De Nieuwe Ster (The New Star), by Peter Eberson June 24, 2026 © ARP 20 years of Rieu at Vrijthof; World stars and 1.5 million visitors André Rieu is pulling out all the stops at the Vrijthof this year. It is the 20th year that he is performing at the Vrijthof with his orchestra. In those years, more than 1.5 million visitors from all over the world came to Maastricht, and he managed to secure world stars such as Jermaine Jackson, Anthony Hopkins, and 'Knight Rider' David Hasselhoff. Rieu started his Vrijthof concerts 22 years ago. With the exception of two corona years, the now 76-year- old Rieu performs there every year in a sold-out open-air concert hall. Loss of revenue The first year started cautiously with only three concerts and a lot of hassle with the catering establishments on the square. At the time, hospitality entrepreneurs were not at all keen on Rieu's concerts and feared a loss of revenue. How different things are 22 years later. Now, the special dinner packages generate enormous revenue for many hospitality business owners. There is a good working relationship with Rieu, and everyone is reaping the benefits of André Rieu's success. Proud The construction of the stage began on Wednesday, and son Pierre Rieu took to social media to express his immense pride in his father and the orchestra. He called it incredible that over the past few years, approximately 1.5 million visitors from all over the world have traveled to Maastricht for his father's concerts. Pierre Rieu He also announced that the anniversary year will be celebrated on a grand scale. In the past, André Rieu consistently surprised audiences with performances by domestic and international artists. Rieu shared the stage with the world-famous Jermaine Jackson, and with pan flute player Gheorghe Zamfir. David Hasselhoff brought his car KITT onto the stage. The car was wildly popular in the TV series Knight Rider in the 1980s. A car you could talk to. It seemed like pure futuristic music back then; nowadays, every modern car talks to the driver about the weather, navigation routes, and the best restaurants in the area. Dutch artists such as Vader Abraham, Benny Neyman, and André van Duin were featured. And singer Emma Kok, born in Maastricht but living in Kerkrade, experienced a worldwide musical breakthrough after singing the song Voilà. The concerts at the Vrijthof begin on Thursday, July 2. The finale is on Sunday, July 19, and yes, that is also the final of the football World Cup. Curious to see if Rieu will cater to football fans this time.

Screenshots from Pierre’s Instagram video.

Chapeau Magazine June 25, 2026 André Rieu watching the Koninklijke Harmonie (Royal Brass Band) Sainte Cécile Eijsden perform marching during a film recording on June 25, 2026, as he prepares them for his Vrijthof concerts in July 2026 The Koninklijke Harmonie Sainte Cécile Eijsden will perform prior to the Vrijthof concerts during the first two weekends on July 2-5 and July 9-12, 2026, with festive marching music both on the Vrijthof square and along the terraces. Koninklijke Harmonie Sainte Cécile Eijsden, based in Eijsden (town), Netherlands, is a top-tier wind orchestra competing in the highest division of symphonic wind music.

Screenshot: Diana D. Le

June 26, 2026 Article from RTV Maastricht. © Laurens Bouvrie An empty Market and even André Rieu stage builders hold a long siesta on Friday afternoon If even André Rieu’s tough stagehands are taking a break from the heat on the Vrijthof this afternoon, then you can be sure that the heat and the sun over the square are truly extreme. It’s already clear this morning around 7:30 on the Market that June 26, 2026, is no run-of-the-mill Friday. Instead of market stalls, the Bananenboxer’s truck is parked in front of City Hall. Most market vendors have stayed home—a choice their customers have also made. It’s quite a strange sight. At the corner of Markt and Boschstraat, it’s already bustling early on a Friday morning, no matter the season. Most of the fishmongers have decided not to come to Maastricht. A more than logical decision. There’s also little activity at the market in front of City Hall. The square looks a bit like it did in the old days—back in the ’60s and ’70s—when you could still park all over the Markt. Hot The decision to stay home turns out to be a good one. Around 8:00, the weather is still fairly bearable. A few hours later, the temperature has already risen to 37 degrees Celsius. According to the KNMI, the peak—around or just over 40 degrees—will be reached between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Construction At first glance, the labor intensity involved in setting up the impressive stage for André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra seems no different from that of any other setup day. Tough guys, often with impressive physiques, do what they do best; with combined efforts, tight organization, and a work ethic that never fails to inspire, the Rieu stage is built. Cooling Down The heat on the square is already intense around noon. Steel pipes and plates are regularly cooled with water. The tanned bodies of the stage builders glisten in the blazing sun. The stagehands and site crew know what needs to be done. Rain or shine, the deadline is non-negotiable. The 2026 edition of Rieu’s hometown concert series kicks off on July 2. That means the dress rehearsal takes place the day before. The riggers—the specialists responsible for safely suspending the heavy structures, lighting, and sound equipment from the roof truss of the stage—must be able to do their work on time. Exceptional It is therefore highly exceptional that the stage crew will be taking a break this afternoon. That does not mean the workday is over. It is highly likely that work will resume this evening.

The heat on the square is already intense around noon. Steel pipes and plates are regularly cooled with water

Sharing a July 2, 2026 article from De Telegraaf, by Jordi Versteegden. Translated by Diana D. Le Emma Kok enchants Vrijthof with André Rieu, and her new flame is in the audience: "More in love than ever" After more than two years of touring all over the world, André Rieu (76) and Emma Kok (18) said goodbye to each other last year. But that point behind their musical collaboration will be a comma, now that the singer will accompany the violin virtuoso during Rieu's twentieth Vrijthof concerts. Kok about their special bond, her new boyfriend, and the loss of her late friend Jade. “The hardest part is yet to come.” “Nobody saw that coming,” Emma Kok chuckles when the singer is asked to share that she has been invited for the fourth time to perform at André Rieu’s Vrijthof Concerts. “We had our last performance together in December during his Christmas concerts in Maastricht, but André was already on the phone again in January,” Kok says. “I think he missed me a little.” This year, Rieu celebrates extra during the summer concert series, which puts Maastricht back on the map every year. Fans from more than a hundred countries travel to the Limburg capital to waltz, cry, and sing. 20th Edition “He thought that as a Maastricht citizen I should be at this special edition,” explains Kok. “This year I don’t have my own solo song and I’m only in line with the encores. But I don't care. Even if André asked me for the choir, I would still have done it. We are going to perform a number of Maastricht songs with several people." Just three years ago, the 18-year-old Kok experienced her unexpected, worldwide breakthrough on the famous Maastricht square. Under the guidance of André Rieu and his world-famous Strauss Orchestra, she sang the Eurovision song "Voilà" by the French singer Barbara Pravi. That emotional performance went viral, and is now ticking the staggering number of 114 million streams on YouTube. “Bizarre,” Kok smiles. “When I first looked back at the images myself, I only saw the emotions on the faces of some people. It’s great to see what this song does to people.” Thanks to Rieu, Kok (who suffers from a chronic stomach paralysis), has gotten to know herself better. “The tours with André and my own theatre tour have made me realize that I can handle much more than I ever thought.” “What started with three songs at the Vrijthof has now been extended to 2.5 hours solo on stage,” Kok continues proudly. “I work hard for that by, for example, standing in the gym a lot to build fitness.” Just two months ago, Kok lost her best friend Jade Kops, who died of cancer at the age of 19. But the singer says: “I haven’t had time to think about it yet. The real blow is yet to come, I think.” Just one day after Kops’s funeral, Kok was back on stage. “If I hadn’t done that, there would have been an uproar. Jade wanted me to keep going, so I did this for her, too.” World Tour Her theatre tour has left her wanting more. “It was so cool. All the creative ideas I had in my head have been fulfilled. That I have sustained these shows feels like a win. André also came to see; he loved it. I want one more time. Someday, I want to go on a world tour, but for that I still have some steps to take.” First, Kok is getting ready for twelve sold-out shows at the Vrijthof this month. Her new boyfriend will also be there to watch. Rumour has it that he is Stilanos Damkalis, the goalkeeper for second-division team Spakenburg. In Love “Yes, I’m more in love than ever,” confirms Kok, who shared the first photo with her new flame on social media this week. “My love life doesn’t have to be a secret, but it does have to be private. Am I a romantic? I think so. In any case, those butterflies definitely help me feel more comfortable on stage.” While Kok is thinking about a next step on the stage, the singer, who still lives with her parents in Limburg, also wants to change course in her private life. “I’m thinking about buying a place for myself somewhere in the middle of the country,” the vocalist said. “I’m tired of being in hotels so often. You don't go away for a night for your pleasure. So, it’s nice to have a house where I can go quickly after my shows.” Own Vrijthof show? Kok has enough dreams, but a solo show at the Vrijthof is not part of that. “That square is and remains of André. He makes people laugh, cry, and dance. Isn’t that the best thing there is?”

Wat is Loos Media © Wat is Loos Media The Vrijthof Concerts promise to have a strong Limburg focus this year. In addition to Frans Theunisz, Dorona Alberti, Phil Bee, and Emma Kok, John Tana was also spotted on stage during the dress rehearsal. Frans Theunisz speaks of a dream on Facebook, accompanied by a video of the dress rehearsal. "How proud I am to be able to experience this," he writes. With performances by Theunisz, John Tana, and Dorona Alberti, André Rieu's Vrijthof Concerts seem to be returning to their roots. After all, Benny Neyman took the stage during the first edition. Three years ago, the return of such a moment was still considered impossible by Pierre Rieu. "Back then that was still possible, a Maastricht artist. Now 80 percent of the visitors wouldn't understand him anymore. Take John Tana. A great artist. Great fun for the people on the terraces, but as a special guest on the square, no one would understand him," he said about it at the time. Nevertheless, John Tana will be on the Maastricht stage starting Thursday to sing his song *Daan Kom Iech Mer Aon*. “Special, very special,” he said about it himself after the rehearsal at *Wat is Loos in Mestreech*. He continued: “I’ve wanted this for so long; I used to watch the DVDs all the time, and I was taken along by my grandparents. To be standing here myself now, that is a dream.” The singer was also confronted there with an earlier statement: namely, that he would quit if he ever stood on stage with André Rieu. It undoubtedly won't come to that, although Tana left that open: “Who knows.” It doesn't stop with the two Maastricht natives, however. During the rehearsals, Emma Kok (who has a small guest role according to son Pierre Rieu), Phil Bee, and Dorona Alberti were also seen on stage with André Rieu and his orchestra.

Frans Theunisz, John Tana and Phil Bee.

More press articles and interviews with Frank Steijns, click HERE.

Sharing a July 2, 2026 article from De Limburger, by Ivar Hoekstra, translated by Diana D. Le © Annemiek Mommers André Rieu's Vrijthof Concerts Kick Off; This Year's Edition Has a Distinct Maastricht Touch With the Entry of the Gladiators, André Rieu kicked off the twentieth edition of his famous Vrijthof concerts on Thursday evening. A pleasant 21 degrees (~70°F) on a full square ensured a perfect start to this anniversary edition. An edition with a striking Maastricht touch because John Tana, Frans Theunisz, Dorona Alberti and Emma Kok were born in the city and listen to the concert series as guest artists. Pierre Rieu saw with his own eyes that the Limburg music culture is currently hot, the success of the music festival Hoogmis van het Zuiden (High Mass of the South) was huge and impressed him. “What passed by Limburg music in that hour made me proud, proud to be a Limburger.” That pride in Limburg is therefore emphatically highlighted in the Vrijthof concerts. Where Emma Kok is also a well-known phenomenon among the many foreign visitors, John Tana and Frans Theunisz will probably mainly bring the Maastricht residents in a festive mood. Although the infectiousness of the carnival hit "Sjeng aon de geng" is so great that the Rieu fans from the rest of the country also join in the carnivalesque mood. After the general rehearsal Wednesday evening (July 1, 2026), Theunisz already announced that he felt very honored. “I’m so proud to experience this,” he wrote on Facebook. Rieu and his orchestra play until July 19 at the Vrijthof.

Sharing a July 7, 2026 interviewing article and audio interview from NPO 5 Radio. Daniël Dekker Tuesday, July 7, 2026 translation by Diana D. Le André Rieu celebrates anniversary edition of his concert series at the Vrijthof in Maastricht Every year, it is one big party. The summer concerts that André Rieu gives at the Vrijthof in Maastricht. And this year is extra special, because the 20th anniversary of this concert series is celebrated. André Rieu: “The first weekend is over. Nice weather, nice people, and everything went well. Half of the visitors come from abroad, that's fantastic! "We sat in the stands during the rehearsal and said to each other 'there we are again.' It's moving so fast! I want to be a hundred and forty years old and I’m pretty much over half now.” Emma Kok was also back on stage at the Vrijthof in Maastricht. AR: "Because it is the 20th edition, I thought that the emphasis should be on the talent from Maastricht. All the talents are on stage and so Emma again. It is very special to work with these people. And especially during this anniversary edition a local touch, that is very beautiful." In the setting of the summer concerts, an extra performance of the spectacle musical The Bokkenrijders will be on show next Monday. AR: "They had to cancel two performances due to the heat, now we help to make our decor available to allow the performance to take place. And my granddaughter Linde is playing along, so I'm in the front row! Her dream is to be on stage more often as a musical star. And Lieke, the other granddaughter, is with our merchandise. Entrepreneurship and selling are really in her genes!”

Click on link below to listen to interview of André Rieu by Daniël Dekker. Duration: 07:46. Language: Dutch https://www.nporadio5.nl/fragmenten/lunch-lekker/019f377f-4a10-7064-982d-e5ba2ba67ce4/2026-07-07- andre-rieu-viert-jubileumeditie-van-zijn-concertreeks-op-het-vrijthof-in-maastricht

Ruud in the “Little André” shop, talking to Lotte (AR Travel) The girl with long hair is Lieke.

Sharing a July 11, 2026 article from Chapeau Magazine. by Jo Cortenraedt, translation: Diana D. Le André Rieu brings in a lot of money and creates a lively atmosphere These weeks the difference is very remarkable between days when André Rieu does or does not perform in Maastricht. From Monday to Wednesday, there is quite a few people in the city, but everywhere there is still a nice place on the terraces, in the hotels, and in the shops. From Thursday to Sunday, that changes completely, because then the Rieu fans have arrived, coming from all over the world. The hotels, restaurants, terraces, and shops, everywhere you see people preparing for that night's concert. Or evenings, because I know those who come to fly over from other continents and then attend four concerts in a row. Maastricht has had a world star for many years, although that awareness still does not fall to everyone. In any case, the entrepreneurs are more than content. Retailers increase their turnover sharply and that in a period that is normally listed as a low season. The same goes for the hotels. The month of July used to be the worst month, now in many cases the best. I spoke to a hotelier who had 500-600 bookings thanks to Rieu, which is ticking up quite a bit. The orchestra leader with his wavy hair has been providing a multi-million dollar injection for years, not only in the city but in the surrounding area, from Hasselt to Aachen. Here and there, you hear someone grumbling that the Vrijthof has been occupied for so long, but I think the pluses here are much more numerous than the minuses. His music brings a lot of money in the drawer, not only for himself but for everyone. And, also not unimportant, his fans know how to behave, there is a cozy and peaceful atmosphere. For a moment, all political conflicts do not seem to exist. Many people will think that Rieu does his ‘art’ every year at the Vrijthof, but nothing could be further from the truth. Even though certain elements and music pieces come back annually, the preparation is always very serious and professional. Only then will you get this success, for which every time so many tens of thousands of people come here. With a very good orchestra behind it that effortlessly strings together almost all musical styles. The fact that it is more than a trick is also evident from the fact that in that style no one imitates him. There are certainly attempts made, but then it lacks originality and appearance. The copy is rarely as good as the original. In the coming years, this phenomenon will continue in Maastricht—barring any unforeseen circumstances. André Rieu has no intention of stopping anytime soon; he’s just as driven as ever, and his physical condition certainly won’t be an issue. That, too, requires iron discipline. But someday, of course, there will come a time when this concert series ceases to exist. With the knowledge gained that music – if brought professionally – can be a strong boost to the economy, something should be done. There are already many pop festivals in the region, but in the field of classical, or as with Rieu "light classical" could be thought by then and a truly ambitious international festival with various top orchestras and soloists. You do not immediately replace a world star like Rieu, but then you could indeed try to build on what has now been realized by a musical entrepreneur from Sint Pieter. You can not equal the success of, for example, the Salzburg Festival, but you can show ambition. And who knows—maybe one day, producers like Servé Hermans can be brought on board to really turn it into a spectacular event. As it happens, there’s already a collaboration between him and the Rieu family this Monday to bid farewell to the musical Bokkenrijders at the Vrijthof. Let’s all go there together.

Sharing a July 10, 2026 video interview with Pierre Rieu from De Telegraaf, by Jordi Versteegden Diana D. Le has transcribed the interview: André Rieu’s son breaks down during interview: "Tissue needed" Jordi Versteegden: "Tissue needed??" Pierre Rieu: "Yes, that’s what I need when I get down to business with you." JV: "The 20th edition—congratulations!" PR: "Yes, thank you. It’s really hard to put into words just how cool that is." JV: "Yeah, but give it a try—try to put into words what you’re feeling." PR: "Well, every afternoon, I give a VIP tour for people who book it through André Rieu Travel. It sounds really cheap to mention this ..." JV: "Yeah, good point. How much does it cost? [laughter] PR: "Yeah, do I need to say where you can book it? No, but I give that tour for 120 people and I always get the details beforehand on where the people are coming from. So I always mention that. And I’m also always informed if there’s something to celebrate, you know? We automatically see birthdays in the system. Then we all sing together. But sometimes we get other news—like last week, on the second day of the concerts—we heard that someone had come over from England and was celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary here. Yeah. And I asked for a round of applause for them, and then I just broke down. Yeah. Because I said: 'You know, you could have gone anywhere in the world. You could have celebrated that where ever you wanted. But instead, you decide to come here to Maastricht and see my dad and his orchestra." JV: "Because when you’ve been traveling the world for so long—doing this for 20 years—you’d almost expect to become jaded, for it to stop moving you. But you still really care about it." PR: "Yes, but just look around you. I don’t take this for granted. Never. And the moment I do, I’ll stop. Yes, I really feel that with this edition. "I wrapped up the cinema presentation yesterday by speaking from our hometown of Maastricht—which we are so incredibly proud of. Yes, that’s when I feel it again." JV: "Yes. You’re getting emotional again." PR: "Well, that’s what I mean. I’m his son, you know. I’ve been working here for 26 years with him. Well, 'working'... I’ve never really worked a day in my life, but... this is such a passion. Just look—what an honor this is. To be able to welcome these people here—about 110 nationalities today. It’s just incredible." JV: "As for guest artists this year, Emma Kok is back again. Some people from those 110 countries were a bit confused, thinking: 'Didn't André and Emma say goodbye?' But André missed Emma?" PR: "Right, you never say goodbye to family, after all." JV: "Exactly, that’s it. Yeah, but [laughter] is there a new world tour together on the schedule right away, or is this just for now." PR: "No. Since she’s touring on her own. Should I mention the address for that too? JV: "No." PR: "Well, she’s doing really well. And, it’s perfectly fine that last year was the last time they toured together; that really happened naturally. But Dad did ask: 'Would you like to come back for the 20th edition?'" JV: "As for the 21st and 22nd?" PR: "We’ll see about that later. Very special." JV: "What defines the atmosphere of this edition when you look at how the program is put together?" PR: "Well, it’s a really beautiful program. I watch every night, of course, and I see the audience's reactions. Yeah. Well, I just feel that emotion every single evening—with everything we’re doing. And especially when I start talking about it, it really comes to the surface." JV: "What’s the highlight of the year, looking at what’s happening on stage?" PR: "Well, you’ll have to see for yourself. I think you’ll need a tissue. JV: "Oh, really?" PR: "Yeah." JV: "And do you cry every night too, because you..." PR: "I’m not talking about crying. JV: "No? Oh, wait. I do... Oh, that way. I see. PR: "And not in the way you’re thinking right now." JV: "No. Yeah, I thought... I was looking for the emotional angle again. That’s important here, with André Rieu. Are we going to keep doing this for another 10 years? Have you signed the contract yet? Here in Maastricht, that this square is yours for another 10 years, or do you take it year by year? PR: "Um, well, in any case, tickets for next year are already on sale. And the first weekend is already sold out. And I’m amazed by that every time. Yes. That it happens so fast. That the demand for those tickets is so high. JV: "Yes. So, are there more years to come?" PR: "Sure, at least 25. Dad is 76, right?" JV: "Yes, that makes it 140, doesn't it? Right? PR: "Yes." JV: "Every evening, you start the concert there at the plaque—with your father's name on it—and then I see you two clasping hands. What kind of moment is that?" PR: "Yes, that is a moment. There’s a lot wrapped up in that." JV: "Yes. Is it a silent agreement you have with each other?" PR: "No, it’s 'Good luck. Pride. Enjoy it. Yes, love it.'" JV: "Congratulations again. Thank you."

Sharing a July 7, 2026 article from RTV Maastricht. © Laurens Bouvrie A celebration without borders on Maastricht's Vrijthof There is nothing new about André Rieu's Vrijthof concerts, but they are just as enjoyable as ever. From the moment the gates open until the final notes are played, every evening feels like one big celebration. The unique André Rieu atmosphere begins long before the orchestra takes the stage. As thousands of visitors enter through the gates at Statenstraat, Helmstraat, Grote Staat, and Bredestraat, anticipation fills the historic square. For twenty consecutive editions, that unmistakable sense of joy and togetherness has remained the hallmark of the Vrijthof concerts. Half an hour before Friday evening's performance, hundreds of fans gather in front of the Theatre on the Vrijthof. Among them is a group of around twenty devoted Polish admirers of the Maestro from Maastricht. They proudly carry a large banner displaying a life-sized photograph of their musical hero. Printed across the front are the words "Zawsze z tobą!" ("Always with you"). The reverse side of the banner tells an even more remarkable story. Like a portable Arc de Triomphe, it records every André Rieu concert the group has attended. These are not military victories, but musical ones. Including the concert of July 3, 2026, they have now attended no fewer than 24 performances. Their journey has taken them from concerts in Poland to Maastricht on several occasions, as well as Athens, Málaga, Vienna, Malta, and Italy. They are just one example of the many visitors who proudly display where they come from. An Irish couple dressed head to toe in green, leaves little doubt about their nationality, while a Scotsman in full Highland dress is equally unmistakable. Over the years another tradition has quietly emerged. Many regular concertgoers arrive elegantly dressed, some proudly wearing the colors of their country, while others embrace the occasion with complete individuality. The Vrijthof has become a place where every style is welcome. Everything is possible at an André Rieu concert. One visitor appears in a jacket inspired by Piet Mondriaan (Dutch painter), while six senior gentlemen arrive together in classic tuxedos. Glamour is never far away, with many ladies choosing elegant evening gowns for the occasion. Yet there is always room for contrast. Sitting beside guests dressed for a gala evening, you may well find someone wearing shorts, a sleeveless shirt, and sandals. Somehow, it all fits perfectly. It is precisely this colorful mix of people that makes every concert unique. The arrival of local marching band Harmonie Sainte Cécile from Eijsden—followed during the final weekend by De Greune oet Wolder—never fails to spark a wave of enthusiasm across the Vrijthof. Even after all these years, the sight still brings local audiences and visitors from across the region to their feet. That is exactly the atmosphere André Rieu describes so often: music connects people. In a world too often dominated by conflict and division, the Vrijthof offers a powerful reminder that people from every corner of the globe can laugh, sing, dance, and celebrate together. Nationalities, languages, and backgrounds briefly fade into the background, replaced by smiles, applause, and shared emotion. For a few magical hours in Maastricht, Beethoven's famous words become reality: "Alle Menschen werden Brüder" ("All People become Brothers"). English: Ode to Joy.

To go to PRESS articles 2026 PAGE 2, click HERE.