From: De Nieuwe Ster (The New Star): July 15, 2025 by Peter Eberson Photos by De Nieuwe Ster and L1. Translated by Ineke, edited by Alice Street musician Romeo now plays for André Rieu A week and a half ago, law enforcement ordered him to stop playing the violin in Maastricht's city center. Now, 18-year-old street musician Romeo Midol was face to face with his idol, André Rieu. What street musician can boast of playing for a world star? For Romeo Midol, from Stavelot, Belgium, a dream came true. On Tuesday, André Rieu invited him to play for him in his studio. An incredible experience for Romeo, especially since he also got to take home a new violin. And all this after an article in De Nieuwe Ster. City Center The editors of De Nieuwe Ster received dozens of reactions after an article about the young violinist appeared. A week and a half ago, he was playing the violin in the city center with a small speaker, much to the delight of visitors. The fun was short-lived, however. An enforcement officer decisively put an end to Romeo's performance. Although the young man had a permit from the municipality, it is forbidden to play with a loudspeaker during Rieu's concert days. The enforcement officer merely issued a warning, but Romeo was no longer allowed to play. Many readers were surprised by the enforcement's actions, especially since so many people were enjoying the young violinist's performance and he had been playing well before the concert on the Vrijthof square was due to begin. Pierre Rieu, André's son, also weighed in on the discussion. Pierre appealed to readers of De Nieuwe Ster to get in touch with the 18-year-old street musician. Through our editorial team, they succeeded, and that promptly led to an invitation from André Rieu to Romeo Midol to come to Rieu's studio. Just after 3:00 PM on Tuesday afternoon, a rather nervous Romeo entered Rieu's enormous studio. Rieu took his time with the young violinist and immediately wanted to set the record straight. "It wasn't that I forbade playing on the days of the concerts, but it's stated in the permit that playing with a boom box is not allowed. That was the reason the enforcement action was taken. As far as I'm concerned, street musicians can continue to play. It creates a good atmosphere in the city," says Rieu. Romeo gets to play several of Rieu's violins for over forty-five minutes. "He plays well," says Rieu, "only his own violin isn't. The violin Rieu lets Romeo play is one he can take home with him right away. On loan, of course, but still." Rieu promises to stay in touch. "Perhaps we'll see him in my orchestra again. He's good enough."

André Rieu listens attentively to Romeo Midol.

What preceded this: De Nieuwe Ster, July 3, 2025, by Maurice Ubags Romeo (18) is not allowed to play for a new violin The 'little Rieu' Romeo Midol (18) from Stavelot/Namur, Belgium. With his virtuoso violin playing, he captivated the audience. After thirty minutes, it was all over for the young musician. The audience for the Maestro, walking to the Vrijthof square, got into the mood as Romeo Midol (18) from Namur touched the strings of his violin. He played with concentration and passion. A small speaker provided the backing. He received warm applause from the Rieu fans who stood still for a moment. He quickly received a warning from the local law enforcement. During the Rieu Days, it is forbidden to play with a small speaker. The warning states that although Midol has – according to the enforcement officer – "properly" applied for a permit from the municipality, it is forbidden to play with a small speaker during the Rieu Days. "We'll just issue a warning this time," says the enforcement officer. Midol studies music in Namur. In French-accented English, he explains that it's his first time in Maastricht. He's come from Namur to earn money at Rieu's concerts near the Vrijthof square. "I'm saving for a better violin," he says. The audience is very generous: he receives numerous five-euro notes, but also notes of ten, twenty, and even fifty. Rieu audiences are not stingy. They appreciate the street version of the Maestro. For Midol – that much is clear – a golden opportunity to raise serious money for a better instrument is being lost. "I was able to play for thirty minutes before I had to stop." Resignedly, he packs his belongings and walks away.

An enforcement officer issued a warning to the young street musician. Playing with a boom box is not allowed during Rieu's concert days on the Vrijthof square.

L1, July 15, 2025, by Anouk Lambregts André Rieu hands violin to eighteen-year-old street musician: "This is incredible!" He thought he could earn some extra money by playing the violin in the center of Maastricht, to get the Rieu fans in the mood. But after only half an hour of playing music, the young violinist Romeo Midol from Namur, Belgium, was asked to stop by law enforcement. André Rieu got wind of it and lent the young talent a violin on Tuesday afternoon, which he can use for the coming months. "He plays very well," Rieu begins. The conductor had heard that Midol was playing as a street musician to raise money for a better instrument. "That's why I invited him to come and pick one out, to loan him." Symbolic "Wow, I'm really thrilled," Midol tells L1 enthusiastically. "I now have a better violin, which allows me to discover new sounds and continue learning." Midol's dream is to become a great violinist, and he studies at the conservatory. "The fact that I can now borrow an instrument from Rieu is also symbolic for me. I'm a big fan of his, so this is really cool." Besides the actual handover of the instrument, Midol also receives a proper music lesson from the world- famous conductor. The young musician is asked to try out all kinds of different violins and bows: examples from France and Italy are brought along. Rieu gives the young man instructions for over half an hour on how to play more sensitively, but also more powerfully. After a while, when it becomes clear which model best suits the young violinist, it is carefully placed back in the case and handed over. "We'll keep in touch," Rieu tells the boy. Street musician On Thursday afternoon, July 3rd, Romeo was asked to stop playing music by Maastricht law enforcement. Even though he had obtained a permit, playing with a boom box was not permitted. A shame, Rieu thought. "Street musicians are actually fun! Especially people who can really play well. I would really love it if more high-level music were played in Maastricht. What difference does a few decibels make?" he wonders. "In Paris, street musicians have to pass an exam, and then they're allowed to play their instruments amplified. I think something like that would be a good idea for the Netherlands as well."

André Rieu tests violins with Romeo Midol. André Rieu and Romeo. Not on stage this year, but who knows, maybe at one of the upcoming concerts.