Andre Rieu At SSE Arena

If Dutch violinist and conductor Andre Rieu were a film director, he’d be Baz Luhrmann; a great showman who defies the purism of the genres he works with and, at his best, entertains audiences pleasingly and unexpectedly.

This is exactly what Rieu, a Waltz King twice over in his mastery of famous European waltzes and series of Christoph Waltz-esque expressions, does as he and his Johann Strauss Orchestra charm and delight an almost full SSE Arena (are we all used to the new name now?) on his return to Belfast.

Naturally, the entire affair feels very Christmassy, with everyone getting the opportunity to sing and sway along to Silent Night, click their heels happily to Sleigh Ride, and watch in awe while Rieu’s trio of soprano soloists overlap beautifully during O Holy Night. These are just some highlights of an evening whose festivities transcend the season in a challenging, relaxing, intriguing, frequently funny and above all musical extravaganza worthy of its setting. A selection box of pop, comedy, show tunes and opera is a risky combination at any time of year, but in their light-heartedness, exuberance and dedication, Rieu and the JSO pull it off, leaving a pleasant taste overall.

Marching up the SSE’s aisles to the sound of constant clapping and music that would be more at home in a circus, Rieu and his collection of Cinderellas and Prince Charmings, fully dressed for their ball, take their places in front of the big screen behind them and adjust to their roles like clockwork.

This screen, which projects a multitude of colourful backdrops, and the two smaller screens either side of the stage, which capture both performers and audience on camera, are key to the evening’s entertainment – certain members of both a suspecting and unsuspecting public will find their own expressions thrust into the limelight, along with Rieu’s and several of his talented ensemble. He seems to have taken a leaf out of the book of Dr. Frasier Crane (who once said, "If less is more, then just think about how much more MORE would be") but minus the pomposity, the size of the orchestra translating not to ego but to heart through his skill in uniting Belfast through music.

And much more besides. Repeatedly praising the city and its people throughout the night is one thing, but an opening number featuring the Lagan Bridge, the Titanic Building and Stormont on the big screen immediately endears, social, political, architectural and historical elements all reflected in an entrancing visual travelogue.

Even if Rieu’s small choir of female singers and pianist initially struggle to make themselves heard, their passion, along with Rieu’s jokes about the Irish weather, carries them through the early waltzes to an extraordinary instrumental duel between carillon player Frank Steijns and xylophonist Marcel Falize. Hilarious and thoroughly enjoyable, it has to be seen to be believed.

But then, the same could be said about every single one of the evening’s high points. Amidst two Hallelujah choruses (Handel’s and Leonard Cohen’s), the audience waltzing to Blue Danube, and a satisfying combination of poignant hymns, familiar tunes and comic interludes, two operatic solos – and a special effect – stand out. Carmen Monarcha handles Puccini’s Un Bel Di with powerful, emotive physicality, Donij van Doorn exquisitely projects the genuine beauty in Franz Lehar’s Vilja Song, and a section of the audience get covered in confetti like snow during a winter waltz. Whether everyone is amused by this is not so certain, especially when Rieu says, "The next piece is with water!" but it is in keeping with the peaceful frivolity of the evening.

A man of many talents, genres, and ultimately many encores, this Andre certainly does not Rieu his return to Belfast. Value for money? Indeed.

Simon Fallaha

Andre Rieu played the SSE Arena in Belfast on Thursday, 03 December. Find him online at andrerieu.com.