knows we might get to say hi. Yeah i know hundreds of Andre fans and i'm thinking of a chance meeting. Well crazy things have happened. Lyn - Rowville Victoria
7am, that's a little early for me, I'll be there as soon as I can after that.
Universal Music has all the info re Andres' appearances.
I'm surprised about Ovation, as they were the ones that promoted Andre so well, he wouldn't be anywhere near as well known in this country if it wasn't for Ovation. Faye
Hi Faye, I can never get into universal music, it always says 'site under construction' what web address do you use.
The trip is long waited for, we will be there, when are ticket going on sale??? our country will welcome you with outstretched arms there is nothing likeyour concerts ALL THE BEST
Hi Mike: While we haven't heard about exact dates & ticket sales just yet, I expect that information to be released very soon.
I have purchased tickets up to 11 months in advance for concerts in the US. That is a long time to wait, and yet waiting & anticipation is part of the fun.
Please come back and tell us about the promotional tour.
This article is from Aug 31 and dates have changed a bit since then. The following is from a manager at the Eastland Mall.
We are delighted to have Andre Rieu appearing at Eastland Shopping Centre, Centre Stage Level 1, on Saturday
September 22nd at 12noon til 1pm. Andre will make a short appearance and will also sign albums for his fans for a limited time only.
Kind regards
I am all excited about Andre and his gang being in Australia in 2008. Now, who wants to pay my way to Australia next year to see Andre!!!!!!
Thankyou, thankyou. We are blessed to be having the opportunity to see Andre live, how about it Chris? Next year. I will find out when and where to book tickets.
Andre Rieu, you are very welcome in Australia. Great that you plan to come with the Johann Strauss orchestra. You give us a great time via the dvd's. Cannot meet in Warringah Mall, but look forward to 2008 Australian concert. All the best with planning. Willem
Andre Rieu, you are very welcome in Australia. Great that you plan to come with the Johann Strauss orchestra. You give us a great time via the dvd's. Cannot meet in Warringah Mall, but look forward to 2008 Australian concert. All the best with planning. Willem
I discovered Andre Rieu about a couple of months ago and let me tell you I am so excited that he is in Australia can't wait to check out all the interviews and venues where I might catch a glimpse of him in the flesh. I am forever checking the Ovation Channel to see if there are any of his concerts and I have not been disappointed. He is such an exceptional entertainer and I'm always enthralled by his selection of the classics and his perdormances. Cannot wait for 2008 to attend his concert. Thanks to all of you for the petitions you submitted for this visit. I have already got a substantial collection of his DVD's plus CD's.
I do not know how to say "welcome to Australia" in Dutch but indeed Andre Rieu Welcome to OZ!!!!!!!!! The pleasure is ours!!
Pauline
Hi Pauline: I am certain from all the smiling happy Aussie faces André will see, he will understand the big welcome to Australia. A beautiful country with beautiful people. He is sure to enjoy his visit.
Hi Andre
My husband and I are great fans. We have introduced our friends to your music and they in turn have become fans like us. Unfortunately we cannot see you this weekend but hope your tour next year will include Brisbane. Thank you for many hours of great entertainment. Marilyn
Hi Marilyn: So far we know of concerts in : Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne & Brisbane.
I hope you will be able to attend any one or all of the concerts.
Please can you tell me when Andre will be in Perth, I can't find any information on this at all.... I will go without food for a year just to be part of his concert !! Thans, Maxine
Maxine, great to know of another Perth fan. Cannot wait till next year--see you there with many others.
Wish I could get a date on the concert, I've looked everywhere.
I am an ardent follower of his music for many years and it's great to see it on ovation. It's simply wonderful that he is coming to Australia in 2008.Please can someone email me the dates as soon as they become available, like everyone else I will be there
Zeta
Thank you Andre you have given so much enjoyment to our lives in Australia and we are truly delighted that you are including us on your schedule. I live in Brisbane and do hope you are including us on your calender. Know you only tour for 2 weeks at a time but I know of many keen Queenslanders.
Yipppppeeeeeeeeeeeee. Ok how i am getting to Eastland. Take the 8.50 AM train from Geelong arrive at Southern Cross Station. Take the next available train to Ringwood Station. Somehow (hopefully by traffic lights, across the Maroondah Hwy). And ive made it hopefully (fingers crossed everyone). Then to get back is harder as i have to stop and get off at Richmond station and change trains. Thank goodness for the Connex internet site. Very helpful. Phew. LOL most ive ever done on Melbourne trains is just from Geelong into the City. So wish me luck all. LOL.
I am wishing you all the best and hoping you get to see Andre and the other fans.
Good Day to all the Australian Fans! Best wishes for a happy ANDRE WEEK.
It is very easy to travel Jeanette; the 0850 from Geelong is due at Spencer Street (now Southern Cross) at 0953. Go to platform 10 (you will need to use the escalators) to catch the 1013 Belgrave train. It arrives at Ringwood at 1058. You will need to go up the ramp. Eastland is a short walk and there is a pedestian crossing at across the Maroondah Highway. Your V/Line ticket will be valid on the train from Spencer Steeet to Ringwood (and also on the bus in Geelong if you need to catch it to the station).
Your return train will take you direct to Spencer Street (via Flinders Street). No need to change at Richmond.
Happy journey!
Paul in Melbourne
Andre Rieu appearing at the mall!
Members of the public will be treated to a very special appearance from highly acclaimed and internationally renowned Dutch violinist Andre Rieu at Warringah Mall on Sunday 23 at 12pm! Andre Rieu will be performing "My Way" from his hit DVD "Andre Rieu - Radio City Music Hall Live in New York". Following the performance, Andre Rieu will be signing DVD's for a limited time only.
Where: Centre Stage, Level 1 Arena Cove.
When: Sunday 23 September 2007, from 12 noon.
Hi Sally - thanks so much for the information. My Dad loves Andre and cannot stop raving about him. I would love to organise tickets for his concerts in Sydney next year. How can I please find out about dates? Many thanks
tomorrow morning. channel nine. kerri anne will be interviewing andre rieu and he will announce the concert dates live on air.
Hi Is their an Australian contact we can discuss an air return package from New Zealand to attend Andre concert in 2008.
Thank you.
Noel
If you go on towww.2gb.comto listen to Andre's interview(9am), there is a web cam in the studios. I'm hoping it will show him.
Hi everyone - I sure hope you guys and girls will have your cameras ready!! I sure wish you lots of luck and happiness when you see Andre!! Don't forget to tell us about it. Hugs
OMG I just spoke to Andre LIVE on the radio station.OMG
Hi Kate I heard you on 2GB Oh you lucky thing. How do you feel. I had goosebumps listening to AJ However I think BR was hopeless. He was an embarrassment to the Aussie fans! What did you think. Hope to meet you on Sunday.
Margaret, I didnt think I would get through because lots of people were ringing in and then they answered my call and I nearly had a heart attack and thought what am I going to say. I wanted to ask him to leave his shoes under my bed, but I thought that might be rude!!! I cant remember what I said in the end, they only give you a minute, but it made my day. I'm a happy little vegemite.
Gosh that is terrific ! WOW O WOW
Hooray for you Kate! Aren't you the lucky one! May take you awhile before you get any sleeps at all now.
Kate, tell us more!! Are you serious!
ok, I've calmed down now. Andre announced concert dates starting November 24/2008 through to December 14/2008. Tickets would go on sale this November. It was a nice interview and went for an hour and people were able to phone in and talk to him. I will now go and recover
omg wow, did he happen to say which ones would be in sydney?
btw. i'm going to go and see him in sydney this weekend, is anybody else going?
Hi Ellymelly - I'm going to take my Mum, Dad and the kids to Warringah Mall this Sunday though I suspect it will be absolutely full of fans!
wonderful. I'll see you down there then.
(this is me) lol in case we should run into each other.
http://pics.livejournal.com/ellymelly/pic/000cackq/
Does anybody know the venue that Andre will be playing in Sydney? He was such a joy to listen to in person on AJ, so normal and unassuming. Lucky those who got to speak to him.
ATTENTION
YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE LIVE RADIO INTERVIEW HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Interview!!
.
Fantastic !
!! NEWS FLASH !!
TOUR DATES FOR AUSTRALIA
NOVEMBER 24 - DECEMBER 14
2008
(This was said by André on Australian radio today. André said it was not 100% certain, but it will be a 3 week tour starting 11/24/08!)
I just finished listening to this interview and it was very enjoyable.
As I listened, I was thinking about what my feelings and thoughts were and it's almost like the last day of school, like an exciting party or like stepping foot on a beautiful cruise ship heading out on an exciting vacation.
I ask, what is it about hearing this interview that is so exciting? Well, it's "unchartered territory" as Andre heads out on an Australian concert tour next year.
I can almost feel the excitement from the people of Australia as they prepare to welcome Andre Rieu to their country. The concerts are a year away, however there will be a year of excitement waiting to greet Andre as he comes to their shores and gives the people what most of the rest of the world has been enjoying for years now.
Andre's beautiful style of music, his incredible violin and the happy, exciting moments Andre and the JSO generates for everyone, will be in your hearts and minds for a very long time.
Hi there, when will we get official dates and where can we get tickets.Can not wait to see him.
Does anyone know if Andre' is coming to Perth as well for his promotional tour, or where he'll be playing when he does come here. I'm so envious of all you lucky people who have seen him but I'm also very happy for you all! They played his music as a feature on our "Curtain University Radio Station" it was fantastic, I called the station and thanked them for making my day. I'm so looking forward to seeing Andre' and the YSO here. I'll be a lot happier though when I know when it is, so I can book a ticket. You all take care.
I listen to all your items on Ovations and have several of your DVDs. Please come to Perth we are dying to attend a live concert.
How can I get 2 tickets for the concert in Australia Any where .
PLEASE
Who will be promoting & selling tickets? Eagerly anticipating this event, watch every show on Ovation
Fantastic!!! Thankyou for this article, it was really great to listen to the interview. I wish Andre and the JSO good luck for "DOWN UNDER" - and I wish all the australian fans wunderful hours whwn you visit his concerts. In Germany I visited every concert he gave in Frankfurt, near my hometown, And I promise you: You all will be "infected" for a very, very long time and cannot wait for the next concert!
Cheers from Germany
Astrid
What a wonderful interview and nice to hear Alan Jones almost being "human" - such much be the influence of Andre!
And Andre addressed each of the callers by name.
Wonderful
Paul in Melbourne
Paul, that is a good point about André speaking each caller's name. A very nice thing to do, and I bet they were touched by it. I enjoyed the callers. They were so cute and I appreciated they did not just say the same ol' things. They all teased about the number of DVDs they owned and if André received their gifts... It was a good time.
André is a good influence on people. You never hear André being rude, or silly. Fun? Yes. Humorous? Yes. Intelligent talk? Yes. André is always polite and jovial.
I would love to attend all but might have to settle for Brisbane. I believe the tickets will be on sale this year. When that will be is still open. I really do not want to miss the first day they go on sale. Marilyn
Andre is just sooooooooooooo gorgeous, he can park his shoes under my bed anytime....WOOHOO!!!!
My 12 year old daughter is home from school today with an upset stomach & headache. I told her that as she is not well enough for school she should stay in bed and rest and that meant not being able to watch Andre interviewed on Kerrie-Anne this morning (a mean mum). Well when the programme started I felt so guilty and so I said she could come and watch him and then go straight back to bed. She was very happy watching him and loved the interview. She was still feeling sick so went back to bed but at least she was content.
Heather: My best wishes for your daughter. André's music is as good as Chicken Soup & hope she is feeling better now.
How was the Kerrie-Anne interview?
Thankyou Sally for your wishes. My daughter is feeling better tonight. Tomorrow is the last day of term for some in Victoria (Australia)so she feels O.K. to return to school for the final day. I haven't dared to tell her that Andre is to be interviewed on another television station tomorrow morning!!!! His interview on Kerri-Anne was very enjoyable, he's such a gentleman and she asked quite good questions.
Thankyou Sally for your wishes. My daughter is feeling better tonight. Tomorrow is the last day of term for some in Victoria (Australia)so she feels O.K. to return to school for the final day. I haven't dared to tell her that Andre is to be interviewed on another television station tomorrow morning!!!! His interview on Kerri-Anne was very enjoyable, he's such a gentleman and she asked quite good questions.
You bring up a very good point Heather. I've never heard anything negative from André. He is always polite and charming, kind to everyone. Isn't it a pity everyone in the world isn't that way? Gosh, it would be so great.
Pierre & Marc are both very good with people as well. André & Marjorie did a wonderful job as parents.
Well I did it again - have met Andre and shook his hand TWICE. A small group of us went to Channel 9 for the Kerri-Ann show and they let us in to watch and listen to him play My Way and watch the interview. We were so close to him my knees nearly gave way. So we were on TV with Andre. Oh my, this has been a good week!
That is so cool. Now you know that Andre is for real and not computer-generated. Have you washed your hand yet?
Kate What an Amazing Week you have had !
This is from Alan Jones:
Well there is undeniably a new phenomenon in the world of music which, if the calls to my open line yesterday are any guide, is hardly news to the hundreds of thousands of people listening to my programme.
The man is the Dutch violinist and conductor, 58 year old Andre Rieu.
I had him in my studio yesterday morning.
I invited listeners to call to speak to him.
The open line was in meltdown with callers just wanting to know when he'd be on.
And then we could have talked to him all day.
This is a musical phenomenon.
But as they say in that dreadful advertisement, that's not all.
He's coming to Australia next year and tickets will go on sale later this year and I'll keep you posted.
But the man known as the modern king of waltz, who has sold more than 14 million CDs, is going to make further history when he brings to Australia the world's largest transportable concert set.
It will include a full sized copy of the Imperial Shonbrunn Palace
He'll bring his Johann Strauss Orchestra and Choir, many well known soloists, the Vienna State Opera Ballet, 80 Vienna debutantes, the golden coach used by the Emperor and Empress of Austria, famous figure skating champions, the traditional Viennese horse-drawn carriages with horses and footmen, and of course fabulous music and magical waltzes.
This is all coming to Australia.
His tour will be called a romantic Viennese night, against the background of the palace.
It will take 80 containers to bring this stuff here.
It will need 100 stage builders and 250 staff.
The stage will be 125 metres wide, 30 metres deep, 34 metres high.
There will be 600 square metres of ice to skate on.
36 horses.
The palace facade is 4,000 square metres.
There'll be a golden ballroom measuring 21 metres by 15 metres, complete with chandeliers.
There will be 150 square metres of LED television monitors.
It will take two 160 tonne cranes to set everything up.
Veritably it can be said Andre Rieu is coming to town, and bringing with him some of the most extraordinary music that the world has ever heard.
This is the man who spoke about concerts when he began in this way, "You know that solemn atmosphere you find in the concert hall with classical music and how it intimidates most people and keeps them away. With us it's simply not there.
"My orchestra consists of young, enthusiastic musicians who put their heart and soul into the music every evening when they play in our concerts.
"At one of our concerts you'll see me and the orchestra and the audience too, all having a lot of fun together, swaying with the music, humming along, clapping, jumping up and down. It all happens."
Well, it's going to happen here.
Tentatively the tour is booked for next November/December and tickets will go on sale this November.
Andre Rieu, a maestro if ever there was one.
Sharing now with millions around the world in the grandest possible way the undiluted pleasures that come from music and in particular, from the waltz.
As they say, and you're given early notice, take your partners.
Hear Alan's Interview with André
I'm SO-O-O happy for the Australian fans. Now the wait is on for ticket sale announcements. Be patient, folks. It's going to be worth the wait.
And I'll be at my 5th concert in three weeks in Edmonton!!
Great news! Andre will be in Australia next year! Just waiting for concert and ticket sale dates. While in Berlin last month saw Andre's latest concert on TV. It was in Vienna in July this year. Absolutely wonderful as always. Would like to know when DVD will be available for purchase in Sydney so I can get a copy.
Barbara
Dont forget Friday channel 10 at 9am for another interview
Kate: I've heard you a few times now, as I listen to the interview. What Fun you had! Bravo!
And you can listen to ABC Radio National at midday as well as 3AW at 2.30pm both on the internet
Margaret, is that FM or AM and what number(frequency) is the radio station
Hi Kate and anyone else who's interested,
I may have got it wrong about Radio National. It may be Radio Australia. Nevertheless, I can't find any mention of Andre on either of their programs on their webpages. Have emailed both stations to find out more but have had no response yet.
So sorry if I got it wrong.
Regarding the query from Margaret S, 3AW Melbourne is 693 AM and has a strong signal into the nearby country areas.
The interview with Ernie Sigley has been announced for 2.30pm (1430) today Friday.
Also there is the Radio National interview at 1200. RN can be heard around Australia and frequency details are:
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/freq/
Maybe Andre's interview will be one of their highest rated programs?
Since Gina changed her plans, who's still planning to meet at Eastland for breakfast/coffee tomorrow (Saturday). I am amenable...Eastland is quite close to me!
Paul (at Mitcham) in Melbourne
Hi Kate and all the ladies I met yesterday at Kerrie-Anne. What a great experience!.
Thankyou for getting there early and making it possible to meet him!.
It was very weird sitting there with about 7 other people (not including crew)and watching Andre perform "My Way".Spending over half an hour in the same room as Andre is something I didnt think would ever happen!.
Best Regards ,Martin.
I am over the moon to hear Andre will be in Australia next year! I will be the first in the queue for tickets, and I will be ordering my whole family to come and see him with me!! I just adore his music and so far have five of his dvd's - now I'll just run out and purchase another one! Whoopee!!!!
Please, please, can anyone tell me who/where/when the tickets for Andre in Australia will be going on sale?? Ticketek? Ticketmaster? My credit card is ready!!!
I've unfortunately missed the radio interviews but I'm listening as I type. He's such a gentleman, and I love him!!!
ok, my husband has just come home from the shops with three more dvd's! I'm getting excited here in Melbourne!
Hi everybody, Sally I have a question for you. I taped today's interview With Andre and Kerri-Anne and I have watched it at least a dozen times. It there anyway I can send you the video and is there any way we can share this marvellous interview with everyone outside Australia. Please let me know and I will post this to you. It was sensational and went for over 20 minutes. Anyway, I will wait to hear from you, I think you have my email address, if not let me know ... hugs to all xxxxxxx Les
What a brilliant interview. I loved waltzing Matilda! (I can't believed he used her as a music stand lol)
Hi Les: I'll send you an email tomorrow after work. I'm just in now and need to write you and explain how we can do this.
Thanks for the offering!
No problem Sally I can send you both interviews, one with Kerri-Anne and the other one today on another channel. I can send them to you overnight on Monday when I get to work. It's Friday evening here now around 6.15pm. Look foward to hearing from you. xxx Les
Andre's violin comes with its own guard
Matthew Westwood | September 21, 2007
MOST musicians would be happy to perform at the Sydney Opera House, but with just 2600 seats, it's too small for the Dutch violinist Andre Rieu.
Instead, he will bring not one, but three replicas of Vienna's Schonbrunn Palace to Australia for a national tour next year. The palace will form the backdrop for his arena concerts.
He will also bring his own orchestra, ice-skaters and a ballroom-full of waltzers: about 250 people in all.
"We come with horses, the whole circus," Rieu said in Sydney yesterday.
A smaller entourage has accompanied Rieu for this week's promotional visit.
His own television crew is filming him for a "road-soap", plus he has assistants and a security guard for his Stradivarius violin.
He said he had 120 people on his payroll.
With such overheads, presumably the Opera House is too small. "I have to come to Australia and bring everybody here," he said. "I cannot pay (for) this show, with all the flights and hotels, with 2000 people paying for a ticket. To make it worthwhile, I have to go in big venues. And I have a lot of fans."
He wouldn't be drawn on production costs, but said "I don't count in dollars, I count in euros. I am taking big risks to do this."
Rieu has sold 23 million albums worldwide, according to his record company. In Australia, he has sold 300,000 albums, sales largely due to broadcasts of his concerts on pay-TV arts channel Ovation. His concerts - such as that at the Schonbrunn Palace, and New York's Radio City Music Hall - are extravaganzas with lights, costumes and jokes.
Rieu's speciality is light classical music, such as Viennese waltzes by Johann Strauss.
He's been called the Liberace of the violin. "I know the name Liberace but I don't know exactly ... he was a pianist, Las Vegas," Rieu said. "I'm more music than showbiz."
Nevertheless, Rieu wants to take classical music out of stuffy concert halls and have some fun. Music had become elitist, he said. "I take away the fear people have of classical music, by looking them in the eye and making a joke," he said. "And then the ice is broken."
Rieu has founded his own orchestras and production company and, with his wife, still acts as his own agent. "I am 58 now, and my dream is to be 120, taking my audience by the hand and showing them classical music," he said. "It's a long journey. I'm only there for 10 years now, having big success."
Sally, Where did you get this from? Just wondering. Only 2 more sleeps till we see the man himself in Sydney! Can't wait!!!!!!
Now if only I remembered! I thought I had posted it. I will have to look while on lunch tomorrow.
Margaret, if you can get a copy of The Australian from Friday 21 September there is an article on Andre in there entitled "Andre's violin comes with its own guard" page 10. Great picture of him hugging his Stradivarius. If you can give me your email address I will send you a colour copy on Monday when I return to work, or if anybody else wants a copy, very happy to forward on ....xxx hugs Les
Hi Lesley. Please may I also have a copy. Thanks Bev.
Hi Sally,
Just wanted to say i think you do a great job with this site....As it is good to get news from everywhere about Andre....I just wanted to say I can't wait to see Andre next year either & it will be my birthday too when he is out here so i am going to shout myself the best birthday present ever by hopefully being about to get a ticket to see Andre.....I know we have to wait for just over a year now but i do hope it goes fast....take care Liz
Andre owns the Australian DVD Chart ....article here
WOW you guy and gals had a great time. I am so happy for you. I heard the interview with Alan Jones and it was fantastic. Hope we will be able to see the Kerri-Anne interview. It sounds just wonderful.
Kate I am so happy you got to meet Andre, I told you that you would I just didn't know when.
Lesley, I would LOVE it if you could find some way of getting this interview with Kerri-Anne out to others. Please try.
thank you
Hi Virgina, Yes I will try and get this interview to you it was so worth the wait.... he is such a gorgeous human being, he came across so well, also today Andrew was on another Channel, which I also taped. I will post these tapes to Sally on Monday, and she is going to try and get them up for everyone to view. Have a lovely weekend Virginia. Where are you from??? I live in Perth, Western Australia. xxxx Les
Oops..... a slip on the keyboard. I meant Andre.... not Andrew.... smack, smack Lesley xxxxxxxx Les
I enjoyed the interview with David and Kim on Channel 10 this morning.
It doesn't take long to work out that Andre's interviews to have an element of formula to them (as do the concerts of course) but there were some light hearted moments when Andre described how some of his female fans throw underwear (he didn't say "knickers") at him while on stage (and sometimes he catches the offering with his violin bow!) or in the mail!!!!!
I remember going to a Daniel O'Donnell concert a few years ago and being amazed at the number of (mature age) women who run up to the stage to offer him gifts!
Keith McGowan gave Andre quite some coverage on the "Overnighters" program on 3AW this morning. Keith said he would be recording an interview with Andre this afternoon (when he visits 3AW to be interviewed by Ernie Sigley at 1430) and the KMcG interview will be re-broadcast at a later date. Ash Long, editor of the Melbourne Times, will accompany Keith so one can expect some good Andre Rieu coverage in the Melbourne Times.
I am listening to "The World Today" on Radio National; I would be surprised to hear Andre Rieu on that program but one never knows.
I am a regular 3AW listener but today will be the first time I have listened to Ernie Sigley!
See you at Eastland tomorrow!
Paul in Melbourne
I contacted ABC Classic, Radio National and Radio Australia. They have informed me that the only interview is on Monday 24 Sept on Radio Australia at 1035 0n the Breakfast Club with Phil Kafcaloudes. You can listen to this on
radioaustralia.net.au/breakfastclub.
HAS ANYONE COPIED THE INTERVIEW WITH KERRIE-ANNE ON 9 AND ALSO THE INTERVIES ON TEN I HAD HOUSE GUESTS AND MISSED BOTH INTERVIEWS I WOULD LOVE FOREVER ANYONE WHO COULD SEND ME A COPY THANKS MOIRA
Hi Moira
Yes I have copies of both. I can do you a DVD if you like. How about I wait to see if there is any more coverage of him first. Margaret.
PS I bet you were cursing your visitors!
Margaret, Would love to have DVD of interview with Kerry Ann - tried to tape it but failed miserably!
Hi Maggie M, I haven't forgotten. Just trying to catch my son to help me put everything together
Hi Moira I haven't forgotten . Just finding time to catch my son to help me put everything together
Well, what a week of Andre we are having here in Oz. I started off with morning tea with some Andre fans on Monday, then yesterday went to Channel 9 with my friend Jill, hoping to maybe catch a glimpse of Andre or I thought he may come out to see us after the interview, but to my joy and amazement we were taken into the studio for the interview. On one hand I was disappointed to see only 7 of us there, I expected heaps, but on the other hand it was so special to have Andre just to us few and to speak to him and shake his hand (I was SO reluctant to wash my hand!, my neighbour told me not to until she had come over and touched it!) Andre's playing of "My Way" was pure magic. Also watched the Channel 10 interview to-day, but didn't think it was as good as 'our' one on Channel 9.
I'm off to Warringah Mall Sunday with 3 ladies all from the Newcastle area, I'm sure there will be a million people there but we will be happy just to Andre even at a distance. Faye
Faye,
Where do live? I live in Newcastle too. I am going down on Sunday as well. What time are you leaving?
Hello Margaret, I live at Dora Creek, but my friends whom I'm taking to Warringah Mall on Sunday live at Wallsend and Charlestown and are coming here for us to drive down. We plan to leave at 8.30.
Maybe we can get together and have a Andre Rieu morning tea sometime, Faye
Hi Faye
Maybe we can get together sometime for an Andre session
Just a postscript to my previous message, I forgot to say how lovely it was to meet Kate, Ann, Joan, Ann and Martin, it is always nice to put faces to names. I'm sure we'll all keep in touch as we all have a special bond.
Hello Faye, I will never forget our morning at Channel 9 it certainly was an absolutely privilege to be so close to Andre, it felt like our own personal performance. It was lovely sharing it with you all - as you say we now have a special bond. Ann, Adelaide
HI MARGARET YES I WAS CURSING THEM BUT I STILL LOVE THEM I WOULD BE VERY GRATEFUL IF YOU COULD DO A COPY FOR ME THANK YOU SOOOOOOO MUCH MOIRA
Andre was interviewed on 3AW this afternoon and it was predicated that thousands of people will be at Eastland for his Melbourne appearance tomorrow, Saturday.
For the benefit of people reliant on public transport, Eastland is well served with the railway station only a short walk away.
Trains from Melbourne will be going to either Belgrave or Lilydale. They run every 20 minutes from Flinders Street via Southern Cross (Spencer Street) and the city loop.
There are also many local bus routes serving Eastland. Two that might be of interest are the 665 from Dandenong and the 742 from Chadstone/Oakleigh/Glen Waverley.
Eastland and Ringwood are in fare zone 2.
There is good parking at Eastland but it does get crowded on Saturdays.
Our friends in Sydney aren't so fortunate, having to rely solely on buses but the trip to Warringah Mall, via a variety of routes is interesting if a little slow. A nice detour is to take the ferry to Manly and then the bus to Warringah Mall.
I am sure we will all give Andre a wonderful welcome to Australia over the weekend.
Paul in Melbourne
I just love to read all the comments about Andre Rieu, as I am a great fan of him as well.
In 1994 I was in Holland and watched a program on TV. I was so impressed, particularly with the "Second Waltz" That I went out the next day and bought the CD, which was by the way the very first CD he ever released 4 days before that.It is called "Strauss & Co" I am sure that at that time I was the only person in Australia to own a CD from this musical genius. I now own all his Cd's plus 16 DVD's and can not get enough of this kind of music. I am so looking forward to when he finally comes to play here. Unfortunately, I won't be able to go to Eastland, but I'm sure my friend Paul Nicholson will tell me all about it. Good luck to all the fans, and enjoy the occasion.
Another observation from the interview on 3AW was Andre said Pierre had been in Australia for two weeks previously to organise the concert venues etc.
Wonder if Suzan was with him?
They would both like Australia I am sure!
Paul in Melbourne
Just came across a site called Viva the Band, seems like they advertise bands for weddings etc, but there was a comment that Andre is filming a documentary called 'Journey to Australia' as a precurser to his Australian Tour. So that will be a fabulous DVD to have.
Just found the web address www.musicians.net.au
Did you all see the latest pictures that Andre has up? There is one of his tour in Australia. I found it interesting that even the taxi's have signs advertising Andre. That's fantastic!
Can' wait to see Andre Rieu at Warringah Mall on Sunday. I am finding it hard to realize that Andre will be just 5 minutes away from where I live. He is inspirational.
September 21, 2007
Al Girard sends us this interview with Andre
click to listen ~>click here<~Andre & JSO bring so much joy with their beautiful music. I'm hoping he is coming to Queensland Australia soon
Here is an article about the guard placed on his violin while in Australia
The Australian
Hi Bill: That's a nice article.
Under Andre's photograph, here is what they wrote:
Belgian violinist Andre Rieu, who will tour Australia next year, in Sydney.
Belgian?
And here we all thought he was Dutch!
(which he is, of course!)
Hi Lesley, I'm from Melbourne! I'll be very grateful if the interviews could be posted here! thanks a lot.
I saw Andre this afternoon at Eastland, it was just fantastic, the crowds were singing some of his songs whilst they waited (some for hours). We've estimated there were between 1500 to 3000 people there, and there just wasn't room for any more. He went straight past me when he entered the shopping centre from a side door, and I could have touched him excepting for the big burly bodyguards and security around him. All eyes had been focussed on the door, and when he emerged people were clapping and cheering. Then the crowd surged around to the side of the stage to follow him but of course it was packed with people already, so there was a bit of a crush then. No-one could move in the shopping centre, the security guards were everywhere trying to get people to keep the walkways clear. In the larger area of the mall to the side of the stage on the lower level people were perhaps 20 or 30 deep in one area, basically right down the mall walkways. Andre played "my way" and then a couple of verses of "waltzing matilda". the cheering was deafening. Then he began signing autographs. It was pretty much bedlam everywhere, and from what I could see up above it was quite a few people thick all the way around. Even the music shops sold out of Andre's videos within an hour.
but I'm happy, I've seen him live and in the flesh! What a wonderful day.
Bill; maybe the journalist who wrote the Australian article was American? Like the American people in "On His Way To New York" who are going to the concert but haven't got a clue where he is from! Only in America!
Paul in Melbourne
That was embarrassing for americans, to not even have a clue as to the country Andre is from. I wonder if most concert goers can even correctly spell his name? I believe I can greet any orchestra member I see, by their first & last name
I'm going to give Kati the benefit of doubt.....I t-h-i-n-k she can correctly spell Andre name.
We simply can't wait for you tour to start. We only hope you come to Brisbane or better still the Gold Coast, and that we are able to get tickets, whether you do or not. To miss out would be so disappointing as we have followed your concerts around the world through DVD's as well as on Ovation. Can't wait!!
Can anyone tell me please is there any way I can post pictures of Andre at Eastland here? There doesn't seem to be a "preview" facility here and I don't think putting an image code from photobucket here seems to work. thank you
Send the pictures in an email to sally @ andrerieufans.com (no spaces in the address) and she'll place the in the blog.
Hi Virginia, thank you so much for the update of Andre at the mall. Sounds like it was mobbed but I am sure it was a very happy crowd. So glad you got to see him. Isn't he just gorgeous!! I am so happy you had a wonderful day.
Hugs
thanks Al, I've done just that. I'm going to try posting one picture link here but as I don't want to make too much of a fool of myself I'll just try the one. If it works then I'll try them all. If not I'll rely on Sally to do it for me.
Thanks Janine Ann - such a great day!
WOW! Great shots Virginia! I love this first one, notice the girl on the right of the picture, the look on her face says it all! What a great crowd. Simply amazing how Andre has taken Australia by storm, and this is just the promos. I hope the concerts will all be sell outs!From a little spark, Andre has now grown into a wildfire. Simply amazing! And we thank all of you who share your experiences with us. This is great.
I got a Page Not Found error. The links worked for you?
(maybe their server was over loaded?)
That's all I got too. "Page Not Found".
so one more post and I'll leave you guys be.....they're my hands clapping at the front of the first photo (blonde hair on the edge) - my daughter was taking the pics. So you can see how close I was to the man himself!!! *swoon* Andre had quite a few bodyguards around him, four I think. And I was approximately in the middle of the crowd in the fourth picture, so hence my guess of 20 or more deep. The man is popular!
I also get "page not found" Virginia. I will keep trying because I am so anxious to see them. Thanks so much!
Hugs
"Page Not Found" is the message I get also. HELP, anyone. Yes, our maestro IS becoming more and more famous world wide!! Recently in Portugal, his New York DVD was playing on the BIG TV in the electronic store we visited. AWESOME, seeing him so huge and lifelike with amazing sound!! Well. got back to the states and took a trip to visit family in Wisconsin. My brother treated us to our first Green Bay Packer football game (American football) at Lambeau Field. We went to purchase a program and the cute, petite, 20ish, blonde salesgal had an accent. I asked where she came from. VIENNA, was her reply. You know my next question to her . . YUP . .she was AT the extravaganza in Vienna and LOVES Andre`! We also met a gal at dinner one night that had purchased birthday tickets for her Mom to attend the Milwaukee concert this past May. (Sally you might even have sat by them. . who knows.) She says her Mom cannot stop talking about Andre`. Hhhhmm . . . he IS contagious, isn't he? You fans in Austrailia are in for the treat of a lifetime. He just gets better and better!! Barb
Thank you for the effort Virginia. It is really appreciated. We will get to see them. Bet they are great!
Shirley, you DID save them didn't you!! I tried several times so I will just be a little patient until Sally get them up. The anticipation is always fun
Hugs to all
No, I didn't save them.
Hi everyone, as I type it is now Sunday ll:52am in Sydney. I think Andre is due in the mall at 12:00 noon
Just back from Warringah Mall. They say there were 4000 people there. It was great. Got his autograph. So I've done really well this week!!! I now have to recover.
Anne and I arrived at Warringah Mall at 5.30am and we were not the first ones. But the time went quickly. It was quite well organised but one or two people were very pushy trying to jump the lines. Andre did his stuff but most of the time was spent doing autographs. The security was very heavy and all dressed in their black suits and sun glasses, what really was annoying was that they stand all around and you cannot get photographs without some security fellas head in the way. His autograph was just a squiggly line because as soon as you got infront of Andre, security pushed you through and on to the next person. But I guess this was the only way they could do it.I did manage to take about 40 photos and it was great to finally put faces to people on the message board. Oh well its all over but Ann and I had a great week and will never forget our special time with Andre at Channel 9 Kerri-Ann show. It was unbelievable.
I too was Warringah Mall today and enjoyed the experience immensely. I arrived about 8.30am and was fortunate to secure a seat in the 7th rows from the stage in the security section. I was amazed at the professional way in which the event proceeded. This was sponsored by Mall Music. I am not sure how many were there but everywhere was bursting at the seams. I also secured an autography from Andre which is a tremendous thrill and of course was able to see him up close. The security was very tight and shows the respect that Andre deserves. He gives his all to the people in not only his music but in his whole attitude to life. What an experience never to be forgotten. I sincerely hope that all who were there enjoyed the experience as I did. Bless you Andre, the world is brighter for your contributions.
Hope you're all having fun up north as I speak. Andre's probably signing by now. I hope someone puts some photos on here and by then mine should be on too! Looking forward to the reports!
Hi everyone. Like all other Australian fans, we are very excited about Andre's tour to Australia next year. Our excitement is perhaps much more than many fans, due to our close association with one of the leading sopranso, Mirusia. Mirusia, in case some of the fans are not aware, is an Australlian girl, with such a load of talent. We are sure that Australians will be very proud of her, as we are, when she performs with Andre during the concert tour.
We have launched a fan club web site for Mirusia, so for all those who wish to learn more about this wonderful performer, go to: Mirusia Fan Club
We look forward to reading any comments you wish to submit in the Guest Book.
We will be attending concerts in both Anaheim and Toronto at the of this year, and are so looking forward to the wonderful experience and delightful music.
Regards to all, Bert and Shirley
Hi Bert and Shirley,
I tried to access your link but got 'page not found'. What a disappointment. Is she the blond girl who sang 'Don't cry for me Argentina'?
I have only recently discovered Andre and his wonderful music and concerts. I have been involved in music in one way or another all my life, and i find Andre an absolute breath of fresh air!. He surrounds himself with such wonderfully talented people who all obviously love their music as much as he does. Thank God for music !!
Cheers Maxine.
Hello Bert & Shirley, I'm so glad you mentioned Mirusia. I would think that she would make the concerts extra special because she is one of your own. I absolutely am a fan of hers, already have her cd & waiting for more. I live in the states and I'm so glad to have "found" Mirusia, through Andre of course.
It's so much fun to read all the comments of Andre's promo tour! Fantastic news of all the lucky ones who got to meet him and get an autograph.From the looks of all this Andre is sure to have sell out crowds at the concerts.
Bert and Shirley,
Mirusia has such a lovely voice - I'm so glad you've put me onto her. Oz has such talent, don't we?
Will she be singing with Andre when he comes to Australia next year? I hope so.
Enjoy the concerts later this year, lucky people *sulk*
Thanks again, I'll sign her guestbook this week!
I just got "page not found" and yet yesterday I got the link, enjoyed the site.
Can you rectify???
*done. I fixed the broken link.
A great site Bert and Shirley with some excellent links to some of Andre's other wonderful artists.
Congratulations on your efforts to support Mirusa and her career. She is a lovely ambassador for Queensland and Australia.
Paul in Melbourne
A lot of people are aware of this new solo singer, as it was published in the Dutch newspaper here in Australia some months ago. Looking forward to hearing her.
Thanks so much Sally for going to that work for me in creating such a lovely page with photos. I'm afraid I'll never get the hang of this computer stuff!
Here is the link:
http://andrerieufans.com/fan_events/virg_eastland/andre-rieu_at_the_mall_2007.htm)
And now I'll have a look at the other photos from yesterday, I'm sure there are some by Paul. Hopefully there'll be some from NSW soon!
Wow Paul your photos of Andre at Eastland are amazing! It's funny to see photos taken from a whole different vantage point (upstairs)! Because we waited for Andre to "enter the building" way way behind the stage, not having grabbed a "spot" anywhere we then had to take our chances by getting caught up in the swirling crowd below. Our photos were literally taken with hands up in the air! It look like you were in the autograph queue which we missed out on.
Yes, I saw the incident with the woman - did she jump the barrier and try to grab/hug Andre? I was only a few metres away from the side of the stage when it happened. I noticed his minders grabbed her and removed her in no short time! Andre looked a bit stunned too. There were a few arguements I observed with people and security guards - they looked completely frazzled and overcome. We estimated there were more than 10 security guards and maybe even 15 or 20 of them trying to control the crowd and shoppers. And your estimate of 3000 seems correct to me too.
Thanks for sharing your pictures, wonderful memories!
Kate thanks for the photo......are there any more????
Isn't Andre handsome? That looks like a burly bodyguard/security at the front right of your pic.
Hi, I too went to see Andre at Eastland's in Ringwood. He was fantastic. I went with my Husband and brother & sister-in-law. He played I did it my way and the first verse of waltzing Matilda. He was very patient with everybody and even stayed half and hour longer than they said he would just to sign autographs. I took heaps of photos and video of him but I'm not to sure how to down load these onto the web(blog). But I would like to share these as we all think he is the best entertainer that we have ever see, better than Elvis. We have a lot of his DVD's too and to watch and to listen to him makes you feel very relaxed and happy and makes all your cares and troubles go away.
I hope we can afford the tickets when he comes to Australia to do his concerts.
Can anybody tell us the price they will be
Hi Toni, nice to Meet you!
Right now we do not know what the prices will be, not having Andre tour in Australia before. I can only imagine the cost to him, to ship his entire orchestra, cast & crew, stage and instruments half the way around the world. That said, what would the cost be for 2.5 - 3.5 hours worth of the best entertainment in the world? I think very reasonable. Here in the US, the cost is high if we make a pledge to PBS and have tickets as a 'Thank You' gift. Most of the money goes to PBS for their fundraiser, very little of the cost, generally around $250 a ticket, goes to Andre. If we wait for ticketmaster, or another ticket outlet, (the seats are perhaps not at the front & center, but still good), the cost is less at around $65 - $75 a piece. This is in US Dollars.
I envy you having been able to hear Waltzing Mathilda in person. That must have been special. André enjoys giving each country something special. I am certain that is a Thank You from him for the Wonderful Welcome Aussie Fans are giving him.
Hi Sally I haven't written to you for a while but now I have the best news ever. I have tickets to go and see aAndre again this time in concert. Nov. 15th 2008. There will be 8 of us together. we are SOOOOO! excited.
Love Toni
Hi Toni How Exciting! Now you have a Year to Anticipate and Look forward to the Concert.
Ohhhhh it is going to be FUN !
Hi all. Did you notice "Kirstin" Andres' Tour Manager (Blonde girl in black top) to the right of the pictures taken in Melbourne? I wonder who else was here in Australia with him.
Hi Bev: I noticed Kerstin was there too. What an interesting (and intense) job she must have.
Hi Sally. This entry re Kirstin,was my husband having his say. I didn't even see Kirstin until he remarked on it.
Hi Toni, glad you enjoyed Eastland. I love this man, have for over a year! I don''t think they've released the prices yet, but I'm pretty certain the tickets come on sale in November. Can I suggest (at my own peril) that if you want to be notified in advance of impending ticket sales and earlybird ticket offers (before sales go public) you go on both Ticketek and Ticketmaster sites and join up, then you are notified regularly via email of all the upcoming concerts and events, including Andre!!!
Perhaps we can all meet up for a drink before his Melbourne concert/s next year?
I would suggest you send Sally your photos and she will fix it up for you, that's what I did. I kept messing up so I just sent them via email in the end.
her address is sally@andrerieufans.com
I hope this is a help.
and Fred, yes I think I've seen Kirstin is this her in this photo? She's the only blonde in a black top that I saw with Andre.
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u33/pippi56/andre%20rieu%20photos/Picture31.png
No sorry. This wasn't the picture I was referring to. This one is not Kirstin.
Thanks Kate and Elaine for the great reports - any photos? I'm so glad you had such a fabulous time, Andre is definitely getting some diehard fans here in Oz .......and Kate, are you quite right in the head?.....did you say........ 5.30???
..
..
... okay, in that case, you deserved an autograph!!!!
..
..
And 4000 people - it must have been bedlam! that's most likely more than here in Melbourne!!
One more question - how did you get the photo of andre with your post?
awaiting more reports!
Yes Virginia I did take lots of photos which I will download to my computer and hopefully, successfully be able to send them to you.Cheers.
(That was me, I snuck that in. The photo was emailed to me, and I uploaded it)
I sent the photo to Sally. No am not right in the head. Probably due to lack of sleep and being overwhelmed by Andre!!!!
Now that Andre's Australian promotional visit is complete, what are the proposed venues in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth?
It's been mentioned that the Melbourne concert will be at Telstra Dome and Sydney will be at Olympic Park.
I expect Suncorp Stadium is probably the place in Brisbane but I understand there is a big rugby league match there about the time Andre will be in Australia.
Paul in Melbourne
I have been thinking on that also Paul. My first thoughts for Brisbane was Suncorp Stadium, but, after reading the size of the stage -ice rink and ballroom, I am left wondering about the logistics of it. Perhaps it will go to ANZ Stadium ??? Wherever it goes - God willing, I will be there.
Kate - hahahaha
Hi everyone! thanks so much for all your reports on our wonderful Andre's visit to your country.
Bert and Shirley thanks so much for all your efforts to promote Mirusia. I just love her. She sings like an angel. I will be seeing you in Toronto at the dinner. Hugs to all
Jeanine Ann,
lucky you *jealous*.......awaiting report of the Toronto concert, hope you have a blast!
This week's Melbourne Observer newspaper has a feature on Andre Rieu's visit to Melbourne:
www.melbourneobserver.com.au
Also check out Keith McGowan's (radio 3AW overnight presenter and a big fan/supporter of Andre Rieu) web site:
www.overnighters.com.au
The Melbourne Observer is $2 a copy anc can be purchased at 400 newsagencies around Melbourne.
I guess this week's issue will probably sell out quick!
Paul in Melbourne
HI SHIRLEY S THANKS FOR YOUR NOTE I ALSO HAVE TO HAVE HELP ON COMPUTER BUT WILL BE VERY GRATEFUL WHEN YOU CAN
MOIRA
Fantastic that Andre is coming to Australia next year. It will be my husbands 60th birthday, so guess what he's getting - 2 (!) tickets to Andre's concert. We live in SA, but it would be nice to have a couple of days away interstate to see Andre's concert. However, maybe I'd better go in Adelaide if he has a concert there, to support the SA concert. Can't wait to see concert dates, venues and prices.
Rosie, that is a wonderful gift for your husband.
Rosie, I think this is a great present....unfortunately I've blown my chances as everyone knows about my "obsession" and just rolls their eyes. Have you told him?.......
I suspect the prices won't be cheap as he needs to cover enormous overheads....my feeling is the tickets might be ranging between $100 to $250???? just a guess.
We am somewhat confused. We love Andre and have 9 of his DVD's, 3 recently purchased from the USA. We were under the impression that the group "Bond" was featured on the 2005 released DVD New Years Eve in Vienna. Very surprised to find no such appearance on the DVD we have just purchased, nor any mention on the track listings. There is even a video clip on YouTube. Can anyone explain please?
Graham, perhaps the confusion comes from being a New Years eve concert.Bond is on the Silvester Punsch dvd.It is still available in Andre's boutique. It was a 2004 New Years, I believe.hope this helps.
Thanks Shirley. Have now ordered this DVD. Horribly expensive though, but guess it is worth it. Today, The Homecoming from the US., arrived and was very surpried that it is identical to Songs from my Heart. One will have to be a present for someone.
Hello Down Under,
we are Netherlands an very proud of our great classic music performer!
It is because of Andre's tour through Australia we are thinking of combining a holiday at our family in the environment of Melbourne (Carrum Downs) with taking them with to one of Andre's concerts. That will be a great feast. I hope someone of you will tip me as soon as tickets are for sale. Afterwords I have to plan our holiday and flight. Hope to see Austr. next year!
Andre"s website has a notice up saying tickets for the Australian tour wil be on sale within 4 weeks. An announcement on our local Brisbane Radio 4BC last night said that details of the tour itinary will be announced in the next few days. Finally !!!! very exciting !!
Woohoooooo This is exciting!!
Hi Andre,I love your music and your skills,these is the 4th time I try to send a message and nobody answers me.
I have all your concerts and I am looking fwd.to see your show here in Australia.You are a BIG STAR.
See you next year.
Hi Tereza, So good to hear from you. Glad you love Andre's music. How many concerts will you see next year? Please keep coming back here so we can give you all the latest information on Andre. Hugs
I bought the new CD and DVD yesterday and they are indeed WONDERFUL and I sure was in wonderland !!
In Limelight magazine, there's a promotional DVD - Andre Rieu Australia Bound
1. Andre Rieu on his way to Australia
2. Andre Rieu in Wonderland
3. Bahn Frei
4. Tea for Two
5. Ramona
6. Air from Suite No. 3 (Bach)
7. The beautiful blue Danube
8. Nuns' Chorus
9. Edelweiss
10. Silent Night
Andre sent a lovely Christmas message to Aussie fans in the magazine.
"Hi dear fans in Australia! I wish you a merry Christmas and all the best for the year to come. My dearest wish for 2008 is to bring our beautiful music to you, live in Australia. May your holiday be peaceful and quiet, with loving people around you and may your days be filled with wonderful music.
Andre Rieu"
and the magazine also said that in 2008, Andre would be a regular contributor.
"Welcome Aboard Andre
Dutch violin superstar Andre Rieu joins Limelight as a new contributor. Each month he will share his travel adventures and update you on his plans to return to Australia in 2008".
Trish xx
Perth, Western Australia
Dear Andre,we in SA( Adelaide )want to know if you are come to performs here,because if you will we stay here,We (my friends and I) will book for Melbourne .
Health,hope,peace and love,from me,Tereza
Hello all you wonderful Andre Fans.
I am so trilled to let you know I have tickets for myself and hubby and family to go to see Andre and JSO I can hardly wait. God Bless and I wish you all the luck you deserve to see Andre Like myself Love Toni
Which concert will you be attending? You might want to go here for the latest info on ticket sales in Australia
Bill
Official Andre Rieu Ambassador
I just fixed the link
I just fixed the link
We have tickets for the 15th November 2008 In Melbourne. and we are staying in Melbourne for the weekend.
I can't get in. You need a username and password.
Bill, Please tell me how to log in to the Quick blog re ticket sales for Andre's SYdney concert in 2008. Regards
go here
I'm so excited and I've booked for Adelaide and my seat will be in Section A. I've booked my accommodation at the Lakes Resort. I'll be travelling on my own and I don't know anyone in Adelaide, which I'm a bit nervous about, but I know it'll be a great experience. I'm still hoping Andre will come to Perth.
Trish, Western Australia
I have two spare tickets for the Brisbane Show
Event: André Rieu
Date: Wed 03 Dec 2008 7:00PM
Venue: Suncorp Stadium
Castlemaine Street
Milton QLD 4064
Area: EAS
Section: S325
Row: 21
Seats: 54 & 55
Price Category: cat 2 grandstand - $249 each
I bought too many tickets in error.
Hi, I have purchased tickets for the Brisbane show, however, they are cat 5 & up at the back. Do you still have these tickets. I am interested.
Andre is coming to Perth.
Ian Cameron announced on his radio show this morning that Andre would be coming to Perth on 1st December.
The venue will be SUBIACO OVAL.
Ian Cameron said the venue would be Members Equity Stadium, but I checked with them, and they said Subiaco Oval.
No ticketing details yet, but as soon as I find out more, will post here.
Trish
Hello fellow fans. I purchased 6 tickets for the Brisbane show for family & friends but I still have not received the tickets. When I paid for these online it was to be mailed in '7 - 10 working days'. That was over a month ago. The ticketek website now says the date of mailout is 'to be advised'. The problem is I'm going overseas next week for an indefinite period & I'm the cardholder. Tickets have been sent out in other states. Has anyone else actually received their tickets?
Hi Leslie. I have not received my tickets for the Brisbane concert. As far as I am aware, Ticketek have not mailed out any Brisbane tickets yet. Perhaps you could contact Ticketek and ask them if they could hold your tickets for collection at the event, if the mailout is likely to be while you are away.
I don't think I'll be going myself, because I may still be overseas. I just don't want to leave my parents with a problem. Yesterday Ticketek told me the reason they are being held back is so there is less chance of them being mislaid by the ticketholder before the event! So how come they have been sent out in all other states? When I persisted he said they haven't been printed yet, & ended up shouting at me. He said the hold bAck is due to orders from the promoter & then refused to disclose who the promoter is. Turns out it's Andre Rieu Productions. A more helpful man at Suncorp Stadium says it's to limit scalping on ebay since the law in Qld is different to other states & something to do with the Stadium being owned by the government. If I had known the tickets were not to be mailed out immediately i would not have used my credit card. I feel Ticketek have not kept their part of the agreement. Scalpers are a minority, like terrorists. Why are genuine fans being dismissed like this, waiting for some obscure date in the future to receive goods they have paid for in good faith? If anyone else agrees with me, please reply. Thanks.
Yes, good news for me is that my tickets have arrived - but only because I persisted & no thanks to Ticketek. It was Suncorp Stadium who solved my problem in the end. I would say Ticketek is in breach of Fair Trading regulations but I will not be here long enough to pursue the matter. Hopefully if enough other disgruntled customers get together they will do something about it.
Thankyou for your reply Lyn. Of course I am not in favour of scalping, but if the Queensland government has legislated to make it illegal in Queensland then why is it the ONLY state that has withheld tickets? Ticketek must be holding millions of dollars worth of tickets for the Brisbane concert that were sold on the condition they would be delivered within 10 days. There has been no apology nor explanation to the waiting public except for 'being withheld by the promoter'. Not good enough.
I agree with you Leslie. I cannot understand why they cannot send the tickets. I have friends who have paid me for the tickets and I feel uncomfortable in not being able to give them proof of their @249 per ticket they are paying. Fortunately they trust me. It is not satisfactory
While I do sympathise with both Leslie and Marilyn who would like to receive their tickets asap, I can understand why Ticketek are withholding the tickets until closer to the Brisbane concert. A look on ebay at any given time shows plenty of tickets to Andre's concerts being auctioned off for very inflated prices. People who are not bone fide fans buy the maximum allowable tickets just to sell off again for a huge profit meaning that genuine fans miss out on the opportunity to buy tickets at the proper prices. The Queensland government has legislated against this practice by making it illegal to re-sell tickets to events at venues such as Suncorp Stadium for more than 10% above the original purchase price. This allows people who are unable to use their tickets due to a change in circumstances to recoup the money they paid for their tickets plus any administration charges by on-selling their tickets. They just can't make a profit on the deal without breaking the law! This legislation is to protect genuine fans from those who seek to make a quick profit although there will still be those who will thumb their noses at the law and put tickets on ebay hoping to make a fast buck. Both the sellers and purchasers of these tickets risk steep fines and the purchasers also risk having their tickets confiscated at the gate. Surely, Marilyn, you would have printed off the on-line receipt from Ticketek which you can show your friends as proof that you have purchased the tickets.
there has been so many conflicting stories about the tickets for Suncorp (3 Dec 08) - what is the truth! I paid $504 for two tickets on 17 Dec07 at Ticketek office at Broadbeach and have been getting the "runaround" ever since - where and when will get them?
I would be grateful if anyone out there really knows.
Hi Andre'
My wife and I are in our 70s and are great fans of you and you orchestra, unfortunately we will not be able to attend your Melbourne concerts, as we find the cost is beyond our budget.
do you permit audience attending rehearsals? We would gladly attend if this was allowed.
Keep up the excellent work, bringing classical music to the mass.
Good luck with your Australian tour, i am sure you will enjoy your time in Aussie.
Ron G.
Geelong Vic
Help !!! I am after 2 good ticket for sydney andrea concert Frid or sat night looking at category 2 seating paying around $610-$640 or less for both Can anyone help me its for my mother & Father who are huge fans ,but cant afford it so I want to suprise them myself thanks lisa
Hi Lisa, Have you had a look at what Ovation Channel have available? They appear to still be advertising Category 2 seating at $336.95 per ticket for the second Sydney concert. Their website is www.ovationshop.com.au.
Hi Lisa
Are you still after Sydney Cat 2 seating tickets?. If so, I can help for Fri 28 Nov.Let me know.
Angela
I have two spare tickets for the 3rd of December 2008 in Brisbane.
They are $249 each and are in the grandstand.
An announcer on Brisbane classic community radio station 4MBS said today that Andre will be appearing in the Queen Street Mall in Brisbane in May during his forthcoming promotional tour of Australia. He did not mention a specific date though. No prize for guessing who will be there :o)
Hi Lyn,It will be interesting to see when in MAY that he will be there.There seems to be a time at the first week or two of May, or the last 4 days at the end of May, before his concert in Amsterdam the 27th of June. Our concerts start the 15th of April thru the 27th, then a short break before Montreal on the 16th of May. so there are some time periods there either at the beginning of May or the end. Whichever it is I'm sure you will certainly be one of the first in line at the Queen St Mall!
I read somewhere that it takes five days for the "palace" to be set up for a concert. This seems right yet I notice that the Melbourne concert is 15 November and Adelaide is 18 November. What would be the logistics?
Paul in Melbourne
Doesn't he have three "sets"?
HI SHIRLEY! DOESN'T DEPEND ON, WHAT KIND OF STAGE THEY PLANNING TO SET UP? I THOUGHT, IT WILL BE THE WORLD TOUR. I WOULD AGREE, THAT TAKES MORE DAYS TO SET IT UP. IF THAT WILL BE THE WORLD TOUR, THAT HAS TO BE THE VIENNA SET. I DO NOT KNOW, IF THEY WOULD HAVE MORE THAN ONE. KATI
Kati, maybe I've confused you. They will be taking the Vienna setup for sure. I was just wondering if they would take more than one set of the Vienna set. Andre had said there are 100 containers. I'm not sure how long it takes to construct and deconstruct but the crew seems to be quite speedy. It just blows my mind at all they can get done in a short amount of time. I do remember he had said something about having 2 or 3 of the same Vienna setup.
I AM STUNNED ALSO, WHAT A TREMENDOUS WORK!! GREAT IDEA TO HAVE TWO, TAKES LONGER, I DID NOT KNOW, HE HAS TWO SETS. I THINK I AM FALLING BEHIND!! NOT SURPRISED!!HAHAHA! KATI
ARE YOU THINKING WHAT I AM THINKING SHIRLEY? I AM THINKING OF THE SCHONBRUNN SET! I DO KNOW, THE OTHER STAGES, HE HAS LIKE 4, AND WHATEVER SIZE THEY NEED TRAVEL AHEAD. AT LEAST TO USA. THAT IS WHAT HE SAID. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT ARE THE PLANS FOR AUSTRALIA. I THOUGHT, THE SHONBRUNN. I MIGHT BE WRONG, LIKE ALWAYS. KATI
Hi Kati, Yes, it is the Schonbrunn set and the 'Romantic Night in Vienna' concert with skating rinks, ballroom, coaches and horses,etc. Lyn
Yes I think you are right Shirley. I think 2 sets are coming to Australia to accommodate the setup time of about 5 days. Hope this answers the query.
Only 228 days to go!!!!
Andre has 3 sets of "Schonnbrun Palace" stage and my understanding is that all 3 are coming to Australia. One set will be set up in Melbourne and after those shows will be moved to Perth. Set 2 will be set up in Adelaide and then moved to Sydney. Set 3 will only be used in Brisbane.
I am interested to hear how people plan to travel to Andre's Australian concerts?
Telstra Dome in Melbourne is very convenient to trains (Southern Cross station) and trams. Olympic Park in Sydney has a railway station and Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane is close to the station and the new busway will be open by the time of Andre's concert.
But I guess the "Aussie" thing to do in 2008 is to drive? No doubt, Andre will attract a few traffic jams?
I wonder if he will bring his tour buses for the orchestra and crew? Right hand driving in Australia would be more of a rare experience for Andre? But he has performed in the UK (rarely?), Ireland and Japan?
Paul in Melbourne
Hi Paul, For the Melbourne concert I am flying from Newcastle,staying in the city and walking or catching a tram. For the Sydney concert I will catch a train from Newcastle as public transport is included in the cost of the ticket. Parking for the ANZ stadium has to be pre booked.
Just to let you know,here in Australia if you bring animals from overseas has to stay in quarantine,and let Andre to know,The Horses before been used has to waite for 40 days to be able performs.Thank you,Tereza
ANDRÉ RIEU
ANNOUNCES AUSTRALIAN PROMOTIONAL TOUR
Australian fans need not wait until November to see ther favourite ‘King Of The Waltz’. Acclaimed violinist André Rieu will be making a surprise trip to Australia in less than a month - just in time for Mother’s Day.
André Rieu will visit Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne during his brief sojourn May 8 – May 13.
And the surprises keep coming. Making her first home-coming since being whisked away to perform as a soloist in Andre Rieu’s worldwide musical extravaganzas, the 23 year old Australian soprano Mirusia will join him to promote their new all-Australian album ‘Waltzing Matilda’, to be released April 26.
Sumptuously arranged for voice, solo violin, orchestra and choir, the album features songs such as Botany Bay, Waltzing Matilda, I Still Call Australia Home and Home Among the Gum Trees.
‘Waltzing Matilda’ is expected to follow the success of Andre Rieu’s previous releases. ‘The 100 Most Beautiful Melodies’, which was released March 22, is currently at #2 on the national ARIA pop charts and making history as the first-ever six CD box set to hold this position.
André Rieu’s sales are in now in excess of 1 million units, most of which occurred in the past 12 months making him Universal Music Australia’s highest-selling international artist of the past five years.
In all, his platinum accreditations for his DVDs amount to 50 – a record unequalled by any other artist.
Andre Rieu has cumulatively held the #1 DVD position for eighteen weeks over the last twelve months and for the last fourteen weeks has never had less than six titles in the DVD top ten ARIA chart. In October 2007, he became the first artist in history to hold nine of the top ten DVD spots.
This week, Andre boasts fifteen DVD titles in the top 40. Just last week, sales of his DVDs accounted for a staggering 48% of total top 40 DVD sales.
Andre has this message for his fans; “My success in Australia has touched me deeply. I make music to touch the souls of people as it’s a language we all can speak. I thank all my friends and audience in Australia for believing in me, and with my forthcoming album ‘Waltzing Matilda’ which I dedicate to Australia, and my forthcoming debut tour in November this year, I look forward to strengthening this bond. God bless you all!”
(Courtesy of Universal Music)
Waltzing Matilda CD-
André Rieu & Mirusia
Album Out 26 April through Universal Music
TRACK LISTING
1. Wiener Melang
2. Scarborough Fair - featuring Mirusia
3. Waltzing Matilda (Instrumental)
4. Treasure Waltz
5. VERDI: La Vergine degli angeli (from La forza del destino) - featuring Mirusia
6. Wine, Women and Song
7. Botany Bay - featuring Mirusia
8. Du und du (You and You: Waltz)
9. The Thorn Birds: theme
10. I Still Call Australia Home - featuring Mirusia
11. Viennese Citizen
12. Benedictus (Saint Cecilia Mass) - featuring Mirusia
13. Charmaine
14. Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again - featuring Mirusia
15-17. Fledermaus Quadrille
18. Tie Me Kangaroo Down - featuring Mirusia
19. Home among the Gumtrees - featuring Mirusia
20. Waltzing Matilda - featuring Mirusia
Tuesday, 22 April 2008
André in Sydney 10th May...
Radio presenter Alan Jones from Radio 2GB, announced in his programme this morning that André will be at the Ticketek Offices in Park Street on Saturday May 10th between the hours of 10.30am and 2.00pm.
Not that any of you need reminding, but just in case, please remember the huge crowd at the Mall last year.
André in Brisbane 9th May...
Radio presenter Ian Maurice from Radio 4BC announced in his programme last night that André will be making an appearance in Brisbane on 9TH MAY at the Queen Street Mall between 2.00pm and 4.00pm with his violin and a pen to sign autographs.
If André's appearances in Melbourne and Sydney, last year are any indication, expect a huge turn-out.
I am very happy to know about my "Big Star" Andre Rieu will be here in Australia for Mothers Day.
If I have a chance to see him,I will go to Melbourne,I know Adelaide is small City,maybe is not possivel,as long he is here.
Andre I love you and your Orchestra.I still sad about Carmen and Carla,I hope they will be here for the concert.
"Peace,Love,and happiness,from me Tereza
Iam very happy,to know my "Big Star" will be here for mothers day.
Andre you are the best and I love you.
Hope Carmen and Carla will be here for the concert,I love them and I am very sad knowing they left,See you very soon.I soooo hapy for "Mothers Day to see you.
We are so excited, purchased tickets to take my Brother-in-law, sister and my husband to Brisbane Dec 3 08 for a very special reason. My brother-in-law was diagnosed with Colon Cancer in March 08, and i promised him if he could have the strength, and have the surgerys' , chemo and Radium treatments we would all get to see his absolute musical idol at concert. Well here we are and only a few days away and now I am trying to organise to get him down to the Stadium from the Sunshine Coast. Quite a difficult task due to his weakness? Has anyone got any great workable ideas.This man has literally hung on to all his breath in order to go to see his idol, Andea