July 8th 2024, “The Limburger”, by Ronald Colée. Photocredits Harry Heuts Translation: Ineke, edited by Alice Leung This article refers to another article under “Press” on our website (about a statue), click HERE.

Pierre Rieu is horrified by the idea for a statue of his father: 'Hor-rib-le...' Once again this year, Pierre Rieu and his team ensure that everything surrounding his father's Vrijthof concerts runs smoothly. The 43-year-old son of André and Marjorie Rieu is a huge animal lover, thinks money is dirty and struggles with imposter syndrome. “When I stand in front of the mirror in the morning I don't think: how grateful the world should be that I am here.” Lyrics as a guide Using well-known Dutch song lyrics, we interview a well-known Limburger from the cultural world every two weeks. This time it is Pierre Rieu (43), the youngest son of orchestra leader André Rieu and his wife Marjorie. Pierre Rieu quit his law studies after high school to join his parents' company, for which he has been providing services since he was eleven. From production manager, he worked his way up to become general manager of André Rieu Productions and André Rieu Travel. Pierre Rieu lives in Maastricht with his wife and daughters – 14-year-old twins. Dutch song: Het is moeilijk bescheiden te blijven, wanneer je zo goed bent als ik It's hard to stay humble when you're as good as I am (Peter Blanker - It's hard to stay humble) “How satisfied am I with myself? Geez. I suffer from imposter syndrome: no matter how well you do your job and how many compliments you receive, there is always a little voice in your head that doesn't believe it. When I stand in front of the mirror in the morning, I don't think: how grateful the world should be that I am here. I once met someone who said, “You'll never guess who bumped into me this morning.” Think about how you would approach life then. I know I'm doing my best. And if I had to identify one area for improvement in myself, it would be my emotional antennae. I would like to be able to limit that a bit more. That if I feel good, it stays that way. Even if the other person isn't. Because I care too much about the concerns of others. That's fine, as long as you don't go under together. In fact, it's better to stand upright”. Dutch song: Sterren komen, sterren gaan, alleen Elvis blijft bestaan Stars come, stars go. Only Elvis remains (Gorki - Mia) “Last week I had a podcast recording with the Centrum Management Maastricht. There they argued for a statue for my father. Awful. In a hundred years' time, no one will talk about André Rieu anymore. And maybe so. But a statue? Fame is also a very strange thing. For example, you are sometimes asked for advice about things you have no knowledge of at all. Just because you're a familiar face. Just like in the song 'If I were a rich man' from 'Fiddler on the roof'. And yes, I am also a familiar face. This means that you must be aware that this entails a responsibility and that you are constantly being watched. That is why I am very cautious about statements in the media and on social media. I made an exception to that once. When Trump indirectly called for the storming of the White House. Then I wrote an open letter to him because I had such a strong feeling: if I don't do anything, who will? I know I'm no one at all when it comes to world politics, but it bothered me so much that I accepted the consequences of ridicule and people turning their backs on me. Dad did not oppose, he totally agreed with the gist of my letter. He even shared it on his social media.” Dutch song: Als-ie maar geen voetballer wordt; ze schoppen hem misschien half dood… As long as he doesn't become a footballer, they might kick him half to death (Boudewijn de Groot - Jimmy) “I started going with my father when I was eleven. When he only owned one truck and Pierre Druif was still the head of technology. Pierre taught me what work is. Together with his wife, daughter and son-in- law, he arranged all the technology, while his other daughter ensured that all the clothes looked perfect. I was really thrown to the lions. Something I would now strongly discourage everyone. First look outside for a few years before joining your parents' company. Find yourself. I remember my parents proudly introducing me to the technical staff - who were still real grievers at the time - with the words: this is your new boss. Mom and Dad had tears in their eyes while I almost wet my pants from fear. Those men really had that look of: well, let's see what you've got. However, I don't blame my parents. I now have the best job there is and I love being general manager of André Rieu Productions and André Rieu Travel. Although my father is of course the real boss, the 'DGA': the Director Major Shareholder and I am, as they would say abroad, the 'vice president'.” Pierre Rieu: “I think it is fantastic to be general manager of André Rieu Productions and André Rieu Travel. Although my father is of course the real boss, the 'DGA': Director Major Shareholder.” Dutch song: Pappa, ik lijk steeds meer op jou Dad, I'm looking more and more like you (Stef Bos - Dad) “I think my parents gave me two important character traits. My father tells me to think big and my mother tells me to stay normal. She always asks the question: is that necessary? I think that is a very nice characteristic. I think I'm a little tougher on that. So I always put myself in the shoes of others and try to imagine how something is received. For example, my father bought a boat in 2019 that was delivered in 2020. Right in the middle of corona. Then I said: shall we just keep it on dry land for a while? Which was also not a point of discussion. Otherwise you could have predicted the headlines: 'Rieu buys ship with state support'. Because that is something I have learned in all these years: if you have to explain something, you are already too late. As for my own children, I mainly try to provide them with a safe environment by being there for them as much as possible. For example, I was a class parent at primary school for eight years. Now that they are in high school, I especially give them freedom. Freedom to fly out and discover who they are and what they want. I think the feedback I get from them is fantastic. I also urge them to be honest with me. 'Do you think I'm an idiot? Then tell me that in those words. And if I act strangely towards your friends because I need to be funny again, let me know that too. Because I am only a father for the first time. Just help me.’ And luckily they do.” Dutch song: Erf de ogen van je kind; kijk er door Inherit your child's eyes, look through them (Spinvis - Come back) “My grandfather once said to my mother: everything you can do, you can do thanks to me. That is of course nonsense. Children develop their own skills and way of thinking: as parents you can only give them something. The reverse is also the case. For example, one of my daughters made me become a vegetarian and I am now surprised that I did not make that choice sooner. I have been a huge animal lover all my life. I don't even kill flies and wasps, I catch them. Only mosquitoes kill me. So why would I let an entire pig be led to the slaughter just for a minute of pleasure in my mouth over a bacon and egg breakfast? I became fully aware of this realization after a dream in which a cloche was lifted and a mini calf was floating in the gravy on my plate. I just didn't have the heart to put my knife in there. That was six years ago now. However, I'm not one of those whiners who thinks that everyone else should follow suit. My other daughter and my wife just eat meat. And if I throw a barbecue for friends, there are also sausages and chops on the grill.” Dutch song: Ik ben niet Hervormd of zo, niet Katholiek, ik kom alleen maar voor de muziek I'm not reformed or anything, not Catholic. I just come here for the music (DC Lewis - My Prayer) I think it's wonderful that there are so many faiths from which people can draw strength, confidence and support. But I don't have any use for it myself. My mother comes from a Jewish family where many people were killed in the Second World War and on my father's side they were very Catholic. They have both said goodbye to their faith. I was not baptized with holy water in church at birth, but at home with champagne by the then pianist of the Maastricht Salon Orchestra.” Dutch song: Ik ken de kroegen, kathedralen, van Amsterdam tot Maastricht. I know the pubs, cathedrals. From Amsterdam to Maastricht (Ramses Shaffy - Laat Me) “Am I a partying type? Only during carnival. I never go out. Although maybe I should do that more often. But that never happened. Not even in my youth. Because I never went through puberty. I've never been drunk in my life either. Last year I drank alcohol for the first time in my life. When I was presented with a glass of limoncello on my godson's birthday. After just one sip, when I turned my head, I noticed that the image followed later. A special experience. So this is what it feels like when you're tipsy. Il do enjoy eating out. At Witloof in the Sint Bernardusstreet or Tabkeaw in the Rechtstreet. I am also a regular at Napoli at the Market square, where you can eat delicious pasta with vegetables - even on your own. In a casual atmosphere. It almost feels like a student restaurant. They also always serve a limoncello from the company. I stick to that too. Because like I said: otherwise I would be upside down.” Dutch song: Ik neem je mee, mee op reis, naar Rome of Parijs. I'll take you, take you on a journey. Take you to Rome or Paris (Gers Pardoel - I'll take you) “Since my youth I have had two dream destinations, both of which are less than two and a half hours' drive from Maastricht. One in Belgium and one in Germany. My favorite travel destinations don't have to be exotic, faraway places either. Not at all, in fact. I think this is partly due to this work. I have been away so often by plane and have been to so many countries that it takes away from the specialness a bit. Even though we mainly stay at airports, hotels and concert locations. The nicest places are where there are nice people. You don't have to go to New York for that, you can also bump into them on Terschelling or in Zutendaal (places in the Netherlands). And as for beautiful surroundings: look where we live. There is nothing more wonderful than returning home from abroad with the orchestra and then driving down the hill to Maastricht on the A2 (motorway). When I'm at home, I can be in nature within ten minutes and I can drive by car to Slenaken or Teuven in just fifteen minutes, where it is also a good place to be.” Dutch song: There is no more scared heart than mine (Rob de Nijs - Banger Hart) “I think people are most afraid of things that don't happen. I once read the metaphor of a monkey on your shoulder that you feed yourself. The moment you say to him 'yes, I'm scared' he falls off your shoulder. Mindfulness came my way two years ago. I benefited a lot from that. Because there are sometimes moments in life when you get stuck. That happened to me too. Call it a midlife crisis, but one without the need to buy a red Ferrari; which, by the way, will never happen. I also wondered who I was, where I stood and what I still wanted. At Renate Kuipers in Vaeshartelt I learned that it is okay to be who you are. All those judgments that people have... Let each other go. Regardless of religion or sexual orientation. Whether you want to dye your hair green-white or fall on buildings for all I care. But let me do my thing.” Dutch song: Geneet van 't laeve zolang este kins (dialect) Enjoy life as long as you can (Sjef Diederen - Geneet van 't laeve) “I think 'Geneet van 't laeve' (Maastricht dialect for: enjoy life) is a very important text that we cannot endorse enough. Look at the customers in the queue at the Albert Heijn (AH supermarket) checkout. Everyone is in a hurry, everyone is in the way. Everything is ballast, everything is too much. And then look at a concert of my father's where two complete strangers are sitting next to each other on a chair on the Vrijthof and one spontaneously takes out a tissue paper when the other is sniffling. I wish there was a way to keep that feeling outside those concerts. I also really enjoy my children and the time I spend with the friends from my hobby club on Wednesday evenings. Enjoy talking about things and tinkering with old army vehicles with the ultimate goal of a museum. We have not yet planned an opening date. I already have so many deadlines in my life and deadlines by definition mean pressure. And pressure is not appropriate for pursuing a hobby. But in September we would like to commemorate Operation Market Garden eighty years ago with our club in a special way.” Dutch song: Iedereen houdt van Doekoe, iedereen houdt van geld. Everyone loves Doekoe (The Suriname word for money). Everyone loves money (Def Rhymz - Doekoe) “I think money is an increasingly dirty thing. It's nice if you don't have to worry about that and I realize all too well that I am in an unprecedented position of luxury in that respect, but many things in the world that go wrong can be traced back to money and people who constantly want more. Doing things for money is by definition the wrong motivation. I have said before: in our company the word “budget” does not exist. Take, for example, the entire North Hall that we transform into a winter palace during our Christmas concerts in the MECC. Actually it is not necessary at all. It only costs us money. But we still include it because we think it is a chic service to our guests. The last thing I bought privately? Lights to hang in the garden to make it look like stars are shining between the trees. In addition, every holiday to the Belgian coast I treat myself to a box of LEGO Technic to build.” Pierre’s own choice: Soms is ‘t beater iets moeis te verleeze. Beater verleeze dan dat ge ‘t noeit het gehad (dialect) Sometimes it's better to lose something beautiful. Better lose it, than that you never had it (Rowwen Hèze - Saint Anthony). “For me, this song conveys the message that you should always keep looking for happiness. Whether at work or privately or wherever. You always have a choice. But understand this: it has to happen in this life.”

Special edition of Chapeau Magazine, July 19, 2024, by Jo Cortenraedt, photocredits: Rowena Rutten. Translation: Ineke, edited by Diana D. Le André Rieu Productions (ARP) is a real family business with father (André), mother (Marjorie) and son (Pierre) as a kind of holy trinity. André is the figurehead, Marjorie the silent force in the background, and Pierre the one who increasingly takes on the business part.

Pierre: “In 100 years, no one will be talking about Andre Rieu anymore. Or maybe they will. But a statue?....”

André Rieu Travel Team

Joanne

Animation series in the making