De Limburger. December 30, 2024, by Ivar Hoekstra Photos: Jean-Pierre Geusens, Mitchell Giebels Translated by Ineke, edited by John A year around the world with André Rieu was beautiful and intense for Dorona Alberti: “Sometimes on Sundays I didn't know where I was going to fly to on Tuesday” For Dorona Alberti (49), 2024 was a year to remember. The Maastricht-born performer- singer toured the world with André Rieu and his Johann Strauss orchestra. "I still have to let it all sink in. It was so much, so beautiful and so intense." Recently, for the first time in months, she was not on stage, but in front of the stage at an André performance. "I went to see the Christmas concert at the MECC. Yes, that was quite strange. You have spent a year together so intensively, then it takes some getting used to when you're no longer on stage yourself. But above all, it was very nice to see and talk to everyone again.” As a child, I dreamed of being part of the circus. And this was now a bit like my circus family with whom I had a wonderful adventure. Dorona Alberti At the end of November, Alberti concluded her world tour with Rieu with a performance in Frankfurt and since then she has been switching off completely. “That's why I find it quite difficult to reflect on it now, because it's all still so fresh. When you start such a world tour, you know it's going to be tough, but you actually have no idea what tough exactly means. The start in early January in Germany was intense, because I was ill at the time and it ended on 23 November also in Germany, the circle is complete.” Express train Between start and finish, everything went fast, according to Alberti. "You just keep on going. Very intense, with lots of small and large jet lags, sometimes two days at home, then a week, and then two weeks away from home. And the big difference in rhythm at home and on the road. But although it was tough, it was above all an incredible experience. One that I will cherish for the rest of my life." Gare du Nord It all started during the 2022 Vrijthof concerts when Rieu asked her to be his special act, and the singer - until then best known as the singer of the jazz-pop formation “Gare du Nord” - blew the Vrijthof away with her performance and a heck of a voice. For example, unexpectedly she was back a year later in 2023 and Rieu also asked her to join him on a world tour in 2024. "Where have I been everywhere? Ireland, Poland, Malta, Bahrain, Mexico, Colombia... And everywhere the audience was equally enthusiastic. The fact that you can make so many people happy with music, remains very special and something I am incredibly grateful for. I think we played for a million people in total!” Connection So, concerts for huge crowds, but according to Alberti, it didn't feel that way. "Because of André's special way of lighting, you can see everyone in the audience, from the front row to the back row. You see the expressions on their faces, the euphoria, the emotions. As a result, you really feel the connection on stage. You do not stare into a black hole or at a grey matter. And I think that's very important. The interaction between the people on stage and the audience is so magical and that is what it’s all about. Playing together, dancing together. Seducing people to get away from themselves for a while. That a neat lady forgets for a moment that she wants to be neat but is just as childishly enthusiastic again. And that magical interaction is always there at André's concerts." Passionate Although the intensity of this varies from country to country. And grand and compelling is not necessarily “more fun”. More energetic, though. "In South America, the people are so passionate and exuberant, you can feel the virtual hugs from the first note. And also in Poland, it is completely “on” from the first minute. In other countries, it sometimes takes a little longer for the audience to loosen up or it is a tranquil intensity, also beautiful. Very funny, those differences.” Bull In addition to setting the audience on fire with ultimate party, songs such as “I will survive” and “Live is Life”, Alberti was also allowed to take on the role of “the runner-out for the bull’. The role that was fulfilled by “Duo X-Elle” at the past Vrijthof concerts. “That’s how every concert started for me after the intermission. Then I was hidden in the audience “in red”. With straps on my high heels to prevent my shoes from slipping off while running.” Marathon A kind of daily gym class then? “Well, more like a sports day, ha, ha! Because from the moment I had to run in front of that bull it was a big marathon: running in front of the bull, quickly to the dressing room, quickly in my stage make-up, hair and dress, on stage, two numbers blasting! Off, then twenty seconds to put on another dress and back on for “Adieu, Mein Kleiner Gardeoffizier.” Then the cooling down. That's a little more than a gym class!” Perfect care Yes, Rieu demands a lot from his people, but according to Alberti, this is balanced by perfect and loving care. “Everything is taken care and arranged down to the last detail: good hotels, good food, the best possible travel conditions. You don’t have to think about anything. It sounds blasé, but sometimes on Sunday I didn’t know where I would fly to on Tuesday. When people asked, that, I said ‘eh…, I think to Lisbon’. Not out of disinterest, but simply because everything started to flow into each other. I travelled from Rotterdam to Maastricht, got on the tour bus there, or to the airport or continued on by bus and I didn’t have to think about anything anymore, just making sure I was fit and focused for that night’s performance and then doing that for a few days in a row.” Tourist No, there was hardly time for Alberti to be a tourist in all those world cities. “Every now and then you had a few hours here and there to visit something, but of course it was mainly concentrated on working towards the performances.” Spending a year with such a large group of people for a year was also new for Alberti. “There are all kinds of types in such a group. The crazy uncle you know from family parties, people you immediately click with, but also people with whom you have less or no immediate connection. It did feel a bit like family, yes. As a child I dreamed of being part of the circus. And this was now a bit like my circus family with whom I had a wonderful adventure.” New show When she has recovered from this adventure at home in Rotterdam, where Alberti lives with her family, the focus will shift to 2025. “What exactly the year will bring has not yet fully crystallized. I am going to participate in a Rock Opera and make a new show and there are two more projects in the pipeline which I cannot elaborate on yet. I am lucky that I can go in all directions with my voice: jazz, pop, classical… Everything I like. No, I do not distinguish between them. I do not believe in boundaries, rules and boxes. That versatility is sometimes a blessing and sometimes a burden. What is certain is that the first half of next year will not be as grand and compelling as that of 2024. But my experience has taught me that where one door closes, another door opens. So time will tell. One thing is certain, 2025 will be a year with fewer stamps in my passport.