You Won’t Believe What André Rieu Did at Radio City Music Hall – The Most Unforgettable Night in Classical Music History, as the Waltz King Transforms New York with Heart-Stopping Performances, Unexpected Surprises, and a Once-in-a-Lifetime Emotional Journey That Left the Entire Audience in Tears – Watch the Full Concert Experience That Changed the Way the World Sees Classical Music Forever in ‘New York Memories’!
You Won’t Believe What André Rieu Did at Radio City Music Hall – The Most Unforgettable Night in Classical Music History, as the Waltz King Transforms New York with Heart-Stopping Performances, Unexpected Surprises, and a Once-in-a-Lifetime Emotional Journey That Left the Entire Audience in Tears – Watch the Full Concert Experience That Changed the Way the World Sees Classical Music Forever in ‘New York Memories’!
In this expansive live performance recorded in July 2006, Dutch violinist and maestro André Rieu—alongside his famed Johann Strauss Orchestra—takes center stage in New York’s legendary Radio City Music Hall. The result is a lavish spectacle that marries classical elegance with mainstream entertainment, breathing fresh life into the performance hall’s storied legacy
A Historic Venue Fits for a Maestro
Opened in 1932, Radio City Music Hall—affectionately known as “The Showplace of the Nation”—has witnessed a sweeping array of lavish offerings, from Rockettes extravaganzas to film premieres and Grammy broadcasts . But on this evening, it became the grandiose backdrop for Rieu’s genre-defying celebration—blending waltz, Broadway, gospel, and cinematic themes.
An Eclectic Musical Tapestry
“New York Memories” is not just a concert—it’s a cross-cultural musical journey highlighting Rieu’s ability to traverse continents with sound. The setlist features:
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European classical staples, such as Strauss waltzes and “Nun’s Chorus”
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Musical theatre jewels, including “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” and “Music of the Night”
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American classics, like “My Way” (Frank Sinatra), “Amazing Grace,” and “Stars and Stripes Forever”
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Unexpected gems, such as a violin-heavy rendition of “A Whiter Shade of Pale,” enlivened by Hammond organ
The nobility of solo violin solos intertwines with the grandeur of full orchestral arrangements and stirring gospel- and choir-backed moments, showcasing Rieu’s willingness to explore beyond the classical comfort zone—even into showbiz and pop territory
Spotlight Guests and Collaborators
The brilliance of this performance owes much to its collaborators:
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The Platinum Tenors and sopranos like Suzan Erens, Carla Maffioletti, and Celine Saleh, adding vocal dynamism to orchestral elegance
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The Harlem Gospel Choir, whose soulful voice elevates “Amazing Grace” and spiritual climaxes to transcendent moments
Rieu himself remains the irreplaceable wizard—armed with his 1667 Stradivarius and a playful air, he effortlessly unites diverse musical genres under one roof
Audience Reception: Enthralled or Divided?
The concert received mixed but impassioned reactions:
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Critics on Amazon praised selections like “My Way,” gospel anthems, and Strauss waltzes—some noting they got “goosebumps”
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Stage Noise offered a contrasting view, calling the album “schmaltzy,” criticizing singer-heavy focus and some overplayed theatrical pieces
On Reddit, the divide similarly runs deep. One user resents Rieu’s pop-classical approach as “cringe,” while another lauds his work for introducing classical music to wider audiences and sustaining a full-time orchestra
Why “New York Memories” Matters
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A cultural convergence: Rieu bridges highbrow classical traditions with Broadway and gospel, offering an inclusive musical experience.
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Economic impact: He keeps dozens of musicians gainfully employed, touring full-time and attracting millions—in 2010 he ranked in the global top 20 for touring artists
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Artistic mission: Dismissed by some as “pandering,” others celebrate his role as a lodestar for those craving joyful, accessible orchestral music
The Visual Spectacle
Rieu’s concerts are as much theatrical as they are musical:
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Ornate Art Deco meets glittering showbiz, framed by the iconic set at Radio City
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Stylists, costumes, and staging reminiscent of Broadway—with lush gowns, candlelit ambience, and soaring choruses
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His conductorial flair: impassioned face close-ups, lively choreography, and whimsical audience interaction illustrate why he’s dubbed the “King of Schmooze”
Legacy in Song: Highlights from the DVD/CD
The DVD/CD “New York Memories” offers 27 tracks—classical staples, American favorites, gospel standards, and crowd-pleasers like “Yackety Sax” and “Funiculi Funicula” . The inclusion of such varied pieces mirrors Rieu’s ambition: to craft a soirée that waltzes across tradition, geography, and genre.
The Final Bow: Reflections and Impact
Rieu’s “New York Memories” concert stands as a cultural crossroads. It isn’t purely classical; nor is it standard pop fare. Instead, it is a shining representation of music’s power to transcend boundaries. The grandeur of Radio City Music Hall meets populist flair, generating moments of joy, nostalgia, and even debate.
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Classical purists may recoil at its theatricality
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Everyday music lovers are often swept away by the emotional sweep
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The orchestra and collaborators gain global audience recognition
Ultimately, the concert fulfills Rieu’s vision: taking classical music to those who might otherwise never encounter it, gifting them two hours of communal delight under the nostalgic roof of an iconic venue.
In Conclusion
The “New York Memories” concert is more than a performance—it’s Rieu’s grand statement: that classical music can be accessible, expansive, and deeply felt. It may not satisfy every critic’s standard, but its ability to enchant full houses, foster international tours, and inspire varied conversation proves its resonance.
Whether you’re captivated by the soaring waltzes, the stirring gospel, or even the theatrical spectacle, New York Memories offers a lavish, cross-genre musical journey—one that is perhaps, above all, a celebration of communal music-making in one of the world’s most celebrated venues.
🎧 Want to explore further?
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Watch the full DVD performance for the visual grandeur
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Listen to the CD for a seamless audio experience
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Compare this concert to Rieu’s other themed shows, such as Tuscany or Maastricht—to understand his evolving artistic narrative.
Let me know if you’d like a deep dive into any specific piece—like Rieu’s rendition of “My Way,” the choral arrangements, or the role of the Harlem Gospel Choir!
