MELKSHAM Assembly Hall will next weekend be screening world-famous violinist and conductor André Rieu’s Maastricht concert alongside cinemas across the world.
Known to millions as ‘The King of Waltz’, André Rieu is one of the world’s most popular music artists. His legendary annual Maastricht concert last year set new box office records in several countries.
Set against the stunning medieval backdrop of the town square in André’s Dutch hometown, the spectacular Maastricht concert features the maestro in his element, along with his world-famous 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra, sopranos, tenors and very special guests.
André promises, and delivers, an unforgettable musical experience full of humour, fun and emotion for all ages.
On this year’s event, André said, “Every year we find ways to make my hometown concerts a unique experience for our audiences in the square, as well as those who watch us in the cinemas. We put a lot of time, energy and love into creating something special, some Maastricht magic.”
CinemaLive’s presentation of André Rieu’s 2016 Maastricht Concert in Cinemas features host Charlotte Hawkins, who introduces the show and conducts an interview with André the moment he steps off stage, exclusively for cinema audiences. The concert is three hours long, including a fifteen minute intermission. Spoken parts in English and Dutch (with English subtitles).
The concert, recorded in the weeks prior to the showing, will be shown at Melksham Assembly Hall at 7pm on Saturday 23rd July and again at 3pm on Sunday 24th.
In anticipation of this year’s biggest cinematic music event; André Rieu’s 2016 Maastricht concert, we asked the ‘King of Waltz’ our top five questions to whet your appetite…
What can the cinema audiences expect from your show this year?
AR: A romantic evening full of humour, the world’s most beloved melodies, waltzes, many international soloists, fireworks and unforgettable moments.
Justin Bieber has his Beliebers, Taylor Swift has her Swifters. What nickname would you give to your devoted fans?
AR: That’s a very difficult question. Maybe the ‘Waltzers’? But we play so much more than just waltzes. I will think about it and get back to you, haha! Or maybe we should start a vote!
You seem to be very connected with your live audience. What would you like to say to the fans that can’t be there with you in Maastricht, but could potentially watch the show in their local cinema?
AR: I hope they will enjoy the concerts as much as we do. It’s a fantastic opportunity to ‘join us in Maastricht.’ I just hope everyone will have a lot of fun.
You recently composed a Windsor Waltz for the Queen’s 90th birthday, where did you get your inspiration from?
AR: The music was inspired by some of the greatest British melodies, like Rule Britannia and of course your great national anthem. At first you hear heralds announce her, then she comes in and then she waltzes all night long, just as Queen Victoria did in the time when the waltz was still forbidden.
It’s clear that you love all the pieces you pick for your performances – is there one that has a special place in your heart?
AR: It’s always a piece I play in that moment. But there’s one piece, which I play every night and which I have loved since I was five years old; the beautiful Blue Danube by Johann Strauss. Every night I invite my audience to get up from their seats and dance to it in the aisles.
Tickets cost £20 and are available from the Assembly Hall in person or via 01225 709887.