André Rieu: ‘Vrijthof summer concerts off the track’ | Culture

entertainment">André Rieu thinks the risks are still too great, especially because the traditional concert series in his hometown also attracts large audiences from abroad.

entertainment">“Unfortunately, we are not yet far enough worldwide with the vaccinations to sing, laugh and dance together carefree and happy in Maastricht in July,” says Rieu, who has now been vaccinated herself.

entertainment">“That is why we are moving the program to 2022. It is a pity that the traditional open air concerts with my Johann Strauss Orchestra are canceled.”

Christmas concerts

entertainment">In March, Rieu reported that there was little chance that the Vrijthof concerts would continue this year, despite the worldwide vaccination program.

entertainment">The Christmas concerts scheduled at MECC Maastricht in December have not been canceled. The orchestra leader also hopes that the planned concerts will continue in Chile and Uruguay in October and in Israel in November.

entertainment">“In that country we sold a thousand tickets in one day. Almost everyone has already been vaccinated there. ”

Millions loss

entertainment">The cancellation of the Vrijthof concerts is another loss of many millions for the orchestra leader.

entertainment">“Every summer around 150,000 visitors from 90 countries ensure a gigantic party at the Vrijthof. With a distance of one and a half meters it is impossible because there is always plenty of singing and dancing during the concerts. That is why we have unfortunately made the decision today to cancel the concerts. Safety is our highest priority. ”

entertainment">Not only is it a nuisance for the world-famous orchestra, owners of hotels in and around Maastricht are also missing out on a lot of income now that the summer concerts have been canceled.

Government aid

entertainment">Thanks to the support of the government, Rieu already announced that he could survive the crisis. His company has 120 permanent employees, of which the government takes over a large part of the costs.

entertainment">“We have worked hard in recent weeks to reschedule all concerts for 2022.”

entertainment">The new data will be announced on André Rieu’s website. The first concert of a series of fourteen performances is scheduled for July 7, 2022. Orders and travel arrangements booked through André Rieu Travel automatically remain valid for 2022. Fans can download the tickets with the new date from Friday via the original order confirmation.

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