KEITH T. DENNETT | New South | CONTACT
Australian classical music fans are rejoicing today, as Wagga Wagga Conservatorium unveiled a surprise international headliner for their upcoming Carols by Candlelight.
Making a statement to local press, the conservatorium has announced Dutch violinist and over 60’s heartthrob Andre Rieu will be bringing his ‘Christmas with Andre’ stadium spectacular down under.
Soundtracked by Andre’s famed 100 piece Johann Strauss Orchestra, the concert also features two ice rinks, 20 horse drawn carriages and a gold Venetian water foundation that spurts champagne bubbles.
Speaking with the Director of the Wagga Wagga Riverina Conservatorium, Peter Sondheim (52), it’s expected the concert will provide a major boost to the local economy.
“Personally I was pretty surprised we actually got the funding signed off,” said Mr Sondheim.
“But my brother down at the council chambers told me every application to the State Government that had Wagga in the headline was a sure thing, no questions asked.”
“Before you know it, them bureaucrats on Macquarie street said yes to our $11 million proposal to put Andre on at Robertson Oval and then border patrol stepped in to approve his quarantine free arrival in Sydney.”
The announcement has received a mixed response from the local community, who are once again at the centre of a government funding scandal.
“Yeah there’s a few struggling hospitals in town that are having a whinge, but everyone has to get over it.”
“The show must go on!”.
Speaking exclusively with The Advocate via zoom from his palace residence in Rotterdam, the ‘Mozart Rockstar Rieu’ said he was looking forward to arriving down under.
“Every time I come to Australia I usually do a run of 12-14 sellout shows at the Opera House,” said Rieu.
“I haven’t a clue where this ‘Woogah Woogah’ place is, but I’ve heard it’s nice.”
“In fact I’ve heard their Clay Target Shooting Club is one of the best in the world and so I might try and get my Beretta 692 through customs and pump a few rounds into a plate or two.”
“What a treat that would be!”.
