Andre Rieu

So when Drew heard that Andre Rieu was coming back to the Nassau Coliseum, he had to buy tickets for the show.  Rieu is a violinist and composer, best known for his performances of Strauss waltzes.  But an evening with Rieu and his orchestra will also include opera, Broadway show tunes, and even pop music.

For this performance, the orchestra made its entrance through the aisles to the stage to the tune of "76 Trombones" from The Music Man.  The evening included music from Phantom of the Opera, several operas, a Chinese folk song, a 1950's-era rock number, and, of course, several waltzes.

We had floor seats, 9th row, so we had an incredible view of the stage.    Here's Rieu playing his violin.

Doesn't the orchestra look incredible?

The soloists performing the "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's Messiah.

We were treated to a performance by bagpipers, as one of the ladies from the orchestra played a solo on the bagpipes.

It's a fun evening, a party atmosphere.  The music is intended to bring joy to the audience, and in some cases is performed with a sense of humor.  People are encouraged to waltz in the aisles. 

You'll see what I mean when you watch his rendition of "The Skaters' Waltz".