A Grand Symphony of Remembrance, Gratitude, and Music

In a world that too often rushes past its own history, violinist and conductor André Rieu offers a rare and meaningful pause. In a special edition of his beloved series, “Welcome to My World,” the maestro presents The Veterans Concert—an emotional and visually striking musical tribute to the men and women who have served in times of war and peace.

Set in the historic Vrijthof Square in Maastricht, Rieu’s hometown, this concert blends heart, history, and harmony into one of the most poignant performances of his career.

A Musical Journey Through Memory

The Veterans Concert is not just a concert—it’s a commemoration. Rieu’s signature elegance and cinematic production come alive through carefully selected pieces that honor courage, commemorate loss, and celebrate peace.

From the solemn to the soaring, each musical moment is infused with meaning. The orchestra opens with “Abide with Me”, drawing immediate stillness from the crowd. The gentle, hymn-like melody reverberates through the square, setting the tone for the evening: reflective, respectful, but ultimately hopeful.

One of the concert’s most haunting moments comes with the trumpet solo “Il Silenzio”, performed in absolute silence apart from the music itself—a moment of mourning and memory that visibly moved both performers and audience members.

Veterans at the Heart of the Stage

In this tribute, the spotlight is as much on the audience as on the performers. Veterans from various countries, dressed in formal uniforms and adorned with medals, sit in the front rows—silent witnesses to their own stories reflected back through music.

Rieu, ever the empathetic host, takes moments between performances to speak directly to them.

“Tonight, we do not forget,” he says gently. “Through music, we remember what words can never truly express.”

Universal Themes, Personal Emotion

Though the concert is rooted in history, its message is global. The performances traverse national anthems, traditional hymns, and folk tunes from the UK, USA, France, and the Netherlands—underscoring that music has no borders, and neither does gratitude.

Soprano Mirusia Louwerse delivers a spellbinding rendition of “We’ll Meet Again,” the iconic wartime ballad, evoking a sea of emotions among the crowd. As the chorus swells and voices rise in unison, the power of collective memory becomes tangible.

Stephanie Detry’s piano solos and Manoe Konings’ trumpet interludes add layers of emotional depth, each artist delivering a performance that speaks directly to the heart.

More Than a Concert: A Healing Experience

There is something undeniably healing in the way André Rieu constructs this evening. It’s not about grand gestures or showmanship—it’s about giving space to feelings too often buried.

The lighting is warm, the stage gently adorned with vintage photos, military flags, and white roses. Throughout the night, candles flicker in tribute. No detail is accidental; everything contributes to an atmosphere of sacred reverence.

In a particularly moving segment, the orchestra performs “The White Cliffs of Dover” while archival footage of World War II plays on screens—reminding everyone that these melodies were once lifelines for people living through unimaginable times.

A Lasting Impression

By the end of the concert, the square is hushed—not in silence, but in a shared sense of awe. When Rieu finally leads the audience into a mass singalong of “We’ll Meet Again,” there is no distinction between artist and audience, stage and street. It is simply people, remembering together.

“To remember through music,” André once said, “is to remember with the soul.”

Where to Watch

Welcome to My World: The Veterans Concert is available on select classical music platforms and reruns through André Rieu’s official YouTube and DVD collection.

Whether you are a longtime admirer or discovering him for the first time, this concert offers something rare: an evening of beauty with lasting emotional weight.

Setlist Highlights: