As he celebrates his 60th birthday and the birth of his first grandchild, Lucy Chesterton takes a look inside the maestro’s family photo album.
A 60th birthday is reason enough for a party, but musician André Rieu enjoyed a double celebration when he became a first-time grandparent shortly before his landmark day.
“I am extremely proud of my grandson,” André says of Ivan, the child of his older son, Marc.
“I like to play and romp with him, just to look at his face, admire and to really enjoy him.”
Adding to the joy of Ivan’s arrival three months ago was younger son Pierre’s news – his wife is also expecting, and due next month. “I was so thrilled when Pierre told me,” smiles André. “My wife, Marjorie, and I were very excited, but it wasn’t until five minutes later, when Pierre showed us the ultrasound, that we realised they were having twins. What I had thought was the heart of one baby was actually another baby.”
André says the imminent arrival of the twins put his birthday plans – a few days away with Marjorie and friends – on hold. “We stayed at home instead and celebrated the simple way.”
A violin virtuoso still deserves a special cake though, and his featured a chocolate violin so perfect it made André “feel like I want to make music for at least 60 more years!”
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