Maastricht, Netherlands – Not long after legendary violinist André Rieu was officially discharged from the hospital, an unexpected reunion took place in the quiet garden of the recovery facility where he was resting.
Roger Barbier – a French pianist who had performed alongside Rieu during the Romantic Melodies of Europe concert series in 2011 – flew to the Netherlands without prior notice, carrying with him a very special gift: the original handwritten score from their very first composition together, beautifully framed in aged oak and adorned with delicate gold trim.
When Roger appeared before Rieu in the hospital garden, everyone present – from medical staff to close family – was visibly moved. André, known for being reserved with his emotions, immediately stood up, embraced his old friend tightly, and whispered:
The piece, titled “Souvenir pour Maastricht” – long forgotten after a private performance – has now become a powerful symbol of friendship and the timeless spirit of music.
“This isn’t just a gift,” Roger later told the press. “It’s a reminder: music doesn’t end on the stage. It lives in friendship, in moments of recovery, and in those quiet seconds no one records—but everyone remembers.”
Shortly after, André Rieu announced that he planned to perform the piece again at his first concert after recovery – a tribute not only to Roger, but to all those who stood by him in his most fragile moment
