We have an interview with Andre Rieu
regarding the new CD & DVD
I Lost My Heart in Heidelberg

Question: How did you get the idea, German folk songs, and students to be incorporated into your new program?
Andre Rieu: That I wanted for a very, very long time, and a city like Heidelberg is a kind of ideal framework for such beautiful songs. Heidelberg reminds me of my home town of Maastricht.

Question: Is the double CD "I've lost my heart in Heidelberg" for the international market?
Andre Rieu: I'm sure you will love these songs anywhere in the world.

Question: Why this time do we not hear a typical Viennese waltz?
Andre Rieu: Listen closely, you will be surprised how many songs, have a waltz tempo of their own!

Question: You are on 1 October 2009, 60 years old now. What are your views on aging?
Andre Rieu:  I only look loosely at that. I have only half of my life behind me, I shall be at least 120, I'm sure. Music keeps you young, really!

Question: You have just become a grandfather for the first time. Do you like it?
Andre Rieu: But of course, is that the little of my son Marc. His name is Ivan, and the cutest baby that you can ever imagine. And soon two more grandchildren come to Pierre. Is not that wonderful?
(Webmaster Note: Andre now has 3 Grandchildren to Adore.  Ivan, Lieke & Linde)

Question: With your success comes the many obligations, are they sometimes too much? Do you need any breaks? Do you ever think about quitting?
Andre Rieu: Three times no. I had the great good fortune, my hobby and my passion is also my profession. So I can do every day what I like best. While it did not fall into my lap, I am aware that this is a real privilege. And as long as I feel that I can make my audience happy with music, I certainly do not think of breaking off.

Question: How do you keep the pace? How do you keep fit?
Andre Rieu: I think it is extremely important that we do not tend to be longer than two weeks in a row on the road. This way in between we can re-energize before we start the next trip. I think for me to fit in some sport, daily, and healthy food that still tastes delicious.

Question: So you seem to be a disciplined person. Are you vain?
Andre Rieu: Oh yes, I am both a disciplined and vanity. You have to be disciplined, if one wants to realize his dream. And I'm vain because I'm through and through, a perfectionist.

Question: How do you explain your desire for romance?
Andre Rieu: Exactly, I can not say that romantic feelings can not be explained. I am a born romantic. There is nothing more wonderful than beauty and harmony, right?

Question: What dreams & goals do you still want to meet?
Andre Rieu: I would like to stay healthy and continue over the next 60 years. Moreover, I try to satisfy even the desire to once again stand out from the earth and play on the moon. Let's see if it would work!

Question: What would you do today if you had not become one of the most successful professional musician?
Andre Rieu: I would probably become an architect. I love to design things and build. I've done this from the time I was a child, and I still do like in my spare time.

Question: Do you know of boredom?
Andre Rieu: No, not really. I've never been bored. The word does not exist in my vocabulary.

Question: What drives you up the wall?
Andre Rieu: Lack of professionalism and people who always think negative, and neither himself nor the other trust anything!

Question: And what brings you back down from the palm?
Andre Rieu: To see not everyone thinks only bad and there are also people who only think positive! And sometimes a good red wine ...

Question: If you were a politician and would have the say, what would you change immediately or improve?
Andre Rieu:  I would provide a better education. Children and young people must learn to understand the world in order to be able to maintain itself and ultimately to be happy. Education is the foundation for everything!

Question: What do you have to bring order to be included in your orchestra?
Andre Rieu:  The first key is being a good musician. But the fun of making music is extremely important. Those who brilliantly mastered his instrument, but always makes a long face, has nothing for us.

Question: Your wife Marjorie is currently writing a new book. What is it about?
Andre Rieu: Our new book is for anyone interested to look at it, with us behind the scenes. It is a kind of "backstage" novel written, very funny and intoxicating. I'm sure the fans will love the book.