Kyles Rieully Musical
Adventure
Introduction
Hello
everybody! Most of you might know who I am from the Harmony parlor, Ineke's Movie
site or the german group André Rieu and friends. But for those of you who do not
know me, I would like to take the time to introduce myself.
My name is Kyle Craft and I am a 24
year old american, a hardcore Rieufan since 2004 and a passionate violinist
since I was 5 years old. I invite you all to come along and join me on my rieu
musical journey ... this is my story.
When I was 4 and a half years old, I
was inspired by waltzes and Polkas by Johann Strauss to play violin, but I was
never serious about making music until 2004, when my mother came home with the
DVD Live in Dublin from a man named Andre Rieu. She bought it as she thought I
would enjoy it. She called my name but when I was young, I hated doing new
things. But she made me watch it and boy am I glad she did. I sat myself on the
couch and the concert started. When Andre came on with a smile on his face and I
saw the well dressed Orchestra, my jaw opened. All of these pieces from Vienna I
immediately recognized but did not know the names, and the way the music was
played, I was just mesmerized. When the Danube came, I immediately jumped for
joy. Before this, I wasnt seriously about becoming a musician but then, I
immediately took the violin out and started to practice.
In 2005, as my mother was flipping
through the tv channels one night, she came across Romantic paradise on PBS,
personally I think one of his most beautiful specials Andre ever made. She
recorded it and we watched it together the following evening. She came across
the special in the middle so the first piece was Barcarolle sung by Carmen and
Carla. It gave me the goosebumps. Then the one and only trio: Carmen, Suzan and
Carla sang the famous piece: The Rose. Their passion, musicality and the
scenery, I was mesmerized. Then at the end when Andre played his piece he wrote,
I could immediately feel that he plays straight from the heart. He played it
with such grace, emotion and passion. I was weeping. Then PBS started doing the
pledging and advertisement for his christmas tour 2005 in California. I pestered
my mother: Can we go????? The tickets through PBS were a bit expensive, so after
doing some research, she found tickets on December 15th 2005 at the Sacramento
Arco Arena.
I still remember this night very
well. My whole family and I went. We go into the arena and to our seats. We were
up in the high levels sadly but that did not matter to me. My aunt asked me: are
you excited? That was a stupid question, but I did not know what to expect. Then
the lights dimmed, the Entry of the Gladiators started and when the orchestra
and Andre went onto the stage, I was blown away. The whole night was amazing,
the waltzes, marches, classical, popular tunes, and christmas music made it a
night I still remember to this very moment. At the end I told my mother: I want
to find out more about this man and follow him in his footsteps.
The Concerts
Over the years, I have made it a
tradition to go to at least 1 concert per year with my grandmother who was
raised with this music. I have visited up to 10 concerts worldwide, collected
many of the DVDs, CDs, books, shirts, etc, which has made me a forever true
loyal hardcore fan.
I have always wished to have friends
in my life with who I could share my Rieuspirit with. I joined many groups on
Facebook but there were 2 groups that made me feel very welcomed: The Harmony
Parlor (English speaking group) and André Rieu and Friends (the german speaking
group). In the Harmony Parlor, I started to post and was always amazed at the
friendliness and hospitality of the members. I have made friends in HP who I am
very proud to call some of my close friends. There is my adopted mother Sue, my
big sister Ulrica, Chris, Christine, my brother Anthony, Ineke and Ruud, Sonja,
Kay, Kathy, Edwina, Rhonda, Bill and Barbara, Angela, and Paul. It is like one
big family. I love to post in the HP. Sometimes, especially during Maastricht
time, I do live stream (violin) concerts which I thoroughly enjoy. I also help
out Ineke and Ruud with german video translations to
English.
In 2016, when the North American
tour was announced after the Maastricht concerts, I got so excited to welcome
them back to the US. After months of waiting, the concerts in San Jose and
Sacramento were announced. I immediately booked the tickets. When I found out
that some of my HP friends were going to come to the concerts, like Ineke, Ruud,
Edwina, her hubby Jeff, Liz, Kay, her husband and daughter, Kathy, Rhonda, Bill
and Barbara, the excitement was bigger. Then after a few months, the concert in
Fresno was announced, I jumped for joy. 3 concerts in one week??? This cant get
any better. So I of course booked for Fresno and got 3 rows from the stage right
on the isle. High five night!!!!
As the concert week was approaching,
I realised that there were going to be alot of HP fans in San Jose. After
speaking with Kay Berman, we decided to organise a fan dinner before the
concert. After a couple of weeks, she and her daughter Jennifer found the
perfect restaurant that was only 10 minutes away from the venue. (I wanted to
serenade everyone during the dinner but the management would not allow it. Oh
well).
A month before the concerts, I
received a message from Ineke. She told me that Mike Wiseman, the producer from
"Welcome To My World", contacted her and she told him about the fan dinner and
me, how I am a huge fan, have tons of memorbilia and that I play violin. She
added: if he is interested in you, he will approach you.
About 3 days later, I received an
email from him at about one in the morning. I jumped for joy and immediately
read the email. He said that he was interested in meeting superfans from the USA
and asked if I was interested in being part of it. I immediately sent him a
response with one of my performances. Then after another 4 days, he responded by
thanking me for my response. He added: I would love to film and follow you at
one of the concerts. Then he asked me if it would be possible to come to my
house to see my whole collection, although he didn't know if it would be
possible. I immediately said yes.
After about a month, I heard from
him again. It was sadly not possible to come to my home and film me, but he was
still interested in filming me at the San Jose concert. After emailing each
other, I got the greatest news of my life. I was going to be filmed driving to
the venue, showing my collection, interview me and hear me play!
On the day of the concert, Mike and
I met at 3pm. Since I live 2 hours away from San Jose, I packed everything
really early and left at 11AM to avoid traffic and to take the time to breathe
and get ready for the filming. After a long, hot, trafficy 2 hour drive, I
arrived at the hotel at 2pm, where we were all staying at.
As I arrived, I
immediately saw Mrs. Ed, Jeff, Liz, John and Bobbie in the lobby. I jumped out
of my car and run into the lobby to introduce myself. We greeted each other with
smiles and hugs. For some reason, I was shaking but that was probably because I
was getting nervous about the filming. After hanging around, we decided to go on
a walk to the venue which was only 10 minutes away by foot. As we went, Ineke
and Ruud arrived. We waited for them. There came Ineke and she and I immediately
started to chat. As we return to the hotel, there were my friends Kathy, Rhonda,
Ruud, Ruth and Jim. It was so great to finally meet some of my HP friends. Then
we took a photo. As we took it, Ruth asked me, if I was as good as André. I
laughed. Then my family friend Elena arrived and I introduce her to everyone.
It was already 3pm so the tension
was high. This man with a backpack comes in. I knew he was Mike. He came up and
introduced himself to me. It was Mike Wiseman. I say goodbye to everyone and
went with Mike to my car. He was surprised at the bumper sticker I have on my
trunk, made by Suzanne and her daughter Heather. I still had all of my stuff in
my car as I could not check in before 3pm. Mike was kind enough to let me put
some of my stuff in his car. As he did that, Anthony writes me and wishes me
good luck. I told him I was soo nervous but he helped me calm down. Then after
cleaning up the car a little, I drove to their car and meet the 2 other filmers,
whose names I dont remember sadly.
Then my moment started. We filmed me
driving to a park near the venue. As we go there, we got ready to do the
interview while driving. I answered some questions with great enthusiam. I kept
speeding up which made their work at bit hard, which I felt bad about. I was
worried about cars honking at me as we had to drive so slow. But then in the end
everything was ok. After the interview, Mike was wanting me to drive around
blasting music. I just so happened to have the cd, magic at the musicals in my
car, one of my favorites. We decided to blast the Cinderella Waltz while driving
around. I do that every night for an hour before going home and love it. Mike
and his crew kept asking me to enjoy myself. I was so serious as I was so
nervous being filmed for the first time, but then I started feeling myself. I
conducted to the music, sang a little, swayed back and forth in ¾ time, and at
stop lights played air violin. When I started to sing, Mike then asked me if I
could sing. I just laughed and said no.
We drove back to the park and got
ready to film my collection. We unpacked it out of the huge suitcase and got the
trunk ready. Then this part of the interview started. I opened it and there it
was, my Rieu collection. I showed him my first tour program from my first
concert, told him how many things I had. More than 60 cds, 25 DVDs, 10 VHS,
scarfs, books, shirts, key chain and pillow. Mike was very interested in the
shirts, especially the one designed by my friend Jaya from Australia with her
slogan. I explained to Mike that I love to collect the clothing, especially the
shirts. I always wear them to my violin lessons as they give me good luck ;) Then they filmed me playing. I selected one of my favorites, the grand waltz,
Roses From The South by Johann Strauss. We filmed that twice. I was not happy
with the stupid mistakes I made but I did it. Then Mike congragulated me. To
finish the recording, they filmed me driving around and off to the concert
blasting Get me to the church on time. There should have been a song called Get
me to the concert on time! Then we were finished. Before I left to check into
the hotel and go tot he fan dinner, I asked Mike if we were going to see each
other again. I gave him my seat information and he added bring your violin. Then
we said goodbye and see you later.
I immediately texted Kay to let her
know that I'm on my way. They were all waiting anxiously for me. I rushed back
to the hotel to check in. The traffic was getting on my nerves. After having
checked in, I got ready and went. Anthony and I were conversing as we were
trying to do a videochat at the fan dinner. I was already late and stressing so
that was sadly not possible. As I arrive at the parking garage near the
restaurant, I noticed there was smoke coming out of my car. I was like UGH
SERIOUSLY? I realised that it was only because there wasn't enough water in the
engine. That wasn't a problem as I could fix it right away. I got to the dinner
at the last 10 minutes but that was ok. I can't eat that much before a concert.
As I got into the room, everyone greeted me with a huge applause. I saw Bill and
Barbara and immediately introduced myself. I sat next to John and Howard. We
talked, I drank my coffee and ate some soup before we had to go. I took Rhonda
and Elena back to the hotel so we could all walk together to the venue. It was
already 7pm, doors opened at 6:45 and the lines were long. I had to meet Mike,
so Ruud told me just to run down there. As I got there, the lines were long but
it was going by pretty fast. I called Mike to let him know I was there. He said
that he will find me either outside or inside.
Since I had my violin, I knew that
this would cause a little issue at the security. As I arrived, people could see
that I'm a true fan, with my scarfs around me and the button that my friend Ruth
made for everyone at the fan dinner. At the security point, one of the workers
said that I have to check it (violin) in. The plan was that I give Mike my
violin to take backstage. I explained to her that I am a part of the behind the
scenes "Welcome To My World" with Mike. She said I dont know who that is, but
you have to check it in. I said: no problem at all. Then as I go through
security and into the building, I see Mike and the crew. I explained to them the situation with the security guard and explained why I needed to check in my
violin. This all was making me a little frustrated and impatient, but then in
the end, my fake strad was in Mikes hands and everything was ok.
I asked them if I
could go to the concession stand and see what they have. They said ok and we go
there. I was hoping they would have new stuff I could buy and there was. I was
so happy to see the falling in love scarf, the new album released for the US and
a t shirt exclusively made for this tour. I immediately bought all three items.
Mike filmed me with what I just bought. I told him: I bought the Shall we dance
album, the t shirt to wear as my night shirt and the falling in love scarf which
I will wear tonight ;) Now I had 3 scarfs around me and my button. I was getting
thirsty, so I wanted to get some water. I asked Mike if it is ok. He said yes
but time is running out. After getting frustrated with the long lines I just
said forget it. Mike said he would get me some.
Then he filmed me going into the
arena and to my seat. When we got to my seat he asked me: how excited are you? I
was shaking joyful. Everyone could see that I'm a huge fan with my 3 scarfs and
button. I went to where my friend Elena was sitting on the isle and I wanted to
be there. Sadly I was on the other end of the isle so I had to go to my real
seat. After speaking to the fans right next to me, they said the end of the isle
was open. Those people were late so they said just go there. So ha I stole the
isle. Then the lights dim! The seventy six trombones start. I get goosebumps, I
stand up and then the lights go up and the concert starts - Here we go! I got my
first high five and he smiled at me!!! Wow!! Then after a few minutes the people
at the isle arrive. We made eye contact to switch seats back but they said dont
worry about it. Very nice people.
André greets the audience and I yell
good evening back. Then Blaze away is next and I start clapping joyfully.
Next Frederic comes on stage and the next piece was one of my absolute favorites
- The grand waltz Tales from the Vienna Woods by Johann Strauss. This waltz was
the waltz that inspired me as a little boy to play violin. When the waltz
started, I got the goosebumps and swayed back and forth. The part when the choir
sang with the whole orchestra to the waltz, that made me be in awe. At the end,
I of course stood up. Then the third man came. This one always makes me laugh.
Then the tenors came on stage and sing Maria, Mari. After André introduced the
tenors, they sang the glorous aria, Da geh ich zum Maxim from the Merry Widow by
Franz Lehar, my second favorite composer. Then they sang one of my absolute
favorite, Dein ist mein ganzes Herz, you are my hearts delight from Lehars
operetta the Land of smiles. This piece of music is another one of my favorites
and they performed it more than great. It was more than I expected. They sang it
with great power, passion, and love and seeing André conduct it, you can see how
he feels the passion and power of the music in him, which is one things I love
about him. This number made me weep at all 3 concerts. This of course deserved
another standing ovation. Manoe played Hava nagila and everyone clapped along.
Next, Andre tested our musical skills, and played America The Beautiful. I first
stood up to get the audience to stand and sing along. It was a touching number.
Then before the break, he talks about how singing together is good for your
health. In school, I have to sing and I can just agree with him 100 percent.
Before the break, they perform with Carmen, Donij, Anna and the Platin Tenors
the stunning You'll Never Walk Alone from Rodgers and Hammersteins Carousel. I
love their arrangement with the powerful brass in the beginning. This was the
other number that made me so emotional. I of course stood up again.
Intermission: All of
us went up to the stage and I tested Ineke and Ruuds German for fun ;) Mike came
up to me and said, I want to see you dance the Danube, so find a woman and
before the last encore, I'm going to grab you. I asked Elena if she would dance
the Danube with me and she said yes. As Cord Meyer started to tune, we all went
back to our seats. Then the second half started.
The first piece was the
emotional Ballade pour Adeline. This one brings me back memories from my first
Maastricht experience in 2012. Then Anna came on and sang Think of Me. As the
piece was announced, the whole audience was in awe. Anna sang it with such
passion and feeling. Standing ovation again. Then they played the famous german
sport palace waltz with all the whistling. I just faked it and then I realised
my face was up on the video screens like 3 times. Next it was Carmen's turn. I
knew she was going to sing one of my favorites and she did it with such emotion.
At the end of the piece, that high A gave me the goosebumps and I immediately
started to applaud. Then Donij came on stage and sang Lehars, Meine Lippen sie
küssen so heiß. She played with some of the men in the audience. Then came my
favorite of all, The Blue Danube. When André asked the audience to applaud for
Johann Strauß, I immediately stood up to show my respect for this amazing
composer.
Then the announcement of the Danube, I applauded the loudest. The
music started and when the theme started, I immediately stood up and Elena and I
started to dance. I got up to the stage and André smiled at me more than once. I
was wondering where Mike was. Then André's bodyguard was giving me the signs to
get over closer to the left of the stage so that Mike could film me. After the
Danube, I went back to my seat. Then Bolero came on. This was a powerful number
and at the end, you could feel the power of the percussion in your chest. André
then announced the end, we said no, as he got louder saying no, we screamed LOL.
Then as the Radetzky starts, I immediately get up and go to the stage and go in
front of Andre so that I can listen to that strad. After the Radetzky march. I linked arms with Mrs. Ed and Kathy and that was a memorable moment.
Then Libiamo is next and Manoe gets tipsy. Then the tenors come and the
sopranos. Donij and Carmen waved at me. I messaged Donij a week before to see if
we could meet and my friend Angela told Carmen and Octavio about me so that is
how they knew about me. Then came Hallelujah, another goosebump piece. I loved
to hear André play that strad passionately with the sopranos singing on top. It
was a moment I'll never forget. Then Tutti frutti. I normally dont dance but I
did tonight. Then came Can't Help Falling in Love With You and you could tell in
André's eyes he loves it when the whole Arena waves the lights back and
forth. Next came Stars and Stripes. I love this number and Andé jumping up and
down at the end. And then came Adieu. I of course sang along. Again Carmen and
Donij saw me.
Before the end, Mike gets me and we
go backstage. I was like what is going to happen. Carmen is there waiting to
greet me. I give her a hug, congratulated her on a great performance and she
told me that Octavio told her about me. I wanted a pic but Mike said no there is
no time. He tells me to get my violin out and go near the violin case.
Then
there he comes, the maestro, André Rieu. I get goosebumps. Mike introduces me to
him and asks if he could sign my violin. André greeted me with: Hello Kyle. I
could not speak at all until a few seconds later when I said: Hello Mr. Rieu. He
signed my Violin and told me to let the signature dry. He jokes with me: Is it a
strad? I said: It is my fake strad. Then he asks me: would you like to trade
violin? I said no. Then I said this sentence: "I was inspired by Strauss waltzes
to play violin and you have inspired me and still inspire me to become the
musician I am today". He smiled at me. Then he asked: do you practice everyday?
I said yes, my scales, etudes. Then he asked: and waltzes? To make sure im
practicing the good music ;) I answered of course. Then Mike tells me to thank
André for a great concert, I did and then I left. Carmen witnessed the whole
thing.
As I leave, I see Vincenzo and we
high five each other. When I got back out into the arena, everyone sees me and
Mike, the crew and I go into one of the isles and he askes me live on camera.
How are you feeling now? All I could say was I am speechless and so happy.
Everyone around could see that I was on cloud 9. I met some fans and I played
for them The Blue Danube, they were all impressed.
We all wanted to stay to greet the
JSO and everyone, but his bodyguard told us we must leave. At least I got to
meet Donij and get a photo with her. Then as we left, some JSO members come by,
I say Hello to Anna but she didnt know who I was so she said, at least you know
my name. That was funny. I didn't realize it, but André walked right past me with
a smile. Then I play as the members go and Jennifer Hans says good job. As we were leaving, we ran into
Laura Engel. Ineke was so kind to introduce me to her. I wanted a picture with
her but she had to hurry along. We all went back to the hotel and chatted a
little. I could not sleep this night at all. I was so in heaven, that I
immediately messaged Sue, Christine, Anthony, Ulrica and Amanda all that I
experienced. We all were and are still amazed at this whole experience. I only
got one hour of sleep.
I was a bit worried as I had to
drive up to Sacramento the next day. Then I realised that my drivers licence was
missing and I needed to get water for my car. So instead of worrying about it
during the night, I just enjoyed my unforgettable experience. After getting one hour nights sleep,
I get up and go to breakfast. First thing I grab is 3 cups of coffee. Ineke and
John asked me if I was able to get any sleep: I was like - No! We all ate
breakfast and then said goodbye. I was waiting for Bill and Barbara as I had
offered to transport them to Sacramento. We first get water for the car then go
to the DMV to get a temporaray licence. Then I realised that I forgot to turn in
my room cards, so back to the hotel we go and finally off to Sacramento. It was
so nice to be able to transport Bill and Barbara. I loved it how Bill conducted
and sang to magic at the musicals. When we arrived, I took them to the hotel and
I went to In 'n Out for lunch before checking into my hotel. (As I was getting
out of the car I found my real drivers licence in the pocket of the left door). I
made the stupid mistake to book the cheapest hotel and didn't feel comfortable
leaving my fake Strad there so I asked Mrs. Ed if I could leave it in her room.
I got ready to go to dinner with some church friends and then go to meet
everyone at their hotel.
We go into the arena and I realized
they were selling magnets. I of course had to buy one. We went into the arena
and found our seats. I wasn't too happy with my seat but I can't complain. I saw
Ruth and went over to chat with her. She was not sure if her friend who had the
isle was going to show up, so she said, if she doesn't come I can get the isle
again. Well she did, so I return to my seat. The floor was packed. Everyone saw
me with my outfit, so they all started talking to me. Another great concert! I
danced the Danube again, but with Mrs. Ed this time. Then for the encores I rush
out, stepping on someones toes and Ruth and I were the first ones up there. We
both got smiles. Strauss and Co started - we all linked arms and swayed ... Oh
well - it was another great concert. Off we go back to the hotel as we try to
find the JSO no luck. I give Kathy her bumper sticker and say goodbye. I
accidentally forgot my violin with Mrs. Ed, but I arranged to pick it up in the
morning.
The next day was the last concert in
Fresno, I get up, check out and go get gas and go to the hotel everyone was
staying at. I say goodbye to Ruth and Jim, get my violin and head on out. I
realised my car needed some attention so I had to take care of that before I go.
I make one stop for lunch then head on down to Fresno. It was a nice drive.
I arrived early and waited for the
others - we try to check in but our rooms weren't ready. After checking in, I
decided to just relax until it was time to go. At around 6:20 I go into the
lobby with my leftover sandwich and eat it. We go by shuttle. Doors were
supposed to open at 7 but they didnt until like 10 minutes after. We were told
that the soundcheck was still going on. I was like that's not normal, André is
always on time. So we finally get to go in, I buy some stuff for Anthony and
then go to my seat which WAS on the isle ;) Bobbie and I chat for a while and I
chat with the nice lady next to me. As the lights dim and it becomes 8pm, John
and I stand up for the grand entrance. Here we go, third and final concert.
Another smile and high five. I say hello to all the JSO going by me. It was
another successful evening. Although the arena wasn't that full, but the
audience was very enthusiastic. As André tests our musical ability, this one man
just screamed a note, made us all laugh and André said jokingly: you shut up
LOL. I again dance the Danube with Mrs. Ed, then the encores. Again I rush up
there ... We had a few Mexicans in the audience and they kept screaming for
Clelito Lindo. So instead of playing Marina, André played Clelito Lindo, one of
my favorites.
The last concert :/ but we all had a blast. We all go
back to the hotel by foot and then we all plan to meet up early to have one last
breakfast to say goodbye. I get up at 7pm, get ready and then I receive a
message from Mrs. Ed to hurry up as I'm always late (haha) As I rush down to the
breakfast room, I run into Frank Steijns and his girlfriend. He recognises me
and we get to talking. As we go down to the lobby, Cord and Marcel join us and
we talk. They asked me if I was also going to Tacoma. I responded: sadly no, but
I will be in Maastricht. Then I go into the breakfast room and see other
members. What a surprise. At one moment I saw André's bodyguard come in getting
some cereal. He was probably getting breakfast fort the boss. We finished
breakfast, go pack, and check out. We all said goodbye after an exciting week.
I give them one last wave as I get
into my car and head back home. On the way home I had to get more coffee as I
was falling asleep. After 3 long hours behind the wheel I arrive home exhausted.
So to wind down, I watched my favorite, the Schönbrunn concert together with my
grandmother.
To end my report, all I can say is
just wow. I never thought that in my lifetime, I would get a huge chance like
this. My 3 minute meeting with the boss changed me forever. I will remember it
forever. His music plays a huge role in my life and and always will. I promise
him in this report, that I will practice my scales, etudes and waltzes everyday.
I must thank Ineke and Mike for everything. I am so looking forward to
celebrating my birthday in Maastricht at the fan dinner and first concert. Im so
happy and very proud to be the Rieufan I am.
I hope you all enjoyed my novel.
Greetings
from the third Strauß ;)
Kyle
