Renowned violinist and conductor André Rieu continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his mesmerising performances. As he prepares to return to the UK in April 2025 with his Johann Strauss Orchestra World Tour, fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming Andre Rieu concerts across the country.
André Rieu’s love for UK audiences
While he tours the globe, Rieu admits that performing in the UK holds a special place in his heart.
“It’s always great fun to play in the UK,” says André. “The audiences are very open and full of humour. Every programme is new, but one thing we do that’s the same is to send people home with a smile on their face. That’s why we travel the world – to make people laugh, cry, and dance.”
His 2025 UK tour will take him to major venues from London to Liverpool and Nottingham to Glasgow, ensuring fans across the country get a chance to experience the magic of an André Rieu concert.
From classical roots to worldwide fame
Born into a musical family, André Rieu’s passion for music began at the age of five. His father conducted the Maastricht Symphony Orchestra, but André was determined to make classical music more engaging.
“My father was a conductor, and I was in a classical orchestra myself,” recalls André. “The audience wasn’t with us. They were either asleep or showing off their new dresses. That’s what was lacking in classical music.”
Determined to bridge that gap, André founded his first ensemble in 1978 and went on to establish the Johann Strauss Orchestra in 1987. Today, he holds numerous accolades, having sold over 40 million albums and received more than 500 platinum awards.
A spectacle of colour, music, and joy
Attending an André Rieu concert is more than just a musical experience. His performances are a feast for the senses, with musicians dressed in dazzling ball gowns and the inclusion of lively singers and witty humour. “It’s incredible – you start to play the violin when you’re five, and now at 75, you have 120 people on your payroll and a global audience,” says André.
Family, home, and the dream life
When not touring, André lives with his wife Marjorie in a charming 15th-century castle in Maastricht. “The castle is not big, but it’s also my office. Years ago, I saw it and said, ‘Ah, it would be beautiful to have that castle.’ Marjorie told me to sell more records – and I did!”
The couple will celebrate their Golden Wedding anniversary in October, and André credits their long-lasting relationship to mutual respect and freedom. “Instead of holding someone tight, you should open your hand and let her fly,” he says.
The next generation and a passion that endures
André’s two sons, Marc and Pierre, and his five grandchildren all share a love for music. Some of his grandchildren are already playing the piano and clarinet – and André dreams of one day seeing them perform in his orchestra.
Even at 75, André has no plans to retire. “Retire?! Never. I’m 75, but I feel 27. I’m going to live to 140!” he jokes.
Upcoming André Rieu concerts and film release
Fans can look forward to André Rieu’s UK tour, starting on 2 April 2025, with performances scheduled in cities across the country. In addition, his 75th birthday celebration, The Dream Continues, will be shown in cinemas on 12 and 13 April.
For more information and tickets to André Rieu concerts, visit andrerieu.com.