De Telegraaf/Privé: December 1st 2022. By Harry Nijen Twilhaar. Translation: Ineke/John. Waltzking shed tears… André Rieu: "This was a year to never forget" It was a year full of emotions for André Rieu, who after a long period of time was finally able to perform again in his beloved Maastricht. This year even three times: on King's Day (April 27th), the big Summer concerts at the Vrijthof (July) and later, in December, during the Christmas concerts in the MECC (Conference Hall in Maastricht). “A year to never forget." We are completely back after the pandemic. How we enjoyed it again, especially in the Netherlands this summer," says the waltz king in an exclusive interview with Privé, in which he looks back on an exciting 2022. After more than three years, André Rieu, the 'King of the Waltz', returned back to the Vrijthof last summer. He was deeply touched emotionally when he was allowed to perform for the first with the Johann Strauss Orchestra on his beloved square on the premiere evening. Every now and then he couldn't hold back his tears. In April it was already a big party when the world-famous violinist was allowed to perform for the Royal Family during King's Day. Together with his orchestra, André played a number of songs for, among others, the birthday of King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, and the princesses Amalia, Alexia and Ariane. The “Oranges” (Royal Family) hooked arms and swayed along between the crowd and sang along at the top of their voices. Today André takes stock. “It has been an impressive year and we are closing it with fantastic Christmas concerts in December.” Preparations are now in full swing. “This year it will be even bigger than ever. With my show “Kerst met André” (Christmas with André), I am going to serve my fans unforgettable evenings.” Not only in the Netherlands does the popularity of André seems to be growing. Worldwide the Maastricht resident is and remains a phenomenon. His latest music album “Silver Bells” recently entered the top 4 of the British pop charts in the United Kingdom. Looking back at 2022, you've had an impressive year. It was indeed a very special year, which mainly consisted of catch-up concerts. Unbelievable that more than half a million fans had saved their ticket! Of course it was fantastic to be back at the Vrijthof. I enjoyed that tremendously. Everyone was happy to see us again.”

Do you have the feeling that André Rieu has become even more popular in the last five years? “Yes, I believe that our fame is still growing. We are coming to more and more countries. We were in Uruguay for the first time this year and had a lot of success there. Really fantastic! Next year we will go to Malta. I was there recently for a press conference, and I almost felt like a pop star, haha! It seemed as if the whole island had come out to receive me. Very nice!" In December you will give the Winter Concerts in the MECC. Do you prepare that differently? “Yes, that is very different from all other concerts. The MECC itself is an ordinary gray boring concrete and steel congress building. But for our concerts it is transformed into a beautiful winter palace, with lots of gold, red plush, crystal chandeliers, golden Venetian candlesticks… Beautiful!” Can you tell us something about what the decor will be like? An ice rink? “Yes, there are definitely ice rinks again, and there will be two great groups of figure skaters. I'm already looking forward to it. I believe thaat skating to waltz music is even more beautiful than dancing! There is a beautiful brass ensemble and people are greeted by actors in beautiful costumes in Charles Dickens-style. There will be about three hundred dancers and sixty skaters for extra atmosphere.” Is there a theme? Will there be well-known guest artists? “The theme is… Christmas, haha! But not exclusively. There are beautiful waltzes, beautiful arias, sung by the Platin Tenors and fantastic sopranos. And the Golden Voices of Gospel will join in and make sure that the roof of the MECC will come down. That's all I wat to give away, but it will be more beautiful than ever!" How are you going to celebrate Christmas yourself? "Yes, of course! I am really looking forward to that. With Marjorie, our sons and daughters-in-law and five grandchildren around the Christmas tree and at the big table. I'm definitely going to make a delicious dinner, but I still have to think about that.