Sunday, September 9, 2007

Coming to Omaha: Andre Rieu & His Johann Strauss Orchestra

News for the locals, Nebraskans, and Midwesterners. Andre Rieu & His Johann Strauss Orchestra are performing at the Qwest Center in Omaha, NE. Get your tickets, while they're hot.

I'll be honest, I'm not a huge fan of Andre Rieu and his troupe of musicians (not a position taken by this shop:) It may be because I've got a classical training bias of what I think a concert should be like. Just like some people love the lyric and poetry of the song, I happen to enjoy the way the music sounds or the musicianship of the band members.

But that's okay. Most of the people that attend Andre's concerts are not always musicians nor are they hard-core classical music fans. In fact, you don't have to be either of the two, as long as you're to be entertained. Thus the showy fan fare as the Johann Strauss Orchestra dresses in ball gowns, audience clapping in participation, all the while Andre plays the violin and waltzes across the stage.

What wonderful imagery too for all the grandparents living in the Midwest who have heard of Andre's traveling Orchestra and have had fantasies of one day attending his concert. For those classical nerds who still don't get it, his concerts are like pop classical music for old people who tune into to PBS.

For those of you who refuse to go see him, don't have the dough, or have never heard or seen one of Andre's concerts there are a host of search results on YouTube. Some of those fun web vids to note.
You won't see me at the concert but I'll keep you up-to-date of any more fun stories about little old ladies visiting our shop and inquiring if we've ever heard of Andre Rieu. :)

2 comments:

AndreRieuFans said...

I can respect that André's music is not for everyone, but then neither is HammerHead's or The Beatles.
Andre is a classically trained musician. He and all of his siblings are professional musicians. And I think Andre has an impressive BIO. (but hey, that's just one person's opinion)
Anyway, if you ever go to a concert, I believe you will have fun. The music is wonderful. I like not only his JSO & Choir, but hearing Andre play that 1667 Strad on a solo piece is always thrilling. The fact you will dance, sing, sway, clap and have a Joyful time is all a bonus.
Send your little ladies, and men too, to: www.AndreRieuFans.com where they will be able to share their delight of Andre with other like minded peoples. :) Kindest Regards, Sally

AndreRieuFans said...

Most people are unaware that Andre is a classically trained musician, playing violin from the age of 5. All of Andre's siblings are professional musicians. Andre studied at the Maastrict Academy of Music from 1968 to 1973 and the Brussels Academy of Music, where he won the Premier Prix, from 1974 to 1977.

Yet, he chooses to play music as his heart hears it, and for the masses as it was meant to be.

Those attending the concerts this tour, will hear Andre playing one of his violin's crafted by Antonio Stradivarius, most likely the one built in 1667.

“You know that solemn atmosphere you find in the concert hall with classical music, and how it intimidates most people and keeps them away?” Andre asks rhetorically. “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! Every evening is a wonderful experience, and in my view there couldn’t be a greater pleasure for a musician.”

This makes it a pleasure for his fans as well. I have traveled from California where I see Andre Rieu & his JSO in Sacramento & San Jose, to Dallas, Milwaukee, Kansas City, Portland, Seattle, Vancouver and New York to name a few places. ;)

So send your little ladies (and men and every one else who is a fan) to www.AndreRieuFans.com where they will find Information, Articles and Photographs of their favorite Maestro along with other fans who share their passion.

Kindest Regards, Sally@AndreRieuFans.com

 

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