André Rieu is a hugely talented Dutch violinist and conductor known for creating the waltz-playing Johann Strauss Orchestra.
André's orchestra, numbering over 60 musicians, is known the world over for its gloriously romantic, spectacular extravaganzas which literally see audiences dancing in the aisles.
“Most of my musicians have been with me for 25 years and we really are like a close-knit family, and, yes, I do feel rather like a father-figure. On tour, I’m like the father with my children. It’s like I have two families. There’s my private family – my wife Marjorie and our two grown-up sons, their partners and our five grandchildren - and my big family which is my orchestra. That family feeling is very important to me, you know? I’m a family guy. When we’re touring, I have a rule that we don’t go away for too long without coming home so that everyone’s individual families stay intact.”
Happy Days Are Here Again
Andre's spectacular new film Happy Days are Here Again showing in cinemas August 27 and 28 2022.
“To witness our audiences with their arms around each other, laughing and swaying to the music gives me enormous pleasure. It’s a wondrous feeling to be up there, spreading goodwill and sparkles of joy that infect the audience. When the concert is over and the audience are leaving, from back stage I can hear them still singing the tunes we’ve been playing, and laughing - and that’s marvellous.”
The much-loved show tunes, operatic arias, waltzes and dance numbers are guaranteed to bring back the much-loved André magic. Presented from his hometown of Maastricht, The King of Waltz also reflects on the last year, his memories of performing around the world, how he’s looking forward to bringing new concerts to his fans across the globe.
While he loves touring and performing at venues across the globe, his home town is clearly very close to his heart. Many in his position have relocated to New York or London but Andre has stayed at home.
"As a musician, I feel it’s also important for me to stay close to my roots and this is reflected in my work and my music. It’s home, and people know me here. Even the Maastricht weather and I are compatible. In 25 years of doing my concerts in the Vrijthof Square, it has only rained once or twice. They call it ‘Andre’ weather!”
For tickets please visit andreincinemas.com
The sheer joy André and his orchestra bring to their concerts, and therefore their audiences, is palpable. But how much do you really know about André?
How old is André Rieu
He was born October 1st 1949.
Following his 70th birthday, André told Yours: “Turning 70 for me is halfway as I plan to make it to 140 and I think this is just a joyous time in my life,” he laughs.
But despite his determination to keep playing for many years to come, André revealed he is going to cut down slightly reducing his concerts by about 10 a year. “While 70 is only halfway I also have to recognise it’s not 25 so I am turning down the pace a touch so I can spend more time at home,” he says.
How long has André Rieu played the violin?
He began playing the Violin when he was just 5 years-old and always had an interest in orchestras.
What was André Rieu like as a child?
“I’ve always had a sunny character,” Andre told Yours magazine. “Even when I was a little boy I had a much-loved aunt who would say ‘I love to be in your family because of the little boy sat in the corner who is always happy’ and that little boy was me.”
Having played violin from a tiny age – his father was a conductor and all his siblings are musicians - it didn’t take long for Andre to realise he could use music to share his happiness with others. And anyone who’s been to see his mammoth shows, featuring glittering sets, sumptuous costumes and a dazzling orchestra clearly in their element, will certainly be able to testify to that.
Is André Rieu married?
Yes, he married his wife, Marjorie Rieu in 1975.
Where does André Rieu live?
Home is an incredibly precious place for André who lives in a 15th-century castle in Maastricht including a greenhouse with kois, butterflies and exotic birds. Nothing short of a magical kingdom befitting the so-called King of Waltz, it is also a labour of love for Andre who loves to spend time renovating the castle when he’s not touring. “The castle is an old lady so she requires a lot of work to keep her in good shape but I really enjoy it.,” he says.
Home is also the place Andre insists on being at Christmas despite pressures to work.
“I’ve been offered a lot of money to perform at Christmas but I think that is a time when it is important to be at home,” he says.
What is André Rieu’s latest CD?
Andre’s album Happy Days is out now and can be purchased here.
Does André Rieu play any other instruments?
Although he only plays the violin, André is also a talented conductor.
Are any of André Rieu’s family musical?
Yes, in a previous interview with Yours, André revealed how much his five grandchildren love music. “My grandchildren even like my music so imagine how happy I am! My son lives 20 meters from my home and he calls me the stalker because every minute I can pop over to see and play with my grandchildren.”
How many languages does André Rieu speak?
As well as being a talented musician, it seems he also has a talent for languages too and speaks six languages including Dutch, English, German, French, Italian and Spanish!
André Rieu in concert
When André is touring around the world, he fits in as many as 90 concerts every year.
“I organise my life in such a way that means I never have a bad day,” he says, explaining that he carefully works his calendar to allow time to rest between concerts. “But all my orchestra would agree when I say that touring is actually a vacation for us.
“At home there are children and partners and work that can be tiring but, on the road, everything is organised and we just have to prepare for the concert every evening so it’s a bit like a holiday.”
He adds that as his orchestra - many of whom have been with him for over 25 years - are more like family than a group of colleagues, also motivate each other to keep going.
“I’m the oldest person in the orchestra but as I’m surrounded by young people with so much energy they make me feel young,” he says.
Most famous for bringing back the Waltz, one of his most iconic concerts took place in his own hometown of Maastricht, Netherlands. Here he is below playing the famous Second Waltz.
André Rieu Open Air Concerts
Following the Coronavirus outbreak, André was unfortunately forced to cancel the remainder of his US tour in a bid to contain the virus. He said: “It is with great sadness that we must confirm the rescheduling of our remaining USA tour dates due to the risks of COVID-19. The well-being of our beloved fans, musicians and staff is always our top priority."
André also rescheduled his traditional Open Air Concerts on the Vrijthof in Maastricht to 2021. He wrote on his website:"It is with great sadness that we have to inform you today that, following the measures taken by the Government of the Netherlands, our traditional Open Air Concerts on the Vrijthof in Maastricht cannot take place in 2020."
"We have worked very hard during the last weeks to reschedule all our concerts as we want to give you something joyful to look forward to."
To watch Andre in concert, you can do so via YouTube.
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