Arts writer
AFFECTIONATELY known as “The King of Waltz”, Andre Rieu performs a series of concerts in his home town of Maastricht, in The Netherlands every year.
This film, which opens at cinemas today, takes a closer look at the popular concerts which are performed in front of thousands of fans and are set against the beautiful medieval backdrop of the picturesque town.
As always, Rieu is joined by his well-known Johann Strauss Orchestra, his sopranos, tenors and some special guests. The Maastricht concerts are his most popular concerts of the year and 2015 is shaping up to be his biggest concert ever to be screened in cinemas.
The Maastricht concerts are made extra special by the atmosphere in the town square which is heightened by both the enormous crowds and the many restaurants lining the square, who all participate.
When asked if Rieu had a message for his fans around the world, he said: “I am so delighted that my hometown Maastricht concert will once again be coming to cinemas! It’s going to be an incredible evening – and I can promise you it will be a musical night to remember. If you can't join us in Maastricht, we will come to you, in your local cinema.”
CinemaLive's programme features host Charlotte Hawkins, who will introduce the show as well as conduct an interview with Rieu the moment he steps off stage, exclusively for cinema audiences.
The film’s spoken parts are in English and Dutch with some English subtitles supplied.