I was fortunate to be given 2 tickets to see Andre Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra in Denver on Oct 21. We had incredible seats--4th row center. There's nothing like good seats to make a show special. The show, at the Pepsi Center, was quite a treat. I had heard of Rieu, but really didn't know anything about him or the orchestra, but free seats are free seats, and I don't usally pass them by if I don't have to.
Rieu is a violinist, and he conducts the orchestra. He was very personable on stage and didn't take anything too seriously except for his love of the music, which was evident.
From the opening number to the numerous encores, the show was dynamic. The Orchestra marched in from the back of the arena to the tune of 76 Trombones. They marched onto the stage and picked up the instruments and finished playing the song live. The orchestra, which is largely female, were dressed in beautiful 1950s style evening gowns. The men were traditional in white tie and tails.
The program was mostly a collection of Strauss music. One special guest came out to play the zither, and they were definitely having fun with that. The soloist played at boredom when he wasn't playing, even going so far as to "fall asleep." Yes, it's hokey, but it was still quite entertaining. Members of the orchestra were flirting with him, all in all, there was lots of unexpected business on stage.
The show included three tenors--men with marvelous voices. The opera selections were beautiful. It was very exciting to hear them. There were also three female singers, two of whom did solos. The men and women also did a piece together. One of the women sang a song from Phantom of the Opera. I actually saw that on Broadway with Sarah Brightman, and this woman was equally good.
Rieu brought down a drummer to keep the beat for Ravel's Bolero. A well-known piece of music, to be sure, but awe inspiring to watch it being played live. I never considered what a difficult piece of music that is, until I watched in unfold before me.
The orchestra also played a beautiful rendition of Blue Danube. Rieu hinted that people couldn't help but get up an waltz to this, and the audience didn't disappoint. People all over the arena were literally dancing in the aisles.
The concert ended with a standing ovation and several "encores." Actually, the pretense of leaving the stage and returning for the encore finally seems to have run its course. The orchestra stayed on stage and played several additional pieces before the concert ended. It wasn't until this time that we got to hear Rieu perform in solo. His violin playing was exquisite.
You can see pictures and video from the concert that Gather-member Steve S. took. http://www.gather.com/viewVideo.jsp?id=11821949021854643
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Comments: 11
style. He's one of the artists for whom I've much respect and I'm really atracted by his music. His wonderful way of playing on the violin touches senses deeply. The acclaimed violonist has a wide audience and this appears clearly in his concerts. I hardly find a seat whenever I decide to attend one. And what upsets me more is prices. Of course I can't be mean when I want to watch one of my favourite artists but I feel that prices are not reasonable. I discovered an interesting website where one can do the comparison of prices for free before booking. By this way I can see the best price offered. Here is the link in case you need to reserve a seat:
http://www.ticketwood.com/concerts/Andre-Rieu-Tickets/index.php
Andre Rieu Tickets
Anyway, do the comparison but don't miss watching your favourites.
.Fortunately my parents accepted to book me tickets due to low prices that this site offers.
Here is the site:
http://www.ticketsinventory.com/concert/andre-rieu-tickets/
So any body will go to Andre Rieu concert??