Unless you’ve been living under a rock you’ll be aware a luscious-locked global superstar has jetted into Scotland.
And last night I had the incredible fortune of seeing him from front and centre stage.
Dutch violinist and conductor Andre Rieu mesmerised adoring fans who packed into Aberdeen’s P&J Live to see him perform.
And I am not one bit jealous of my friends who are a few hundred miles down the road to watch Harry Styles.
Because Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra created such a fantastic energy I dare anyone to be able to walk away from untouched.
As a classical music lover, having grown up playing the violin and piano, I know it’s not always everyone’s cup of tea.
A maestro with the ability to convert everyone to classical music
But the musician has an uncanny way of helping bridge the gap to make it enjoyable for all.
Addressing the audience, after he waltzed into the arena, Rieu said he could not wait to share an evening full of music with the people of Aberdeen.
“That’s the beautiful thing about music,” he said. “Music brings people together wherever you are from.”
Introducing his gorgeous and glamorous orchestra and singers, all kitted out in colourful ballgowns and tuxedos, it was clear the talent on the stage was from far and wide.
Performers hailed from Tasmania, Hungary, France, Belgium, Germany, France America and Scotland, he said.
And so too did the audience. On entering the arena, I was pretty sure half the population of Peterhead had taken the time to come and see him as I was met with many a familiar face I had not seen in some time.
But there were fans there too from Dundee, Arbroath, Orkney, Perth and Inverness.
And one superfan told me in the last few years she had travelled to Lisbon, Barcelona and France to see him perform.
‘I’m fae Mastrick tae’
To the delight of some in the crowd, Rieu told them he was from Maastricht in the Netherlands, to which a number fired back at him “I’m fae Mastrick tae “.
This set the tone for the night because when there was no beautiful music coming from the stage there was laughter from the audience.
And a special surprise for the locals in the house arrived when the Deeside Caledonia Pipe Band joined the stage for a rather special rendition of Highland Cathedral.
If you didn’t know much about the man before you attended your first-ever Andre Rieu concert, you would quickly be able to establish a few things.
He is clearly driven by all things magical and he has a rather nice violin.
A night for making music and magic as Andre Rieu returned to Aberdeen
From the staging to the costumes to the stories behind the music chosen, you could be watching a scene straight out of a fairy tale. And it may be no surprise when you find out he lives in a castle.
His violin too, is no ordinary piece of kit, with the musician playing on a £2million 1667 Stradivarius.
A special mention also needs to go to the singers who graced the stage – especially the gospel choir who could have carried a whole concert on their own. Their rendition of the Sister Act classic I Will Follow Him was just incredibly beautiful.
As the evening came to a close the audience took to their feet to waltz in the aisles, as his performances have become so used to seeing.
Showered by colourful balloons the crowd sang and danced to We’ll Meet Again as a Kilted Rieu welcomed the pipe band back to the stage for the encore.
And there’s no doubt that the thousands of smiling folk who waltzed the night away will be happy to dig out their dancing shoes again for when that next meeting comes.
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