The 42-piece DSS Aarlanderveen orchestra played an inspiring tribute to André Kuipers at their annual 'Wish concert' on 11 February. The orchestra sent this video message to ESA, hoping that André might see it, and guess what, he did.
The DSS Aarlanderveen orchestra is based in Aarlanderveen, near Alphen aan den Rijn, in the Netherlands. Leading the orchestra on the night was Danny Oosterman, a well-known Dutch conductor, cornet and trumpet player, and instructor at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and the Utrechts Conservatorium.
Each year the orchestra take 'wish' requests from Dutch celebrities, but this year the orchestra wanted to perform something very special for Wensconcert 2012, and uniquely decided to dedicate their 'wish' spot to André.
They chose the Jupiter hymn from Holst's 'The Planets' suite, one of André's favourite pieces. Afterwards the audience was treated to a message received from the ISS, in which André said: "Oh how nice! I have this music up here with me. I'm very honoured to have such a beautiful piece dedicated to me. Warmest thanks for that.