Fans of Dutch violinist and conductor André Rieu have learned that Saturday’s sold-out concert at the Pacific Coliseum has been postponed.
In an email sent Thursday, the concert organizers wrote that they had “very sad news”.
“Once again, COVID has put a stop to our tour. Over 20 members of our group have tested positive,” it read. “We are truly sorry for the Tacoma and Vancouver fans.”
The musical group described as being so successful that “some of the world’s biggest bands in pop and rock music” had just toured the United States.
André Rieu’s son and the show’s producer, Pierre, told CTV News the group discovered the outbreak as they prepared to enter Canada.
“Because of crossing the border, everyone had to take a test, and suddenly 20 people tested positive,” said Pierre Rieu.
Among the positive tests were members of the choir and several musicians.
Rieu and his orchestra are famous for transforming classical music and the waltz into world concerts. The musician has sold CDs and DVDs for millions of dollars.
“This guy is the greatest thing since sliced bread,” said Vancouver ticket broker Kingsley Bailey. “He’s like the Liberace of the new millennium.”
A new date for the Vancouver concert has yet to be decided, but Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra are set to begin a tour of Europe next month.
Pierre Rieu hopes they can return to Vancouver in September 2023.
“We would have loved to see it differently,” the concert organizers wrote to fans. “Thank you for your love and support, as always.”
