Times to go

I travelled to this vibrant city in the month of July. The Andre Rieu concerts take place during the first 3 weeks of this month. Travellers from all over the world gather here. The atmosphere is electric and there is nowhere else in the world you would rather be.

Now where in the world is this magical place you ask? Maastricht is in Holland.

To get here from Ireland you can fly from Cork and Dublin.

The Closest Airports are: Cologne, Brussels and Amsterdam with a transfer time of 1.5 to 2 Hours.

Where to stay.

Novum Apple Hotel ****

Crown Plaza *****

Or for something completely different The Kruisherenhotel Maastricht *****

The Kruisherenhotel was originally a 15th century church. Today it has been transformed into a modern and luxurious hotel. On the ground floor they have a gallery alongside the restaurant /bar area where you can purchase your very own original piece of art! It is most certainly worth a visit whether you choose to stay here or not.

The Crown Plaza is right in the hub of Maastricht .It is an elegant and opulent hotel. The outside dining area sits alongside the canal, so you can relax and unwind after your flight while soaking up all the atmosphere and
bikes whizzing by…

…The Novum Apple is only a whisper from the bustling centre of Maastricht. There is a very relaxing walk-way into the city from here which I did myself it only takes 20 minutes but it is best to do in the morning as it may be too hot in the afternoon. Also provided by the hotel is a free shuttle bus which will have you in the centre of the city in 10 minutes. The hotel is styled in American theme with fun photo opportunities in front of a Harley Davison or even the statue of liberty! There is a lovely Bar/restaurant onsite, you are never left waiting, the staff here are excellent and very attentive. There is also an outside bar area where you can enjoy a meal and drink before heading off to your concert.

The concert –what to expect

Most concert goers will descend into the city an hour before the show begins.

Our shuttle bus leaves at 7.30pm from the Novum Apple Park and drops the group at the town hall which is only a 5 minute walk (10 in heels) from the concert. The bus remains at the same location for pick up back to the hotel after the concert.

If you are staying in the city centre hotels, you can simply walk straight to the concert location.

Once inside the grounds of the concert there are several stalls and vendor’s .A majority of these will only accept cash so please remember this if you wish to purchase refreshments or programmes before the concert.

The concert is fully seated, with large viewing screens either side of the main stage.

The concert begins at 9pm sharp! and ends at approx. 11.45pm

It really is an experience of a lifetime, all the songs tell a story and lift your spirt right up into the skies above in Maastricht. Prepare to be astounded!

The city

Within the city there are several architectural delights to enjoy .Before you notice you will have spent hours strolling through the streets and alongside the historic buildings. It is easy to navigate your way around and most hotels will provide you with a city map. As well as Andre Rieu ,Maastricht is also famous for their beautiful churches and cobble streets .These will provide the perfect back drop to any holiday picture.

The most popular method of getting around, is by either bicycle or moped. These are also available to hire if you are feeling Brave!

To see more of the city You can take a boat trip from the canal ,These run daily and take approx 1 hour .They will take you to see local caves and give you the best skyline of the city you can get!

Also if shopping is your thing …Maastricht will not disappoint. It has an extensive choice of shops on every corner. All the major brands and also some local shopping.

By the afternoon the city bustling, with restaurants on every corner with unlimited choice of cuisine.

No matter what your interest, Maastricht has a little bit of something for everyone. Why don’t you come and see for yourself…

Early life and studies

André Rieu was born into a musical family on October 1, 1949 in Maastricht in the Netherlands. He began studying violin at the age of five. His father was a conductor. From a very young age he developed a fascination with orchestra. He studied violin at the Conservatoire Royal in Liège and in the Conservatorium Maastricht, (1968–1973). His teachers included Jo Juda and Herman Krebbers. From 1974 to 1977, he attended the Music Academy in Brussels, studying with André Gertler, winning the Premier Prix at the academy.

Career

At University he performed the Gold And Silver Waltz by Franz Lehár. Encouraged by the audience reaction he decided to pursue the waltz form. Rieu formed the Maastricht Salon Orchestra and performed as a violinist with the Limburg Symphony Orchestra. In 1987, he created the Johann Strauss Orchestra and his own production company. Since then, his melodramatic stage performances and rock-star demeanor have for some been associated with a revival of the waltz music category. André Rieu plays a 1667 Stradivarius violin.

Johann Strauss Orchestra

The Orchestra began in 1987 with 12 members but now performs with between 40 and 50 musicians. At the time the Orchestra first toured Europe, there emerged a renewed interest in waltz music. The revival began in the Netherlands and was ignited by their recording of the Second Waltz from Shostakovich’s Jazz Suites. As a result, Rieu became known as the waltz King.

Rieu and his orchestra have performed throughout Europe, in North America, and Japan. Winning a number of awards including two World Music Awards, their recordings have gone gold and platinum in many countries, including 8-times Platinum in the Netherlands. In September 2007 Rieu performed in Australia for the first time solo, without his Orchestra at the Eastland shopping centre in the Melbourne suburb of Ringwood playing “My Way” and “Waltzing Matilda”—and the next day appeared at Sydney’s Arena Cove, Warringah Mall shopping complex with the same set. Rieu and orchestra returned to Australia in November as part of his world tour. Rieu and his orchestra played 3 concerts at Melbourne’s Telstra Dome from 13-15 November and continued their tour throughout Perth, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide, through to December 2008. The concert theme is ‘A Romantic Vienna Night’ and the set comprises a replica of part of a Viennese castle, complete with 2 ice-skating rinks 2 Fountains, and a ballroom dance floor situated above and behind the Orchestra

His lively orchestral presentations, in tandem with incessant marketing, have attracted worldwide audiences to this subgenre of classical music.

Andre Rieu Live in Dublin, filmed in Dublin, Ireland, and 2005’s André Rieu Live in Tuscany filmed in the Piazza Della Repubblica in the village of Cortona in Tuscany.

And the Waltz Goes On

A studio album by Dutch violinist André Rieu which features Christchurch soprano Hayley Westenra on the last track, "Dreaming of New Zealand".

The album was released worldwide on October 31 2011. It presents waltzes from around the world, including a “Valse Triste” (sad waltz) from Finland, a miniature waltz “La petite Valse” from France, a popular waltz tune that began life in Germany.

Anthony Hopkins composed a waltz called "And the waltz goes on" for the album.

Inspired by New Zealand's stunning landscape and the ‘life must go on’ attitude of its people in the face of the recent natural disasters, André penned a dreamy waltz entitled "Dreaming of New Zealand". The album includes both an instrumental version and one with English and Maori lyrics.

Personal life

He is married to Marjorie, who works with him full-time as production manager, and has two sons, Marc and Pierre. He speaks (in order of fluency) Dutch (including his home/city dialect Maastrichtian), English, German, French, Italian and Spanish. Rieu has worked with his brother, Jean Philippe for several years, but Jean Philippe has now started his own production company

All packages include Rank 3 tickets to the Andre Rieu Concert in the Forum MECC Concert Hall Maastricht on the 13th of December.

Upgrades available to Rank 2 or Rank 1 as a supplement in each package. 

About Maastricht

Maastricht, in the south of Holland boasts beautiful historic little districts, welcoming and exceptionally good restaurants and eateries, and plenty of art and attractions. And the best thing is that you can see the entire city centre on foot. If you want to enjoy the beautiful nature and castles outside the city boundaries, a bicycle can be easily hired.

Maastricht is one of the oldest cities in Holland, as you will quickly discover when strolling through the historic inner city. Churches, city walls, monumental merchant houses and big squares merge seamlessly with a comprehensive and varied range of shops. Maastricht is also a city of indulgence and culinary highlights. There are pleasant lunchrooms, Michelin-starred restaurants, vineyard farms and an extensive range of excellent regional products and dishes. In short, ‘bons vivants’ should not miss out on Maastricht!

Maastricht highlights

Maastricht is a great city with many historical structures and squares. But there’s one place in particular that you cannot miss visiting and that’s ‘het Vrijthof’. This square has attracted people since Medieval times when pilgrims came to see the grave of Saint Servatius. These days, Vrijthof is known for its outdoor cafés and events.

Around Vrijthof Square

Het Vrijthof is a beautiful square in the center of old town Maastricht, paved with old cobblestones and surrounded by trees. Many very nice restaurants and cafes encircle the square. Adjacent to the Vrijthof is the St. Servatius Basilica, a Romanesque cathedral with crypts and treasures.

Outdoor cafés of Maastricht

Maastricht is renowned the world over for it's great terraces and cafes. During the summer you can enjoy the outdoor cafés of Vrijthof Square. Enjoy one of the many different kinds of beers that are served in Maastricht or try a piece of Limburgse Vlaai, a fruit pie famous among the Dutch.

The price of €899 per person sharing includes:

– Return Flights

– 10kg bag included 

– Return transfer to your hotel in Maastricht

– 3 nights accommodation in either the 4* Select Hotel Apple Park Maastricht, the 4* Superior Superior Crowne Plaza Hotel Maastricht or the VIP Kruisherenhotel

– Breakfast each morning

– Return transfer to the concert

– Rank 3 tickets to the Andre Rieu Concert in the Forum MECC Concert Hall Maastricht (upgrades available) on the 13th of December.