To André Rieu in his hometown of Maastricht
In Maastricht, it is a tradition that cannot be ignored. Every year, violinist André Rieu turns 'his' beloved Vrijthof into the Netherlands' largest, most romantic open-air concert hall. In July, he plays several summer evenings on the square with his Johan Strauss Orchestra and guest artists. Seeing Rieu perform in his hometown Maastricht is so much more than just swaying along to La Traviata. It is one big experience.
"They are the only gigs I can just ride my bike to," the waltz king himself sometimes jokes about his home concerts. André Rieu's annual concert series in his hometown of Maastricht began in 2005 as a one-off event. The violinist's sympathetic gesture towards his own city turned out to be a mega-success. Meanwhile, the Rieu concerts on the Vrijthof are known as one of the most popular live acts in the world.
International audience
Sydney, Quebec, Ottawa, New York, there is hardly any place in the world where André Rieu (1949) does not perform. But seeing the world star perform with his Johan Strauss Orchestra on the most beautiful square in the Netherlands, surrounded by centuries-old monuments? That is something very special. Maastricht is the only city where Rieu gives a series of open-air concerts every year.
For Rieu fans, the summer concerts in hometown Maastricht are considered Valhalla. Tens of thousands of people travel from all over the world to enjoy the infectious Rieu repertoire on the Vrijthof square. A playful mix of classical music, waltz, operetta, musical and pop hits. André Rieu invariably brings world-famous guest artists over especially for the home performances. Who they are this year remains a secret for the time being.
Hotel packages
The music and sets are always equally stunning, his fans say. But the concerts in Maastricht are so much more. It is an experience, the whole city turns into one big, vibrant party for three weeks, if only because of the many enthusiastic foreign visitors. Even locals themselves reserve concert tickets a year in advance, because Rieu is an unmissable happening.
For those who want to spoil themselves completely: André Rieu Travel, together with Maastricht Marketing, offers fine hotel packages so that visitors can easily combine their Rieu concert with a relaxing city trip. Maastricht is known as Paris in miniature, city of savoir vivre. How much fun is it to discover this romantic city on the Maas before or after the performance through the eyes of André Rieu? And enjoy it with a loved one, friends or family a little longer with his insider tips.
To him, the classical world felt like a straitjacket, too stiff. Rieu founded his Maastricht Salon Orchestra. So he started playing in his own dashing way in the foyer of what is now Theater aan het Vrijthof. André wanted the whole world, from young to old, from all kinds of cultures, to waltz together. Exactly as happens every summer on the old cobblestones of Maastricht.
For more information about André Rieu concerts in Maastricht and to book a hotel package, visit this page.
