Chapeau Magazine November 17, 2025 Text: Jo Cortenraedt André Rieu in his own children's book “Little André and the secret of the Shadow” A new chapter is coming to the success story of Maastricht musician André Rieu. A dedicated children's book of over 150 pages will be published soon. In addition to this book, there will also be a separate website where musicians in training can log in to play with André Rieu's orchestra. The Dutch title is "Kleine André en het geheim van de schim" (Little André and the Secret of the Shadow). It will be published in six languages: Dutch, English, German, French, Spanish, and Polish. The book will be presented on December 6th after the first Christmas concert at MECC Maastricht. Maastricht at the end of the 19th century The entire concept was conceived and developed by his son, Pierre Rieu. The story takes place in Maastricht around Christmas at the end of the 19th century. During the Christmas season, young André becomes embroiled in a great mystery and is assisted by a mysterious figure. Play-along book Pierre Rieu conceived the whole idea a few years ago, which was intended to be more than just a book. “It's also a play-along book. That's truly unique. Imagine you're a young trumpet player and have been taking lessons for two years. You buy the Little André trumpet-book with ten Christmas carols. First, you learn to play the notes, together with your teacher. Then you go to the Little André website and create an account. Your play-along book contains a code that gives you access to a whole online platform”. Orchestra “There you'll find, among other things, the backing tracks recorded by my father and his Johann Strauss Orchestra. So, you can actually play along with the orchestra. And if you're doing well, you move on to the second track. We recorded that one without the melody, so you can solo yourself. With a trumpet and a laptop, you can then go to your grandparents for Christmas and give your own mini-Christmas concert. I really believe this is going to be a hit”. The creator of the concept doesn't rule out a sequel to the story and the possibility of a book series featuring "Little André." The Rieu family has always valued children's opportunities to learn to play music, especially now that music education in the Netherlands is under pressure. With this new product, they want to contribute to that. Artwork: Samanta Erdini Little André and his castle Photo: ARP. A separate website has been created for this new product under the name www.littleandre.com

October 2025: The Maestro isn't revealing anything yet, but Pierre already gave us a sneak peek on Instagram. The comic book about "little André" will be released in December. Pierre on Instagram: something spectacular is coming this Christmas! We see a display is being prepared. Our guess: the book will be for sale in the MECC Christmas Village.

From André’s official website (webshop) Little André and the Secret of the Shadow An adventure of mettle, music and mystery. In the romantic city of Maastricht at the end of the nineteenth century, the narrow streets are covered by a thick layer of snow. As the city prepares for Christmas, the young André finds himself facing a winter full of surprises. Between his plans for a snowball cannon and his hopes of making his parents proud with a spectacular surprise, he gets caught up in a mystery that’s bigger than he ever could have imagined. Who is the mysterious shadow that keeps pulling him out of tight spots? And what does this have to do with the sinister plans of a jealous classmate and a young princess who always gets her way? While royal guests arrive at the castle for a Christmas visit and the city is immersed in a wintery glow, André discovers that true courage does not always lie in grand deeds… “Little André and the Secret of the Shadow” is a heartwarming adventure about perseverance, friendship and the power of music. A moving story for young and old! About Little André Wherever he goes, things happen that no one can explain… He lives in an old castle, high above the city, with a view of the world. With plans in his head, a violin in his hands — and in his heart: music. He is not a hero. Not yet. But those who dare, read his stories. Full of shadows, secrets and dangers. And above all, about his close friendship. With the smartest girl in the world, who dares everything. Especially, when it is together with him. Because he follows his heart. And, because he never gives up. The adventures of Little André.

LILIE BV November 20, 2025 Article found and translated by Diana D. Le Pierre Rieu's new operating company for the Little André brand is LiLie B.V. (Besloten Vennootschap, which translates to Private Limited Liability Company). LiLie is a combination of the names of Pierre's twin daughters Linde and Lieke (born October 13, 2009). How beautiful and fitting to use the flower lilie as the company's logo! Pierre Rieu's book idea was a secret project with years in development and with the extensive artwork created by lead designer artist Samanta Erdini and her team. https://www.liliebv.com/

De Nieuwe Ster, by Peter Eberson, December 7, 2025 Photos: De Nieuwe Ster The Adventures of Little André André Rieu received the first copy of the children's book "Little André" on Saturday evening (December 6th) after his first Christmas concert (out of 6) at the MECC. The idea for the book, which will be published in six languages, came from his son, Pierre. He presented the first copy to his father and explained that the publication of this book fulfills a long-held dream of introducing children to the music of André Rieu. Besides an adventure book, children can also make music. A special website allows them to make music right away and receive tips from members of Rieu's orchestra. In the first book, "Little André and the Secret of the Shadow," young André and his best friend Melody experience a winter full of surprises. The book was launched at a replica of André Rieu's castle. The castle has been recreated at the MECC.

Photos: Marcel van Hoorn, ARP.

Sharing a December 7, 2025 video of the concert review from Chapeau Magazine. By Jo Cortenraedt. Transcript and translation of video by Diana D. Le First Christmas concerts of 2025 by André Rieu at the MECC Maastricht. Jo Cortenraedt: Christmas is coming. So it's also time again for the traditional Rieu Christmas concerts in the MECC in Maastricht. This time with among others the Mastreechter Staar and for the last time Emma Kok. Music: The Perlseer Dirndle, from Bavaria. Three guest sopranos Michaela Brückner, Christina Maier, Susanne Wiesner, singing a song in Polish and Dutch Lulaize Jesuniu (Sleep well, my Jesus). Emma Kok, Let it snow, All I want for Christmas, is you. After the concert, a new project of the Rieu family was presented, namely a comic book, Little André, which is also a music book at the same time. JC: André, another castle added, right? André Rieu: Yes, that's right. Yes, a slightly smaller version, but uuh…. JC: probably less maintenance. AR: Yes, absolutely. JC: Yes, you're probably proud that this whole project was also done by your son, right? That gives it an extra... AR: Yes, very proud. I'm here now, of course, but it was all done by Pierre. He worked on it for 10 years, with Samanta Erdini. He played a huge role. And you see what happens. He does it live, right now. JC: Yes. AR: Yes, if only you could do that. His ideas worked. JC: Can you continue with this project for many more years? AR: Oh, I hope so, because the idea behind it is that we stimulate children through it, right? Because you can buy that music book. For example, you are playing the trumpet and then you can play together with the entire Johann Strauss Orchestra. That's unique. That has never happened before. This is learning music through play. That's fantastic, of course. JC: And now with the first concert, you're already completely in the Christmas spirit. AR: Yes, I just said that for me, every day could be Christmas. That's the most beautiful music there is, I think. It's always emotional and, well, I have to hold back tears myself when I'm standing there while I have to make sure everything goes well. I find it such a beautiful Christmas. I'm a crybaby in that respect.

Samanta Erdini, the artist behind the creation of Little André, Melody, and other characters in the book Little André and the Secret of the Shadow.

This Christmas you can play-along with André and the Johann Strauss Orchestra! Little André’s Play-along book (available for 14 instruments) includes sheet music of André’s favourite festive songs. So you can join the orchestra from your very own home. Each song comes with specially recorded backing tracks. First, with melody, so you can practice, then without, so you can take the lead and give your very own Christmas concert. Merry Christmas everybody and welcome to the Johann Strauss Orchestra!!!! Little André’s Play Along Book: order now at LittleAndre.com