"The Happiest Orchestra in the World!"

Once again, last night, my evening was taken over by Andre Rieu and what he described as "the happiest orchestra in the world". I had thought that I would watch a thriller, probably featuring Clint Eastwood. Then I saw 'Roses from the South' on the Sky Arts channel and my plan evaporated.

There is so much joy in an Andre Rieu concert. It can be seen in the laughter and faces of the audience. It is fostered by Andre himself creating situations with the musicians that make one laugh; two well built trumpeters standing up as Andre talks about the poverty of a composer's friend. Indeed Andre set the scene for extracts from an operetta by saying how poor musicians were and implying that little had changed, to the amusement of the audience.

The faces of the audience tell of their involvement in the emotions of the music; the smiles, the laughter, the romatic head on another's shoulder, the holding hands, joining in with well known and loved pieces all carefully and sensitively captured on camera to enhance the mood of the moment. The dancers that accompany his waltzes provide a beautiful image. Set often both in situ and in some romantic setting such a beautiful garen or sumptuous ballroom, they draw together the purpose of the music, an idealised past with the present and the romance of beautiful couples.The audience clearly identifies with this as they experience their own private magic moments. The magic appears to appeal no less to the young as to older people.

All this is created, sustained and enhanced by the genius of Andre Rieu himself. His dashing good looks complement a stage persona that is serious, mischievous, emotional, enchanting and humourous by turn. The extent to which that reflects the private man is impossible to judge. He has learnt what some politicians, to their considerable cost, have not, that he is never off camera and he plays the role extraordinarily well.

The result of all this is a heady mixture that has great emotional appeal. How much effort goes into preparing the spontaneity of the performance, one can only guess. The result is one that I find hard to resist. Attending one of his concerts, in person, is now a firm fixture on my 'To do' list. I am certain it will be an enchanting evening. If it is better than seeing it on the Sky Arts channel, it will be an experience indeed. I cannot speak for the orcestra, but I do believe he creates the happiest audiences in the world.