From BILD DER FRAU / Claudia Kirschner
Proud „OPA“ The King of Waltz is happy about 2 sweet grandchildren
There are the first pictures of his twins and it is the pure Opa happiness!
The star violinist reveals how the new family generation changed his life.
Big photo: in each arm a sweet granddaughter. The twins – Opa André Rieu (60) with the
preemies Linde and Lieke ( 6 weeks).
Photos on the right:
Papa Pierre (28) and Opa André Rieu would like to cuddle the twins the whole day.
The violinist gives private lessons to his son in suckling pacifier and swaddling.
Not to hot! If André Rieu is not on stage with his orchestra, he tests with his son, if the baby milk has the right temperature.
Congratulations, Mr Rieu to your granddaughters.
What do you feel, holding these tiny girls in your arms?
AR: it is fantastic, to hold Linde and Lieke, these sweet twins in the arm.
You have to be very carefully, but they grew pretty well in the short time.
Linde and Lieke are premature infants, have you been scared that they will not be born healthy?
AR: No, of cause all necessary examinations have been done, so we knew, that they are healthy. But we all had a great sureness all the time, that everything is fine.
Did you have a gift for their birth?
AR: One ? (laughs) When my granddaughters were born, I was still in Australia. I bought gifts in each city, where we had concerts and hand them over right after landing at home. The whole family was happy what the Opa brought.
Do you like it at all to be a grandfather at the age of 60?
AR: Oh, yes, I like it! I had already a grandson, now I am a triple Opa. But what does it mean? I will never be a Opa, who sits in the corner with a long white beard.
I am the Opa of the children, but I don’t feel like a Opa.
What do you think about men, who become father at your age?
AR: I don’t like to deliver global judgements. The decision, to become a father, is a very personal one. You should be very careful to judge about it.
Does your son, who works in your music company, take a parental leave?
AR: Of cause my son has the possibility to take his time for his wife and daughters. We can share the work to enable this.
Does your life change through the 2 grandchildren?
AR: There came additional joy in my life. These two are really planned children, and I see how happy their parents are. Of cause I will continue performing worldwide concerts, but when I am at home, I will spend as much time as possible with the kids.
……. And them swaddle or don’t you know anymore how this works?
AR: You don’t forget that. I have swaddled my 2 sons on my own and at that time there were not yet such great swaddling bands.
But you like most to play violin for the babies?
AR: I played very softly “Good Evening, good night” for them. They fall asleep immediately. And their parents, too. I tiptoed very quietly of the children’s room.
Do you give your son educational tips ?
AR: Sure. But perhaps he won’t listen to my advises.
What should parents convey to their children?
AR: that they love and respect their children. And they should take care that the children learn as many things as possible, which are necessary for a happy life.
You started playing violin at the age of 5 years. Has your childhood been stolen?
AR: Definitely not. Of cause my childhood was different from other children. But I feel often that I stayed a child (laughs).
What are the biggest education evils in your opinion?
AR: If children will not be educated. To be servere is not a bad thing. You must be severe and love your children. This is, what they need.
What do you recommend young fathers?
AR: Spend as much as possible time with your children. Show them the world. The little one grow so fast, so you should take any opportunity.
Did you have enough time for your children?
AR: I had the chance that my carreer started only when my sons were at the age of 14 to 16 years. So I was able to look after them more intensively than my wife, who was working at that time.
You are now a lot of time on tour. Do you miss your familiy or do you enjoy your freedom?
AR: Of cause I miss my family. But this belongs to our life in the meantime. We got accustomed to it and the joy, when we meet again, is always huge.