Concert

I just went to one of the most wonderful concerts of my life:

http://www.andrerieu.com/site/index.php?id=home

Andre Rieu, (Louis Riel, according to my opa) violinist. It was incredible.

The music resounds throughout the entire Roger's Centre, to the point of being deafening, but it just sweeps you along into it. His humour is cheesy, yet it it adds to the atmosphere. The orchestra was brought to the stage via horse and carriage. The set was a Venetian Castle. On either side was a small skating rink, and above the orchestra was a balcony where waltzes and ballet was performed.

They also played Nadine's favourite love song from the Titanic. It was a credit to the 250 people who set up the entire thing.

During the Blue Danube many people were waltzing in the aisles. Sleigh Bells is another that comes highly recommended.

And people sitting in the front (with the very expensive tickets) got snowed on. I'm jealous. :)

The concert was supposed to end at 10:30. There was a 20 minute encore section. At one point, he started to play O Canada which was very nice. Then, while everyone was still quiet, he pointed towards the rear of the auditorium. Bagpipers came from everywhere, all the professionals from all of Ontario. Once they were all on stage, Rieu on his violin, a man on the penny whistle and a lady playing the bagpipes played Amazing Grace. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fe8FyzW2aiM&feature=related It was the best rendition I have ever heard. The bagpipes lend such a haunting mood to the tune that makes it seem to come so much more alive, and the whistle soared over it all.


But now I really have to go to bed since it is 1:30 in the morning, as you can tell from my ramblings.