People's Choice Award Winner
In 2009 Andre was announced Winner of the People's Choice Awards for best nationwide bands by the Corporate Events Guide. These awards honour New Zealand companies and individuals who have excelled in their field of expertise and directly relate to the quality of service being offered across New Zealand.
This prestigious accolade guarantees that you will receive the highest level of service and 100% satisfaction from your event.
Personal Testimonials
With over 25 years' experience as a performer, Andre takes a personal interest in not only his clients but also their invited guests. The following genuine personal testimonials are some of the many favourable comments received regarding André’s music:
“Excellent playing! Beautiful! A brilliant pianist.”
— Sir Howard Morrison, Veteran New Zealand Entertainer
“Andre was fantastic, it was a pleasure having him play. What a wonderful evening he helped create. I have had nothing but positive feedback regarding the event. Everyone enjoyed it immensely.”
— Christina de Boer, Fletcher Construction Centennial Anniversary
“We really enjoyed your music. Soft and mellow music certainly set a great tone for the evening. Your expertise was appreciated and we thank you for your talent and time. The whole conference was a great success.”
— Conference Organisers, NZ Federation of Business & Professional Women
“We would like to express our gratitude to you for providing beautiful background music during our Bride of the Year Contest at Copthorne Resort Solway Park. The success of the contest was due in no small way to your music which greatly enhanced the evening.”
— Organisers, Wairarapa Bride of the Year
“Andre recently played the piano for the fashion parade at the 10th Southern Hemisphere Feltmakers Convergence. We were very pleased with his choice of music. Andre played tunes to suit the look of each garment. There is quite an art in being able to jazz the music up and down, and keep a nice flow to it, when you don't know what is coming through the door next. Well done Andre. I would recommend you to others.”
— Jacqui, Felters Convergence
“Your playing tonight was beautiful!”
— Georgina Beyer MP, TRC Toyota Official Opening
“I have never before dined out and enjoyed so much music that I recognise!”
— Patron, Slow Food Restaurant
“Your beautiful playing this evening has touched my heart.”
— Patron, Harlequin Theatre
“We very much appreciated your skill on the piano and you contributed to a successful evening.”
— Gala Night Organisers, Harlequin Theatre
“My wife and I have enjoyed your playing this evening. I play the piano myself, and I love your style.”
— Guest Speaker, Rotary International Dinner
“We have had so many positive comments about your playing, we wish you were here all the time!”
— Restaurant Manager, Copthorne Resort Solway Park
“Andre blends sophistication and style with subtlety. If we could, we would fly him over to London for all our events here as well as using him in New Zealand. A true professional.”
— Ben Mullon, Producer, Koha Records, London
“Fantastic pianist and very easy to deal with.”
— Sarah Moylan, Happy Entertainment Music Management, Wellington
“I have known Andre since he was 11. He had something special as a musician then and this has continued to where he is now. His skill and empathy with the music whatever the genre shows his ability to get inside the music and capture the heart of the piece. People who know him know that this is what sums up Andre — the person and the musician.”
— John Mullon, Music Tutor, London
“Andre, you were, as always, just brilliant.”
— Tess O’Hara, Entertainer, Wairarapa
“André is a brilliant pianist and his vocals just get better and better as he introduces more easy-listening ballads to his already amazing piano repertoire. André is without a doubt the top cabaret and covers pianist in the region.”
— Glyn MacLean, Oikos Music, New Zealand
“Andre is a wonderful piano player.”
— Yulia MacLean, Multi-Platinum New Zealand Singer
“André, you were bloody awesome.”
— Toby Mills, Sound Engineer, Zest Wairarapa 2006
“Hire Andre — he's really good.”
— Paul (Paddi) Addison, Audio Engineer, The Mobile Recording Studio
“Thank you so much for the part you played in making our wedding day so special. Your piano playing was outstanding and so many of us commented on how enjoyable it was. Also, thank you for your professionalism and efficiency in setting up and moving your equipment so discreetly.”
— Adam & Gabi, Masterton
“Your music was perfect, a lovely way to set the scene. Once again, thank you so much.”
— Donna & Steve, Masterton
“Your music was exactly what we wanted.”
— Richard & Sara, Masterton
“Thank you for tinkling the keys at Jeremy and Papauta’s engagement party. You play beautifully and we are very grateful for your kindness.”
— Nerrallie & Gerald, Masterton
“We really appreciate the time and effort that you put into playing music at our wedding. It helped make our night really enjoyable.”
— Daniel & Danneilea, Masterton
“Thank you so much for your contribution at the funeral on Tuesday. Andre, we really appreciated the professionalism and personal touch you gave to Dad's day. It helped to set a pleasant atmosphere to all present, and was commented on by many. You played Dad's favourite song beautifully.”
— Peter & Felicity, Masterton
“Andre makes it look so easy, which I think is a sign of a gifted musician with natural talent. He’s not only wonderful to listen to, but also a very friendly and humble person. A pleasure to have at any special event.”
— Neil, New Zealand
“An awesome professional. Just the right balance between entertainment that engages and background music that provides ambience.”
— Robyn, New Zealand
“I have enjoyed Andre’s faultless performances providing a very pleasant background music to a number of wedding receptions and other social functions. His selection and arrangements are in excellent taste and he provides excellence in quality without dominating the proceedings in those settings.”
— Garry, New Zealand
“Lovely guy, and extremely talented. Excellent pianist with an extensive repertoire.”
— Sharlene, New Zealand
“Andre is the ‘top of the range’ pianist for easy-listening music to suit all moods and occasions. We never tire of listening to him!”
— Pamela, New Zealand
“Wonderful music, wonderful talent. Andre is the standout choice for me.”
— Sonya, Australia
“First heard you many years ago back in Tokoroa. Impressive then and more so now. My kindest regards to you and yours. It’s been a very long time…”
— Trish, Australia
“Andre Mendes da Costa is a man of his word, very pleasant to get along with and an excellent artist. Try him, you’ll like him!”
— Helmut, Germany
Other Feedback
“On behalf of the committee I would like to express our gratitude to you for providing most enjoyable background music. Thank you for donating your services free of charge. The generosity of people such as yourself hugely assists us to raise adequate funds to support the needs of our Plunket Nurse and Clinic.”
— Lansdowne Sub-Branch, Royal New Zealand Plunket Society (Inc.)
“I did enjoy having you all and really enjoyed your lovely playing on the grand piano. You would be most welcome to come again any time.”
— Brian, Seascape Bed & Breakfast, Paraparaumu Seascape
“I have had the unique privilege of performing in a band with André as the piano/keyboard player and singer and it is wonderful to hear that he has finally written a song. He added another musical dimension to so many of my own songs in the past, so it was with great anticipation and pleasure that I listened to his self-composition, “Part of my Heart.” I have not heard André sing or play since he played a reunion concert with me in 1988. It has been a long wait and I look forward to him writing and recording many songs.”
— Tim Brooker, Brisbane, Australia (Founder, Backstreet Blues Band)
“Your music is exceptional and I truly wish you the best of luck in the music industry.”
— Tony Reynolds, USA www.tonyreynolds.net
“Hi Andre! Good to hear from you again. As you guessed, my autobiography has been put on the “back burner” for a while. I’m currently in the throes of moving house and attempting that and juggling engagements at the same time is enough for now! Will go back to my writing once things have settled down a bit and I’m hoping to have a completed manuscript for my publisher by the early part of next year. Pleased to hear that you’re still keeping busy and enjoying your playing. How lucky people like you and I are to have a job that we love! Every good wish to you and your family.”
— Bobby Crush, United Kingdom www.bobbycrush.com
“Dear André, Thank you for your e-mail. I’m extremely flattered by the kind things you say about my playing … it’s very gratifying to know that a new generation of pianists have been influenced by my recordings! I visited New Zealand a number of years ago … I toured with the comedy actor John Inman from TV’s “Are You Being Served?” and another time with the Scottish singer, Moira Anderson. On each occasion, I visited both the North and South Islands and had the most wonderful time … NZ is a beautiful country and I’d love to come back at some point … I’m just waiting for some enterprising promoter to ask me! Wishing you continued success in your career. Sincerely,”
— Bobby Crush, United Kingdom www.bobbycrush.com
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