Music Monday
And now for the cultural portion of our program.
Andre Rieu is a Dutch violinist and orchestra leader. He tours with his famed “Johann Strauss Orchestra”. An evening with Andre Rieu features rousing marches, Italian arias, Broadway show tunes, pop standards, and (of course) waltzes. When Rieu plays a waltz, audience members dance in the aisles.
We saw Rieu in 2011 and 2018, but when Drew heard he’d be playing at UBS Arena, Drew had to buy tickets.
We had floor seats, fourth row from the stage.
The evening included a performance by a saxophone player, age 102. The gentleman was a veteran of WW II and helped liberate the Netherlands.
Someone else in the audience that night captured the performance.
If you look very, very carefully, you can spot the top of my head in the fourth row …
The sopranos were lovely, as always,
And of course there were bagpipes.
What surprised me, though, is that this year he’s touring with a gospel choir, the ladies in evening gowns and the gentlemen in white tie and tails.
As always, he played for two hours, told the audience he was done, then played for an additional 30 minutes when the audience would not let him leave … My fellow concertgoer captured the last 30 minutes here.
I shot two videos. I’ll post my poor efforts first, then post some of the more professional videos from various performances for your enjoyment.
I just love everything he does. Beautiful videos. Wow.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day and week filled with beautiful music. ♥
Fascinating!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a great time.
ReplyDeleteA 102 year-old man performing is impressive. I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. The music is beautiful! Thanks for a classical journey.
ReplyDeleteRobin,
ReplyDeleteAndrea's music is beautiful. From the sound of the things, y'all had a great time and I loved that a 102 year man performed on the sax with Andrea. That's amazing! I enjoyed all of your song picks. My favorite is "Hallelujah!". The ladies did a beautiful job! Thanks for joining the 4M party and have a boogietastic week, darlin'!
That is so very cool that you got to see him. I saw him on PBS one time.
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm at a loss for words! I was totally entertained, and the 102 yr. old gentleman was the frosting on the cake. Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteOMG! Guess where I was this past Sunday? Yup, I took my mom's best friend to see Andre Rieu at the Scotiabank arena in Toronto to a sold out performance with 20,000 people in the audience and I will be speaking about him this Wednesday! He, of course, did the Blue Danube and would stop at those intervals making us laugh no Sissi in sight though. Love the 3 tenors who are beyond excellent and the gals in gold gowns are amazing. I loved Bolero and the bagpipes. That lady whonplays the bagpipes is hilarious! I enjoyed the Gospel singers in sparkly outfits which is right up my alley I thoroughly enjoyed all of it including the song from Exodus. The 102 yr old man was slightly off key but ..he's a 102! I hope I am that with it if I make it to 102 . This was the 3rd time I have seen him and he never disappoints. He was onstage for another 49 minutes after his 2 sessions with us. My mom loved him and, even though she got vascular dementia, she always knew whom I was and my brother, she could talk and she enjoyed Andre whom she called her boyfriend..with a twinkle on her eye.
ReplyDeleteWow, yes, he is amazing. This was our third time seeing him, too. I am so glad you enjoyed the performance and I’m looking forward to reading your post about it,
DeleteIn my view I leave videos to the professionals. You did take some wonderful stills and they made your post pop. What a cast of musicians and performers - thank you for the mini concert. The music was great but the 102 year old was so inspirational, and the historical pictures were a nice bonus.
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