Andre Rieu’s annual hometown concert to be beamed into UK cinemas

Dutch violinist Andre Rieu (Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)

HE’S going to be the biggest show in town — but you don’t go to the local music hall to see him.

The ever-popular music maestro Andre Rieu will hold his annual hometown concerts in Maastricht on July 23 and 24 this year.

And once again, the incredible shows will also be screened in hundreds of UK cinemas, for his many fans here to enjoy.

It’s reckoned, in fact, that the so-called King of the Waltz’s previous cinema concerts were the “No 1 music event in UK cinemas”, so being at your local Odeon will feel almost as good as being in Holland itself!

One Direction and Take That have had gigs beamed into cinemas, but even they didn’t bring in nearly as many adoring fans, and that is really saying something about the magic of Andre.

Every year, after his latest global tours, Rieu likes to take his spectacular show back to Maastricht, where it all began for him.

Last year’s event set a new record for Event Cinema, becoming the highest-grossing music concert in UK box-office history, taking more than £1 million in one night and surpassing previous box-office records held by those boybands.

Set against the stunning medieval backdrop of the town square in Andre’s Dutch hometown, the spectacular Maastricht concert features the maestro in his element, with his famous 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra, sopranos, tenors and very special guests.

When this guy promises an unforgettable musical experience full of humour, fun and emotion for all ages, he isn’t joking.

“Every year, we find ways to make my hometown concerts a unique experience for our audiences in the square, as well as those who watch us in the cinemas,” says the man himself.

“We put a lot of time, energy and love into creating something special, some Maastricht magic.”

He does have a huge concert tour arranged for much later in the year, where he and his vast orchestra will perform at Britain’s biggest venues.

But Andre also reckons that the Maastricht magic deserves to be seen at the same place where you enjoy your Hollywood blockbusters.

“This year marks our eighth one collaborating with the Rieus,” says CinemaLive co-director Janelle Mason.

“Andre’s Maastricht Concert in cinemas continues to grow in popularity across the world and each year, the scale of the production is bigger and better than the last.

“With coverage by 29 cameras, including new drone-camera technology, the satellite-delivered concert is a remarkably intimate, comfortable and affordable experience for cinema patrons.”

There will even be an extra screening on the Sunday afternoon, at 3pm on July 24 — tiny tots love Rieu as much as their great-grannies, and this will suit them.

“This year, we’re giving André’s fans of all ages the chance to experience the Maastricht concert on the big screen,” Janelle explains.

“For those unable to make it on the Saturday evening, there’s now the option of a Sunday matinee — a perfect family day out.”

Good Morning Britain’s Charlotte Hawkins will host several segments in this year’s Maastricht spectacular, including an interview with André after he comes off stage.

Don’t miss it!