Letter to Andre Rieu III

Dear Andre,

Hullo, again. I do not know why I persist in writing these letters. Maybe it is some kind of mild insanity, because, the likelihood of you ever reading them must be zilch, and the likelihood of me getting a response worse than 60 below zero. But 'never say die' is one of my mottos.
There are some things I would like to know, if you don't mind my asking.
a) As your family is Dutch, why have you all got french names, apart from your brother Robert?
b) You said once in an interview that you can be on stage for three to four hours. As the DVDs only have one and a half to two hours on them, what happens to the other footage? I know some of the presentations end up as bonus tracks, but that still does not account for that length of filming.
c) How much, if any, of the programmes are improvised? If none of them, then you are all very adept at making it look that way. It is all great fun.
d) I think you are a 'ratbag', and I mean that in the nicest possible way. In Australia a Ratbag, can be a devious, scheming person, or, someone with a wry sense of humour, who likes to have fun, but not at someone else's expense. You are the latter.
You have said on a DVD that you get very nervous before you go on stage, and wonder why you do it. Your nerves must disappear once you are on stage, as you thorourly enjoy yourself once there, and your introductions of the pieces are so professional. We who love you and your music, are very thankful for that fact.Bravo!
It is a great pity I will not be able to attend one of your concerts, as I am sure the atmosphere must be electric! I 'sing' and clap and smile and laugh as I watch your DVDs, and can almost believe I am actually there.
I have just bought a 4DVD set with the 2003 New Years Eve concert in Hanover.
I was thrilled to find one of my favourite clarinet pieces on it, played so skillfully by Manoe and the lovely 'chorus girl'. I am referring to Klarinettenmuckl. of course. I have loved that piece ever since I heard Acker Bilk play it.
I was also delighted to see for the first time, the girl band, Bond. They are gorgeous, sexy, talented young ladies. I just love the 'futuristic' looking instruments.
Thank you once again Andre, for all the wonderful music and fun.
May you continue to do it for as long as you enjoy it.
With affection,
Susan
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