Lance & Anna Ciepiela     Arizona, United States
Soothing Melodies & Cinders

My wife Anna & I visited the beautiful city of VIENNA back in the mid 90s, and the soothing melodies of Johann Strauss could be heard at the various tourist sites. I purchased a Strauss New Year's Celebration cassette, and became a Waltz Fan.

Upon returning to Chicago, I tuned in to PBS, and noticed they were featuring a musical special, ANDRE RIEU, THE WALTZ KING!! I watched the SUPERB SHOW and I became an Andre Rieu Fan. Then, to my pleasant surprise, the Sunday Chicago Tribune newspaper announced that Andre Rieu was coming to Chicago in May, and tickets were going on sale on Saturday.

I went to Tickemaster before the tickets went on sale at 10:00AM, and purchased a ticket as soon as they opened. I got an excellent seat up in the 6th row. When Andre came out of the wings, he was actually looking right at me, I thought. First impressions being what they are, I felt I was looking at a TALENTED, FRIENDLY, CONFIDENT Maestro, at his BEST! His Concert was WONDERFUL!! I especially enjoyed his rendition of the GREAT BLUE DANUBE, when Andre asked the audience to close their eyes, and imagine they were in a GIANT BALLROOM in VIENNA, with beautiful, sparkling chandeliers, and beautiful ladies dressed in their flowing gowns, and fine looking gentlemen, dressed to the hilt. Well, I closed my eyes, and Andre's music was so SOOTHING, my cares seemed to melt away!! Then I opened my eyes, and Andre was right there in front of me, playing his violin for me, with a WONDERFUL, CONTENTED SMILE on his face. Andre & I became steadfast friends from that point on, although I have not actually met him.

When Andre returned to Chicago the following May, I again went to his Concert, and enjoyed myself again! Since that time, Anna & I have retired to Arizona, where I enjoy WESTERN PLEASURE HORSEBACK RIDING in the Superstition Mountains, near Phoenix! I am riding CINDERS in the PHOTO! Also, looking forward to going to another ANDRE RIEU CONCERT!