22 March 2017 (gig)
23 March 2017
Entering the Genting Arena you were entertained by Karl Loxley singing to get you in the mood for the evening.
This concert was re-arranged after the cancellation of the December 2016 tour following the death at the age of 47 of Ruud Merx the trombonist of André Rieu's Johann Strauss Orchestra.
As usual André led his orchestra and singers down the centre aisle of the Arena.
In memory of the late Ruud Merx the orchestra started with 76 Trombones. This was followed by a variety of music including Blaze Away and Tales from Vienna woods. André reminded us that today 30 years ago was the first rehearsal that the Johann Strauss orchestra held in the school hall in Maastricht - there were 13 members all in black, a big contrast to today's colourful ensemble.The first half included a zither led 'Third Man' and the three tenors performed and the clarinetist soloed Hava Negillah - Let's Have Fun. The first hour closed on a high with one of the sopranos sang solo 'You'll never walk alone'.
The second half opened with one of the 3 sopranos singing 'On my own' from Les Miserable. The three sopranos took it in turns to perform various solos and the was a wide variation of orchestral music and singing by the three ladies. The music varied from loud Russian to waltzes to 'Over the Rainbow'.The second half finished with two classics Johann Strauss 'Blue Danube' waltz, where couples were waltzing in the aisles, with the finale of Ravel's Bolero with a father and son leading on drums. Another one hour long second half.
Comedy was rampant throughout the concert with the orchestra leading.
Encore said the audience which Andre responded with a further half an hour of a variety of music, singing and fun. The 'Drinking Song', 'Hallelujah', 'Tutti Frutti' - jazz no less, 'Falling In Love With You', 'Y Viva España'.The pianist even got up on her piano and tap danced on it. During this period everybody was up on their feet. The finish was 'We'll Meet Again'
Everybody left happy.
