Courtesy of Anna Lavery PR
Geneva Pattison
Newsfour is extremely proud to have gained access to an exclusive interview with the ‘King of the Waltz’, André Rieu! The interview was created especially to check in with his Irish fans during this special time of year, as well as to celebrate the release of André’s Christmas extravaganza “Christmas With André”, coming to cinemas this festive period.
The concert was filmed in his dreamy, historical hometown of Maastricht in the Netherlands, in a specially built, magical Winter Palace with one hundred and fifty chandeliers and fifty Venetian candelabras surrounding the performers, for the full Christmas effect! Joining André will be a host of talents including The Golden Voices of Gospel and The Platin Tenors along with guest sopranos Donij van Doorn and Anna Majchrzak. Of course, you can expect a wondrous show from his own orchestra including dance performances, all under idyllically peaceful snowfall. The concert will be shown in Dublin theatres on December 4th and 5th, just early enough to get you into the yuletide mood (link to purchase tickets at bottom of page). It’s sure to be an event that’s fun for all the family so, get the tickets while they’re hot!
But what does André Rieu, ‘King of the Waltz’, ‘King of Romance’ and now arguably, ‘King of Christmas’ have to say about all this excitement? Let’s find out.
Q1: Welcome back! What makes Christmas so special for you?
André: Christmas is by far my most favourite time of the year; after several months of touring, which still is very satisfying, we’re all coming home. At the end of December, I spend my time with my small family (my wife, our sons with their wives and – of course – our five gorgeous grandchildren). I say deliberately small family, because my big family are the lovely people with whom I travel around the world: my orchestra and crew members! For many years our sons make Christmas dinner; nowadays, they’re being helped by their wives and their children. All I have to do is sit back and relax. There is another tradition: I take home a Christmas decoration for our Christmas tree every year, and I give it to my wife Marjorie who collects these. So, we have a very international tree! Last but not least, I started a new tradition in my hometown Maastricht in 2019: Christmas concerts! Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to organise them last year because of the covid pandemic, but I have good hope for upcoming December!
Q2: What can audiences expect from this special Christmas Event?
André: People from all over the world are invited to come to the cinema and watch my newest Christmas special: there is so much to see, to hear and to enjoy! Before you know it, the cinema is turned into a winter wonderland. Chandeliers, snow, everything you need for a delicious Yule Time in front of a gigantic screen. You’ll have a once in a lifetime experience, there is a backstage tour, I’ll tell you things you’ve never heard before. My beloved Johann Strauss Orchestra can be seen, but also the lovely sopranos Anna Majchrzak and Donij van Doorn, the fantastic Platin Tenors, the Golden Voices of Gospel, the Maastricht Dance and Ice Skate Company… too much to mention!
Q3: How long has this special event been in the making and what makes it different from the others?
André: For a couple of years, I’ve been thinking and dreaming of this December tradition in my hometown; since my summer concerts are so successful, I thought, there might be a chance that Christmas concerts will reach the same effect. Two years ago, my dream came true (like Walt Disney already said: “If you can dream it, you can do it!”). It is very special, because it is in my ‘own’ Maastricht; I don’t have to travel far to go to the stage and enjoy every day there!
Q4: Of all the beautiful Christmas songs, which is your favourite and why?
André: There are so many outstanding Christmas songs that I simply can’t choose just one. Just to mention a few: “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”, “I’m Dreaming Of A White Christmas”, “Oh Holy Night”, “Walking In The Air” and “Jingle Bells” because it is so happy… Alright, there is one song which incorporates all feelings together: “Jerusalem, The Holy City”! There is joy, hope, togetherness! And I’d like to record “Slumber my Darling” one day.
Q5: Are you doing anything special for Christmas this year?
André: Being at home and enjoying spending time with my wife, children and grandchildren; hopefully there will be snow, so we can make a nice walk all together on the St Pieters Mountain next to my house. In the evening, there will be gifts and maybe a wonderful movie like “The Sound Of Music” or “Mary Poppins.”
Q6: What are you hoping to get from Santa ?
André: First and foremost, Christmas is meant to be a feast for the small ones… but, okay, when you ask me: I hope to receive the green light for all my concerts in 2022! I can’t wait to perform again for all my beloved fans, they’ve been waiting (just like me) far too long for our concerts. In case this ‘gift’ is too much to be asked for, I’m also happy with a nice novel or Christmas presents made by my grandchildren.
To purchase a cinema ticket to view Christmas with André and to check for showing times, visit the website https://intl.andreincinemas.com/
