ShareAndré Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra performing at The Motorpoint Arena Nottingham on Wednesday 10th May 2023
Images and Review by Kevin Cooper
Going to an André Rieu concert is like going to a party. And what a party it was, with this sold out crowd at the Arena on Wednesday night not needing nibbles and drinks, instead they gorged themselves on an incredible display of music and fun.
As is customary, to the sound of Seventy-Six Trombones, Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra marched through the enthusiastic crowd who clapped them along as they took their seats on the stage.
Showcasing a wide variety of brilliant musicians and singers from all over the world, the stage was complete with flowers, ornate gilded music stands, a huge backdrop screen and became a kaleidoscope of colours with the men in full dress suits and the women in ball gowns that were lavish enough to make a Disney princess seem dour.
With a set list that included some popular songs, rousing marches, wonderful waltzes and soaring arias, there was something for everyone. The Nottinghamshire Pipes And Drums troupe marched through the Arena to the fabulous strains of Scotland The Brave and once on stage joined the Orchestra for a rousing rendition of The Highland Cathedral complete with a back drop of an old Scottish castle.
Other highlights included the infectious An Der Schonen Blauen Donau (The Blue Danube) which saw some of the crowd waltzing in the aisles, The Platin Tenors La Traviata-Brindisi had everyone waving their arms aloft, Ballad Pour Adeline brought the crowd to their feet and a delightful cover of Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling In Love saw the Arena lit up with mobile phone torches.
With hundreds of different coloured balloons bouncing around, this spectacular affair was brought to a close with the pipers and drummers back on stage for an emotional version of Amazing Grace. And with Rieu’s self effacing humour, banter with his orchestra and wonderful musicianship, the evening had come to a close too soon.
