He’s said to be the king of the waltz, but Dutch conductor/violinist André Rieu reminded a crowd of more than 11,000 at the Videotron Center Thursday night that he’s also a master of the art of crowd-pleasing.

To achieve this, he has three trump cards up his sleeve: a wealth of great classical, gospel, opera and pop tunes, from Ravel and Verdi to Elvis Presley and Little Richard, his charismatic personality and sense of humor.

We eloquently demonstrate this just a few minutes after the start of the concert.

His Johann Strauss orchestra has just entered triumphantly to the sound of a military march Entrance of the gladiatorscrossed an entire floor of the Videotron Center to get to the stage when André Rieu noticed two audience members hurrying to their seats.

“You’re too late,” he told them deadpan. We are from Holland and we arrive on time. »

Dynamic gospel choir

The tone was set. The humor of the 73-year-old artist who learned to say the saying with such fun chills French, which he used throughout the rest of the evening, was the common thread of this large-scale concert, with a total of almost a hundred performers on a semi-circular stage.

Although the musicians were numerous and in command, it was the voices that made the difference. In this regard, we have to welcome the integration of the gospel choir. In the segment consisting of I will follow you, Amen And Oh happy dayits singers surprised with their agile and powerful vocal chords and infectious dynamism.

Also to be mentioned are theater sopranos Anna Majchrzak and Micaëla Oeste, assigned to interpret respectively I Belong to Me and from Caro Nome, Verdi. Amazingly, they also excited the public.

Liveliness and melancholy

Photo Agence QMI, Pascal Huot

We can’t imagine a Metallica concert without it Puppet MasterAndré Rieu’s performances include some of the classical classics of the repertoire.

Built at the beginning of the route, Volare And Funiculi Funicula brought liveliness to the recital, and agility Rose And Highland Cathedralthe latter was rocked by a bagpipe corps, playing the melancholic card wonderfully.

A detour to Strauss, Rieu’s idol, was clearly on the agenda, and while the master of ceremonies brought out his famous Stradivarius, several couples managed to waltz on the floor. Blue Danube against flawless and grandiose, Boleroby Ravel.

André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra on Thursday in Quebec.

Photo Agence QMI, Pascal Huot

We remind you that André Rieu successfully used the same strategy of different moods. So, after a Libiamo presented the cup in his hand with a festive formula, majestic I can’t help falling in love borrowed from the king and Amazing Grace brought everyone back to the path of raw emotion.

• After Quebec, André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra will stop at the Montreal Bell Center on Friday night.