This December 4th and 5th, load up your sleigh and head to the cinemas for André Rieu’s: Christmas with André. Exclusive and brand new for cinemas, this is a festive spectacular like no other as the King Of Waltz invites you to his newly created Winter Palace in his hometown of Maastricht. Below the beloved musician talks about what cinema audiences can expect from this new show.
Get more information from ANDRÉ INCINEMAS.COM
Welcome back.. what makes Christmas so special for you ?
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 grand children). 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! Since 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!
What can audiences expect from this special Christmas Event?
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!
How long has this special event been in the making and what makes it different from the others ?
Since a couple of years, I’ve been thinking and dreaming of this December tradition in my hometown; since my summer concerts are so succesfull, 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!
Of all the beautiful Christmas songs, which is your favourite and why ?
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… Allright, 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.
Are you doing anything special for Christmas this year ?
Being at home and enjoy spending time with my wife, children and grand children; 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 may be a wonderful movie like “The Sound Of Music” or “Mary Poppins”.
What are you hoping to get from Santa ?
First and foremost, Christmas is meant to be a feast for the small ones… but, okay, when you ask me: I hope to receive 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 being asked for, I’m also happy with a nice novel or Christmas presents made by my grand children.
André Rieu’s: Christmas with André is at cinemas on December 4th & 5th
Get more information from ANDRÉ INCINEMAS.COM