February 10, 2025, de Limburger, by René Willems. Translation by Ineke, edited by John André Rieu's “Hieringebiete-concert” (Herring-bites concert) makes a comeback in a new guise, albeit without the maestro himself. Frank Steijns will take over from André Rieu on Ash Wednesday. On Wednesday, March 5th, 2025, (Ash Wednesday), there will be a Hieringbiete concert in Maastricht for the time in years. Once conceived by maestro André Rieu, and now given a new look by his right-hand man Frank Steijns. Maybe André Rieu himself might come and have a look. But he will not climb on stage, emphasises Tempeleers chairman Bastiaan Klomp: Ash Wednesday is now reserved for the new Salon Orchestra of Rieu's right-hand man Frank Steijns. (The tempeleers are the organizers of the annual carnival events in Maastricht). Outdoor Together with four other musicians from Rieu's large Johann Strauss Orchestra, Steijns will round off the carnival weekend in Maastricht with an hour and a half of light classical music. For the first time in the open air, at the Onze-Lieve-Vrouweplein (Our Dear Lady square). "For a herring or other delicacies, the public can go to one of the many cafés around the square," says Klomp. The Hieringebiete-concert was conceived in the early eighties by the then young André Rieu. In the former theatre in the société Redoute there was a regular concert at lunch time. On Ash Wednesday no one wanted to play there. So, Rieu filled that gap, together with a few musician friends. Success The "after-carnival concerts" of the Maastricht Salon Orchestra were an immediate success. The Redoute theater quickly became too small for the growing number of visitors, so Rieu moved to the larger “Staar” (male choir) building. Until he broke through with his Johann Strauss Orchestra and he ran out of time. “Two years ago, De Tempeleers already talked to the Rieu family about a return of the legendary Hieringebiete (Herring bites) concerts. "That didn’t work out then," says Klomp. “But now a new formula has been found, with a new orchestra led by former Maastricht city composer Frank Steijns”. Old traditions For Klomp, the return of the Hieringebiete-concerts fits in with the spirit of the times. More traditions from the past have come to life. He notes: the Veldeke Cabbarèt is back, the Revue aon de Maos (Revue on the Meuse), which premieres on Tuesday in the Theater on the Vrijthof, is in line with the time of the past, and the old-fashioned costume party "Nostallegasie" is also revived on Carnival Saturday. “In Maastricht we used to have evenings with our own sketches and songs,” says Peter Noten, director of the Revue aon de Maos. “Think of the sessions in the Staarbuilding, but also the Revues of De Strabenders (Carnival organization). That is all back now. And it is a huge success: people really enjoy having fun in our own language.” “As Tempeleers we elect a city prince every year, but we have also promised that we are commited to maintaining those beautiful Maastricht carnival traditions,” explains Klomp. “In that respect, I am happy that the Hieringebiete-concert is now back.”

From the Facebook-account of the Tempeleers Maastricht: February 10, 2025. TRADITION ‘HIERINGEBIETE’ RESTORED On Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025, the time has come for the centuries-old tradition of the Hieringebiete to be returning to Maastricht! To the sounds of the Maastricht Salon Orchestra, carnival enthusiasts can combine the 2025 Carnival together on the Onze Lieve Vrouweplein with a herring and a last beer. For years, the Hieringebiete was a permanent part of the Maastricht Carnival, first in the Redoute of the Bonbonnière theater, later in the former Staar- building. Now, the City Carnival Association "De Tempeleers" is breathing new life into the tradition – and with a special gift to the city: André and Marjorie Rieu have persuaded the Maastricht Salon Orchestra to provide the musical accompaniment for this special occasion. André Rieu: “I think it’s fantastic to restore such an old tradition. The Hieringebiete was truly part of the Maastricht Carnival. In the past it was always indoors, but now we are bringing it to the open air for the first time. Although I will not be on stage myself, I am really looking forward to it.” The Hieringebiete-concert will be led by Frank Steijns, known as the city carillon player and composer. In collaboration with De Tempeleers and the entrepreneurs of Onze Lieve Vrouweplein, this will be a grand and atmospheric event. Bastiaan Klomp, president of De Tempeleers: “Our carnival is unique because of its traditions, and Hieringebiete was an important part of that. Some cafés still maintained the tradition, but a really big concert no longer exists. I am proud that we can make this possible for our city together with André Rieu and the entrepreneurs.” The HIERINGEBIETE-Concert starts at 2:11 PM and is free. Everyone is welcome to end this beautiful Carnival together!

To go back to the MSO page 1 click HERE To go back to MSO page 2 click HERE This is MSO page 3.

Preparations and rehearsals for the Hieringebiete concert on March 5, 2025. Videoclip by L1. Duration: 2 minutes. Translation Ineke/John. Subtitles: Ruud.

The new Maastrichts Salon Orchestra 2025. First violin: Gosia Loboda, Double bass: Camila Langue Cipoletta, Second violin: Justinas Kaunas, Cello: Tanja Derwahl, Piano and band leader: Frank Steijns.

February 3, 2026 Source: De Nieuwe Ster, Maastricht Photos by Sem Augustin Second edition of the reinstated tradition of Hieringebieteconzèr (Herring-bites concert) Lovers of the music of André Rieu's Maastricht Salon Orchestra can once again enjoy the free Hieringebieteconzèr on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 2:11 pm. The event marks the end of Carnival and the start of Lent. Once again, Onze Lieve Vrouweplein will be the setting for the open-air concert. The tradition was reinstated last year by the Tempeleers in collaboration with André Rieu and his orchestra. Rieu himself did not participate, leaving the conducting to Frank Steijns, who will do so again this year. Pierre Rieu confirms that the Hieringebieteconzèr will be the same as last year and will be free for everyone. For Pierre Rieu, it is extra special because the concert will take place in front of his own hotel, Hotel Derlon (click HERE)

André Rieu looked on with satisfaction last year (March 5, 2025) at the reinstated tradition of the Ash Wednesday concert.