American Composer, H. Andrew Rieger Appears on UK Channel 4 Television Series “You Can’t Get the Staff”
American Composer, H. Andrew Rieger Appears on UK Channel 4…
Referred to as “Drew Rieger” on the show, I am profiled in a new British docudrama series filmed for UK Channel 4. First airing on October 21, 2014., “You Can’t Get the Staff” is billed as a modern-day “Downton Abbey.” According to the show’s website, the “cameras venture behind the doors of some of Britain’s poshest homes to see how the cream of society handle their domestic staff.”
Amused to be thought of as “posh,” I was approached by Studio Lambert of London to document my search for a housekeeper. Maintaining the enormous circa 1847 townhouse in Baltimore that I rescued from ruin over the last 10 years has proven to be extremely tiring and time-consuming. When I finished the herculean renovation of the house (many would call it a “mansion”), and wanted to devote more time to composing, I didn’t realize how much of my time would continue to be taken up with just the day-to-day maintenance. Even opening the shutters, blinds, and drapes for the numerous windows can take 30 minutes a day. Replacing a chandelier bulb entails lugging a 12-foot ladder up 5 flights. Apartment rentals in this house and another one I own require constant attention. I also do lots of work with local orchestras, chamber groups, and historic preservation for which I like to throw formal fundraising dinners. There is also a plan to do a house concert series later this year. Currently I’m hosting five professional international figure skaters that are choreographing a new traveling show at a local ice palace. Later this week I am hosting 50 potential investors for the show with a cocktail party. There is always something going on in the background, and having help would definitely alleviate some of the stress of running all these ventures.
I’m the consummate do-it-yourselfer — I’ve never had staff…
I’m the consummate do-it-yourselfer — I’ve never had staff, so having someone to help in the house would give me much more time to devote to music. The problem is that being a composer, I’m used to balancing many forces, and keeping many ideas in my head simultaneously. The idea of giving up any control, and depending on someone else to follow through for me, is honestly a bit scary to me. I am anxious to see how I appear on camera. The crew told me not to worry – that I appeared natural and grounded, but one never knows how one may be perceived by viewers abroad.
I haven’t seen the show yet as it’s blocked in the US for now, but it’s supposed to air to upwards of 10,000,000 people worldwide, possibly even 20,000,000 if it is sold back to the US market. I was thrilled that the wonderful London production crew was so very impressed with how beautiful the City of Baltimore is. They seemed to have a great time here, and definitely helped me to forget that the camera was always present. I am especially happy that they filmed the playing of two of my compositions for the show, one in my own home and one performed on the organ of the stunning Cathedral of Mary Our Queen here in Baltimore. I’m hoping the pieces made the final cut (and that I don’t look like too much of idiot on the show!). But as Bach himself said, “If I want to be an idiot, I’ll be an idiot on my own accord.”
As the only American (and only composer!) that is profiled on a show that mostly features British titled gentry, I am very honored to be included. On the show you will see the likes of and homes of Princess Olga Romanoff, great granddaughter of Alexander III of Russia; Baronet Sir Humphry Wakefield of Chillingham Castle; Lady Colin Campbell hiring the former butler of Prince Charles; Lady Linlithgow of Bryngwyn Hall in Wales; Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia; and Detmar Blow, widower of fashion icon Isabella Blow, the designer who introduced Alexander McQueen to the world.
… and then of course there is “posh” “American composer Drew Rieger.”
I also want to thank former royal butler Andrew Lowrey of Precise Home Management for helping to find applicants to work in my abode. You did a wonderful job, Andrew! You and your company deserve all the attention this show may bring.
From Channel 4’s website:
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/you-cant-get-the-staff
“The demand for domestic staff in the UK is higher than ever, with one in four households now hiring home help. This series ventures behind the gates of Britain’s stately homes, deep inside the world of those with the money to spend, to see how the cream of society handles the staff – from the testing interviews, to the candidates desperate to get their foot in the door, down to those all-important employment decisions – whether the salary is £90 a week or over £100,000 a year.”
“American composer Drew Rieger has a housekeeping crisis in Baltimore with an ex-royal butler coming to the rescue.”
