Andre's Blog
2010 Award Nominee - PLEASE VOTE FOR ME
Posted on February 22, 2010
For the second consecutive year I have been nominated for the Corporate Events Guide's 2010 People's Choice Awards, in the category "Best Nationwide Bands." (There is no category for solo performing musicians.)
To support my nomination by voting, please click on the image at right. Your email address and a brief comment is required to validate the vote. Many thanks in advance for your support!
Fletcher Construction
Posted on December 6, 2009
Enjoyed a superb evening's performance for Fletcher Construction's centenary celebrations (1909-2009) at the Fletcher-built Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. The evening featured a visual tour through the company's 100-year history complemented by music through the decades. After an initial performance in the museum foyer by a string quartet playing music from 1909 to 1919, I was commissioned to perform a musical timeline throughout dinner: 1920's music for the entrée; 1930's music throughout the main course; and 1940's music during dessert. Each course was preceded by a presentation of the company's achievements down through the years covered by those periods.
The instrument hired for the occasion was a 1909 New York Steinway & Sons Model D Concert Grand piano, which had been transported to the museum in the morning and tuned on site. The 100-year-old Steinway was in top form for its age, with a mature tonal quality and timbre, a crystalline upper register and warm, full bass notes, and delightfully sensitive to touch; overall, a pure delight to play.
Following dessert and the conclusion of my performance, master of ceremonies Nick Tansley and his band The Mod Squad provided dance music from the 1950's to the present day. It was a pleasure working along with Nick and organiser Christina de Boer to contribute to a memorable evening for the nearly 500 guests in attendance at Wellington's magnificent Te Papa venue. (Click here for photos.)
Armand Mendes da Costa 1926-2009
Posted on December 6, 2009
On Thursday, 3 December 2009, my father Armand Mendes da Costa passed away peacefully in his 84th year. Dad had a great deal of musical input into my life, and particularly helped me develop a love for music of the swing and big-band eras that dominated the 1930's and 1940's.
“I'll be seeing you, in all the old familiar places, that this heart of mine embraces, all day through. In that small cafe; the park across the way; the children's carousel; the chestnut trees; the wishing well. I'll be seeing you, in every lovely summer's day; in every thing that's light and gay, I'll always think of you that way. I'll find you in the morning sun, and when the night is new, I'll be looking at the moon, but I'll be seeing you.” (Fain/Kahal, 1938)
Listen to "I'll Be Seeing You” by Michael Bublé
Dad believed firmly in the Bible teaching that the dead are asleep and awaiting a resurrection to an earthly paradise of God's making. (Eccl 9:5; Acts 24:15; Rev 21:3, 4)
"If an able-bodied man dies can he live again? All the days of my compulsory service I shall wait, until my relief comes. You will call, and I myself shall answer you. For the work of your hands you will have a yearning.” ~ Job 14:14, 15
Sadly missed but not forgotten. Dad, I'll be seeing you. ♥
Andre
100-Year-Old Steinway
Posted on November 19, 2009
Looking forward to performing on a turn-of-the-century New York Steinway concert grand piano which will be transported to Te Papa for the Fletcher Construction Centennial Anniversary (1909-2009) corporate function on December 5. According to Cameron Crawford of PianoShop, the Steinway was one of two "duelling pianos" played by Wayne Mason and Crawford at Wellington Railway Station at the start of NZ Music Month in May.
Waiararapa Times-Age
Posted on November 10, 2009
Received a mention in the Wairarapa Times-Age newspaper today following my People's Choice Awards win. A few errors in the story, but otherwise a fairly straight article and all good for helping raise my profile in the region. My thanks to Nathan Crombie of the Times-Age for the article, and to Mark Harris of Event Action for dobbing me in! An online copy of the article can be viewed here.
Artist: Julio Rocella
Posted on November 6, 2009
I just purchased and downloaded from Amie Street the album "Punto de Partida" which is a collection of clever musical artistry by Argentinian jazz and bossa nova guitarist Julio Rocella. This album is a kaleidoscope of jazz, blues, and latin. The only thing that lets the album down for me is the incongruous inclusion of Paul McCartney's song "Yesterday." It's not that I dislike the song; it just seems out of place. Otherwise this album is superb.
Award Winner
Posted on November 5, 2009
I was delighted and surprised to receive a phone call on Monday from Sharon Schutte of New Zealand's Corporate Events Guide informing me that I am the winner of the 2009 People's Choice Award for the Best Nationwide Bands category. (Me and my "Band" of black and white keys.) A huge THANK YOU to all who supported my nomination by voting - you made it happen!
Stuart Macklin, Managing Director of the Corporate Events Guide, wrote:
"The Corporate Events Guide People's Choice Awards honour New Zealand companies that have excelled in their field of expertise over the last 12 months. Now in their fourth year, the Corporate Events Guide People’s Choice Awards are known as the most prestigious awards in the event planning industry.
"13,000 votes have been recorded throughout the year and we are very happy to inform you that Andre Mendes Da Costa emerged as the Best Nationwide Bands in the Corporate Events Guide People’s Choice Awards 2009.
"The Corporate Events Guide People's Choice Awards are a fantastic accolade to associate with your company. The votes you received were generated from event planners across New Zealand who have had a positive experience with your company. The Corporate Events Guide is recognised as the leading directory in New Zealand for event planners, and this award will provide consumers with confidence and reassurance when booking your product."
Awards Finalist
Posted on October 3, 2009
Have just been informed that I am one of five finalists in the CEG People's Choice Awards for Best Nationwide Bands. Finalists have been given a one-week voting extension in the awards, so if you have heard my music and would like to support my nomination, please click on the link below or the image at right and submit your vote before Friday, 9 October.
Click here to support my nomination by submitting your vote.
"Simply being nominated in the CEG People's Choice Awards is a fantastic accolade to have associated with any company and to be announced as a finalist, really is an amazing honour," according to Corporate Events Guide event manager Sharon Schutte.
The winner for each nationwide category is to be announced at the CEG People's Choice Awards Gala Dinner which will be held on the evening of the TIME Speakers' Convention at the Ellerslie Events Centre in Auckland on Friday, 30 October.
Fashion Parade
Posted on September 29, 2009
Enjoyed performing for the 10th Southern Hemisphere Feltmakers Convergence Fashion Parade at Copthorne Resort Solway Park in Masterton this evening. Very much a wearable-arts type of affair, with a request for music to match the wide variety of styles and themes that were worn by the various models.
A challenging gig which kept me on my toes as I was practically improvising and creating music on the spot for each of the 50 models as they appeared, without any warning as to what to expect! For the first time ever I discarded my repertoire as it was no use to me, but judging by feedback during and after my performance, the music was enjoyed very much, and I had a lot of fun!
Sir Howard Morrison
Posted on September 29, 2009
On 2 May 2009 I had the opportunity to perform at an evening with Sir Howard Morrison for over 150 distinguished guests (including the region’s mayors) at the Kaumatua Ball 2009 held at the Masterton Town Hall. To my great surprise, Sir Howard gave me a standing ovation for my lively interpretation of Cole Porter’s “Begin the Beguine.” The song had clearly delighted him.
After I had concluded playing for the evening, I had the opportunity to sit and chat with Sir Howard for a while prior to his own performance. I asked Sir Howard whether he was going to be singing later in the evening, to which he replied, “Yes, and I brought along a backing CD, but then I didn’t know they were going to have someone like you playing!”
Sir Howard was being gracious; his backing track was far more suited to his performance than a single piano accompaniment, but I gladly joined the other guests to enjoy what was the highlight of this special occasion.
It was hinted that there may be an opportunity to perform together again in the near future. Sadly, that wasn't to be. Sir Howard Morrison passed away at his Rotorua home on 24 September, aged 74.
2009 Bride of the Year
Posted on September 5, 2009
Satisifed but tired after a long evening's performance at the Wedding Expo and Wairarapa's 40th Bride of the Year. The show is getting bigger and more popular, with three times as many exhibitors as last year, and 500 in attendance for the Bride of the Year competition. I was feeling quite exhausted afterwards and could have done with the services of a roadie to pack up all my equipment for me!
Awards Nomination
Posted on July 12, 2009
Have just been advised by New Zealand's Corporate Events Guide that I have been nominated for their "People's Choice Awards." Which fundamentally means that if I have any chance of receiving this award I need to notify former clients and others of their opportunity to support my nomination by voting.
Not too sure of the significance of this award, but as the Corporate Events Guide has nationwide coverage and will increase my exposure to potential clientele, I guess it is worth putting out there.
So, if you receive an email asking you to vote for me, please take a moment to do so — I would be very grateful! :-) Just click on the link in the image at right. Many thanks in advance for your vote!
Background Music and the Dining Experience
Posted on June 22, 2009
The importance of having live background music in restaurants is often underrated by business owners who are only interested in the bottom line. And yet the value a live musician brings to the restaurant setting can have a subtle yet positive impact on that bottom line.
Background music serves the same function as do pleasing colours in the décor, without being as apparent. In a restaurant, however, both the selection and the volume of music call for something better than what is provided by the typical background music system. There are a number of reasons for this. Music in a restaurant serves several important functions:
- Conscious enjoyment of favourite melodies or familiar performances.
- Masking of private conversations from those at adjacent tables.
- Making an empty dining room feel less empty.
- Inducing relaxation and setting a mood consistent with the cuisine.
- Encouraging the staff to survive dull routine by providing enjoyment that does not interfere with their movements and interactions.
These functions require that the listener not have to strain to hear the music, yet not have to shout to be heard. Typical background music systems typically tend to achieve a subliminal effect, whereas one of a restauranteur's objectives is to have their patrons remember the music along with the meal and to recommend their restaurant because of that music.
Patrons often recall that the solo performances of a professional musician stand out as the epitome of pleasurable accompaniment to a relaxing evening meal - as much as a bottle of the finest wine with the most delicious selection of the choicest dish. If the instrumentalist is as skilled and as dedicated as the chef, and the dining room allows one both to watch and to listen to the performer, there is no better recommendation for a restaurant than to recall such an experience to friends afterward.
In addition, researchers have found that the presence and type of background music in a dining setting can have a profound effect on the behaviour and mood of patrons.
For example, one study found that different types of music had different effects on perceived atmosphere and the amount patrons were prepared to spend. Classical, jazz and popular music were associated with patrons being prepared to spend the most on their main meal. This value was found to be significantly lower in the absence of music.
Regarding the tempo, or pace, of music, it was found that patrons waiting in line for a period of time to be seated were more likely to leave if fast tempo music was being played. The average bar bill as well as the total bill average for meal and drinks was significantly higher (up to 30%) when slow music was played, whereas fast music had a negative effect on the very profitable bar tab!
Some researchers found that when calming instrumentals were played, most patrons even claimed that the food tasted better! Reportedly, they also had fewer digestive complaints.
One business professional concluded: "You put music on because you think it makes your restaurant better. You'd pay for it just like you pay for the flowers you put on your table. But it's not a lot of money and certainly not as much as you would pay for other ambience enhancers."
Music and Memories
Posted on June 14, 2009
Spent the day with friends and family in Wellington. Visited an old and dear friend dying of throat cancer. Spent time with my father at his rest home; he can't converse a great deal anymore, but it gave him (and others) a great deal of delight by my playing music of the 1920's and 1930's on the grand piano in the lounge. The smiles on the faces and tears in the eyes of the elderly when hearing music which transports them back to younger and happier times is a touching and rewarding experience for me, and I'm glad that I was encouraged from a young age to use what skills I have to impart a gift to others.
Wine and a Movie
Posted on June 4, 2009
Just received a bottle of White Cliff Merlot and Andre Rieu DVD (2008 Melbourne concert) along with a thank-you card from the very grateful parents of the couple whose engagement party I performed at on Sunday night.
The Earl Okin Show
Posted on June 3, 2009
Was flattered to get a mention by name on Earl Okin's latest podcast of The Earl Okin Show (even if it was only for a song request). I highly recommend Earl's show for anyone who wants to enjoy some early recordings that will broaden your musical palate and to experience what people enjoyed as good entertainment a generation ago, along with Earl's informative and witty commentary. If you would like to subscribe, click here: http://earlokin.blogspot.com
Artist: Bill Miller
Posted on May 30, 2009
Listening to Robbie Williams' rendition of Harold Arlen's melancholy "One for My Baby" from Williams' multi-platinum album "Swing When You're Winning." This track features the legendary Bill Miller on piano. Miller played on Frank Sinatra's original version and was his accompanist for over 40 years. Bill Miller performed "One for My Baby" at Sinatra's funeral in 1998. When he recorded this track with Robbie Williams, Miller was 84 years old, yet his distinctive light touch on the piano hadn't diminished, and nor had his ability as an accompanist. Miller died in 2006, while touring with Frank Sinatra Jr. He was 91.
Artist: Simon James
Posted on May 26, 2009
Am enjoying the soothing yet rhythmic sounds of UK Latin jazz band Kymaera on their "Rio Moods" album. This is one of those albums by a collection of not-so-famous yet extremely talented session musicians who love making beautiful acoustic music, and one of the reasons I enjoy Kymaera's blend of soft lounge-style jazz is the presence on nylon string acoustic guitar of Simon James, one of the artists behind the fabulous Acoustic Alchemy sound. Of course, the main reason I couldn't resist this album is that it is a tribute to that great bossa nova songwriter, Antonio Carlos Jobim.
After I posted the above, I received an email from guitarist Simon James, who wrote: "Thank you for your kind comments. It's one of the albums I most enjoyed making especially as Antonio Carlos is one of my favourite songwriters. Many of its roots lie in the early days of Acoustic Alchemy."
Artist: James Taylor
Posted on May 24, 2009
Have been listening to the chrystalline beauty of singer-songwriter James Taylor’s recent compilation album. Quite apart from the fact that this is probably the definitive collection of all his greatest hits, it is a beautiful example of how great poetry and lyricism can combine with pure acoustic artistry to produce a complete and fulfilling musical experience without relying on clever electronic sampling. An aural kaleidoscope.
Artist: Michel van Dyke
Posted on May 16, 2009
Have been enjoying Dutch songwriter Michel van Dyke’s 2004 album “Bossa Nova.” Less an example of bossa nova and more a retro-stylistic mix of slightly melancholy lounge and cool Latin pop, this is a highly listenable album, even though it is all sung in German! Some light bossa nova influences do filter through, however, if you listen closely enough. Great album, and one I never tire of listening to.