On Monday morning they visited the Acropolis and Herodeion as a press conference was held with the Acropolis as a background. With forty years of career and concert successes that established him as the most famous living violinist and conductor, Rieu visits Greece for the first time. The excitement of the speaker and his excellent mood and communication with the people throughout the tour made the walk magical. Together with the communication and public relations manager of the said production, Vicky Kokkini, they welcomed cameras and journalists.
The production partner Athanasios Katsikidis after a discussion with the maestro describes “We met him on the Acropolis, in his first physical contact with the ancient Greek culture. Cheerful and enjoying the view of the Acropolis, he asks us about the Herodeion, the Erechtheion and the Kallimarmaro, monuments that he read about in his student years but did not manage to visit.
As he explains to us, the thousands of reactions from the Greek fans and the love of the people who wanted to see him tap dance were among the reasons that led him to organize his first concerts in Athens.
“Greek music is fantastic” he tells us, while not taking his eyes off the rock of the Acropolis. “I mean, Syrtaki is world famous. It’s a wonderful piece. I love playing it and this year in the orchestra we have two Greek bouzouki musicians, while one of the girls in my choir is Greek from Cyprus and will sing two Greek songs.”
One day before his arrival in Athens, Andre was impatient, he does not hide from us that he cooked moussaka and did several rehearsals. When asked if he considers himself an ambassador of Greek tradition and music, he smiles, “In all the countries I travel to, I like to play local music. But come now, Greek culture is all over the world. I mean, Greek restaurants are everywhere and I learned ancient Greek in school. So there is already a connection with me and Greece,” while adding, “On the other hand, I don’t feel like an advertiser. I love Greece and I only play music that touches my heart. And one of the most important musics is Greek music and Greek culture. It all started from here. So, this is where I find myself.”
Talking to André Rieu about ancient monuments, scattered antiquities and the looted Parthenon, the conversation turns to the sculptures in the British Museum. Troubled, he tells us, “it is a big debate not only for Greece, but also for Egypt. I think they should now go back to the country where they belong. At the time they got them conditions were different and they held up very well in the UK. But now it’s been 200 years, so I think it’s time to bring them back.”
The discussion concludes with him heading to Herodium, with his ninety-strong staff accompanying him. He walks along Dionysiou Aeropagitou and exchanges compliments with people. As he states, he waited several decades for these moments. Members of his orchestra are waiting for him in Herodion. And the music starts! Tourists watch the famous violinist dance the syrtaki and sing with the Greek musician “The Children of Piraeus”, at the same time the first glasses of ouzo complete the short walk before returning to rehearsals.
On Tuesday 12/3/24, the first concert took place, which was sold out for days. The inseparable until we reach OAKA but it was definitely worth it. The emotion, the humor, the Greek element as well as the excellent performances gave us the opportunity to experience a magical evening. Emma Kok’s birthday and happy birthday, in Greek, from 13,000 viewers is a moment we will certainly not forget. Many important creators, journalists and politicians attended yesterday’s concert, including Mr. Dimitris Koutsoubas with his wife and Mrs. Gianna Angelopoulou with her family.
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